2026 AMRC - Fuel Crisis Impact Update

as at 29 April 2026

It has been great to hear that so many clubs will be coming to Perth for the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships (AMRC) being hosted by Rowing WA at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre from 27-30 May 2026.

Rowing WA Event Manager Conall Hansford has been liaising with many rowing clubs across Australia via phone or email to discuss trailer transport, boat hire or general AMRC queries.

Rowing WA has been receiving lots of positive feedback about people intending to participate at the event, but also some queries about the impact of the Iran War, and more specifically the impact on fuel. Three main concerns raised include:

• the increasing cost of fuel
• the uncertainty of fuel supply (particularly across the Nullarbor)
• the morale position of whether people and equipment travelling across the country is the right thing to be doing during a fuel crisis.

These three items are addressed below:

1. Fuel Cost

It’s great to see the cost of petrol and diesel finally coming down. Currently the cost of diesel is approx. $0.60 (on average) more than before the fuel crisis. Based on this rate, Rowing WA has calculated the additional fuel required for the return trip from major capital cities as:

In recognising these increased fule costs, Rowing WA has established a Fuel Subsidy Scheme to offset these additional costs to encourage more interstate trailers to attend the 2026 AMRC. More details on this scheme are available below:

Today’s (29/03) average price for Diesel between Adelade and Perth is $247.0.

Based on a standard size reasonably full trailer supporting 20-30 rowers, the worse case additional cost per athlete is approx. $65 ($1.3k / 20 rowers). Although an additional cost, it is relatively insignificant when coupled with the cost for flights, accom, food, seat fees and incidentals. However we do acknowledge the broader cost of living impacts of the fuel crisis on all aspects of life and that participation in the 2026 AMRC may not be possible for all at this time.

Clubs bringing boats to the 2026 AMRC can also add their boats to the Boat Hire pool for other clubs and re-coup some of these additional costs through boat hire if they wish. Please contact our Event Manager Conall Hansford for further information.

Rowing WA has also established an online Boat Hire system and all local WA clubs and schools have been strongly encouraged to add as many boats as possible to the system. More boats are being added each day as WA clubs confirm their own requirements for AMRC. The price for some boats have recently been reduced, so keep an eye on the platform even if you have looked previously. The portal can be accessed below:

You do need to sign up for an account before you can view and book boats. If you have any questions please contact Conall Hansford

On a recent assessment of trailers heading currently to WA, there is nearly the same number as attending the last AMRC in WA in 2019. So things are shaping up to be another great event.

2. Fuel Availability (particularly across the Nullarbor)

This is the most variable factor we understand to be impacting people’s decision whether to attend the 2026 AMRC or not, as it is subject to change on a daily basis, and hence provides the greatest uncertainty. However, the current fuel transport ships already confirmed as enroute to Australia by the Federal Government will see our domestic fuel supply remain relatively stable at least until the end of May. On top of this, State governments are starting to secure their own fuel supplies, supplementing the Federal Government’s provisions.

A current look at fuel stations without supply is available here: https://fuelradar.com.au/stations-running-dry. This is currently showing no service stations across the Nullarbor without Diesel. This same website is a great source of fuel pricing for your trip with their journey planner tool.

The Nullarbor is a major trucking lifeline for Western Australia and personal sources within some of the major fuel suppliers to Australia, as well as the operators of these Nullarbor roadhouses have confirmed that they expect these fuel stations to remain relatively protected from price increases and supply issues, even if further restrictions were to be put in place.

Rowing WA has developed a very useful guide for trailering boats across the Nullarbor, which can be accessed below:

Clubs could also consider rail freight options if road options were still deemed to risky. Some clubs utilised this for the 2023 ARC and other sports utilise rail freight much more regularly that rowing. Rail freight would negate any concern related to fuel availability.

3. Morale obligation of participating in an event during a fuel crisis

Some rowers have mentioned concern with regard to whether it is the right thing to be travelling across the country during a fuel crisis, which is a noble perspective. However, as has been stated by Federal and State leaders, life must go on. Prior to Easter, our government leaders were still encouraging everyone to take the traditional driving holiday into the regions to support local economies. Similarly for the AMRC, the event provides a massive economic impact for the accommodation providers, car hire companies, food outlets and tourism operators, who are no doubt doing it tough at present as their cost of business increases due to the fuel crisis.

Rowing WA and the rowing community in WA is looking forward to putting on an amazing AMRC for visiting clubs and crews at the end of May. If you have any questions about the event please reach out to RWA Events Manager Conall Hansford or RWA CEO Daniel Tackenberg.