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Terra Nova 24hr Adventure Race


  • Sussex Inlet Shoalhaven, NSW Australia (map)

With 100s of kilometres of wild coastline, pristine beaches and breathtaking hinterland environs the NSW South Coast is perfect for a weekend of epic adventure.

Date: 7-8 March 2026
Location: Shoalhaven, NSW, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event
Entries: ENTER NOW
Team size: 2 person, 4 person
Part of the ARWS Oceania Series

ENTER NOW

About Terra Nova 24

Terra Nova 24 is a classic non-stop 24hr adventure race involving trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and other adventure disciplines. Mixed, Male or Female teams of two or four must navigate their way unsupported through an arduous 120+km course that is only revealed to them hours before the race.

The Terra Nova Half covers just over half the distance but teams have the full 24hrs to complete it. The legs are challenging, but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line.

Each year a new and exciting course is developed. Courses are normally linear with teams often transported to the start line and finishing back at race HQ.

The winning Terra Nova 24 teams are estimated to take 16 to complete the course. The winning Terra Nova Half teams are expected to take 12hrs. All teams for both events have up to 24hrs to complete the course.

Athletes will need to be self sufficient and prepared for anything as the course and mixture of disciplines on the day will only be revealed hours before the start of the race.

“Expect this to be tough – this event is only for those who can race and complete a hard core challenge. Race support will be given with water stations on the course but you will be expected to carry your own water and nutrition for long sections of the course!
— Chris Dixon, Wild&Co Race Designer

The Terra Nova 24 Course

There are two course options at Terra Nova 24 a full course and a half course.

FULL COURSE

The Full Course is the ultimate test of physical and mental limits. It is the major focus of each event and the crown jewel for most teams. This course is tough and may have teams on the move for 24 hours or more, and not all teams are expected to complete it. It wouldn’t have a reputation as a tough event if everyone could finish.

With good teamwork and determination, finishing teams can expect to spend anywhere from 14 to 24 hours on the course. No specific provisions are made for sleeping, so teams must plan their own sleep strategy.

HALF COURSE

The Half Course is designed to provide a shorter but still demanding 24 hour adventure race experience.

Teams begin the race alongside Full Course teams before branching off onto their specific course. These courses are often interwoven with the Full Course, meaning teams may travel many of the same sections.

Half Course teams have the full 24 hour time limit to complete their course.

WHICH COURSE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The choice is entirely up to you; however, teams new to 24 hour adventure racing are encouraged to consider the Half Course as their first step. The shorter distance and additional time provide a greater chance of finishing.

Teams will have more opportunity to recover from navigational errors and can spend longer in transition areas warming up and eating.

Novice teams are welcome to enter the Full Course but should be aware that it will be hard, technical, and that there is a real chance they may not finish. That said, many teams have successfully completed the Full Course in past events after stepping up to the challenge.

Terra Nova 24 Distances

Full Course
In very general terms, Full Course teams can expect approximate total distances of:

  • Trekking: 25–35km

  • Mountain biking: 60–70km

  • Kayaking: 15–25km

Half Course
In very general terms, Half Course teams can expect approximate total distances of:

  • Trekking: 12–20km

  • Mountain biking: 30–50km

  • Kayaking: 8–15km

Terra Nova 24 Format

Terra Nova 24 is a linear Adventure Race. All teams begin at the same location and navigate their way through each leg consecutively. At the end of each leg is a Transition Area, where teams change from one discipline to another.

At most Transition Areas, teams will be met by the transition crew and any supporters who choose to attend.

Teams may be transported to the start line; however, the race will always finish at Race HQ.

While on the course, team members must remain within 100 metres of each other at all times. If a team member withdraws, the team will not receive an official finishing place. The team may be permitted to continue Unranked, provided a minimum of two competitors remain.

The winning team in each category will be the first team to cross the finish line after successfully navigating all legs of the course and finishing with all the team members they started with.

CUT-OFFS & TIME LIMITS

Our aim is to give teams the opportunity to challenge themselves non-stop for the full 24 hour duration of the event. Even if a team is moving slowly, they should still be able to remain on the course for the full event time limit, regardless of how far they progress.

Teams must, however, return to Race HQ for the official race finish.

Terra Nova 24 Location

Terra Nova 24 has been designed to move it to a different location along the South Coast each year, but always within 2 and 3 hrs drive of Sydney and Canberra. The location announcement is timed for the end of early bird entries each year

2026 LOCATION: MOLLYMOOK

Terra Nova 24 is heading to Mollymook — opening a new chapter for one of Australia’s most respected 24-hour adventure races.

Mollymook, located on the NSW South Coast, has been announced as the official host location for the upcoming edition of the Terra Nova 24 Adventure Race. For the first time in the event’s history, Terra Nova 24 will be held in March, bringing an early-autumn feel to the race and a new dynamic to the course.

The event will once again bring together teams from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for 24 hours of non-stop navigation, endurance, and teamwork.

Cost & Entry

ENTER NOW
Course Team Size Super Early Bird
Ends 30 Sept 2025
Early Bird
Ends 31 Dec 2025
Standard Entry
Half Course 2 Person $512 $576 $640
4 Person $1,012 $1,138.50 $1,265
Full Course 2 Person $600 $675 $750
4 Person $1,196 $1,345.50 $1,495

All prices include GST.

CATEGORIES

Mixed (Minimum 1 female team member)
Female (All female team members)
Male (All male team members)

* Note: all team members must be 18 years

WHAT DOES ENTRY INCLUDE?

Your race entry fees include:

  • A high quality adventure racing course in a great location;

  • On-site first response teams for emergency first aid;

  • All race maps for your team;

  • Kayaks included;

  • Special disciplines as appropriate to the location;

  • Souvenir Event Cap or T-Shirt or similar

  • Race pack with goodies and event prizes (dependant on sponsorship);

  • Great live web coverage throughout;

  • up to 24 hours of the most arduous and memorable adventure racing of your life!

  • Entry fee includes 10% GST;

It is our aim to provide you and your team the best quality event we can. Admittedly, it isn’t cheap to enter, but neither is it cheap to run an adventure race of this scale, in a new location each year, especially when the event goes for well over 24 hours straight!

Important Further Reading

Terra Nova 24 demands a high level of preparation — the information below covers everything competitors need to know before race week.

Course & Format

Mandatory Gear & Logistics

Race Day Program

Race Disciplines

Navigation for Adventure Racing

Adventure Racing Training Guide

Past Event Maps & Course Notes

Earlier Event: December 6
Buckley's 24
Later Event: April 18
Legend Expedition Race