Gold Rush 2025: Australia’s Largest Golden Retriever Party Returns to Melbourne

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Golden retrievers sure love to pawty.

In wholesome news, one of the world’s largest golden retriever meetup events is coming to Melbourne.

This Sunday 30 March 2025, good boys and girls from across Victoria – and Australia – will converge at St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong for Gold Rush 2025, a day filled with goldens and good vibes – all for a good cause.

And if all goes well, Gold Rush may just reclaim the unofficial world record for the biggest gathering of golden retrievers ever.

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How Gold Rush made history

What’s better than one golden retriever? How about hundreds of goldens, all in one place.

It was a huge golden retriever meetup in Scotland that inspired the founder of Melbourne’s Gold Rush, Carly Fitzgerald (proud dog mum of four goldens), to organise a meetup closer to home.

“To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the breed, a large gathering of golden retrievers was held in Scotland in 2018, which is actually the birthplace of golden retrievers.” Carly explains.” I loved the idea and thought, ‘We can do this too!’” 

Later that year, ‘Golden Retrievers Biggest Playdate’ was born – drawing an impressive 342 goldens on their very first meeting.

Since then, the popularity of Gold Rush has grown to attract over 1000 golden retrievers and their admirers to their annual Melbourne events from all around Australia.

In 2023, Gold Rush set an unofficial world record with an incredible 1,252 goldens in attendance – a title that was later claimed by Goldie Palooza in California with 1,310 goldens. 

This year, golden lovers in Melbourne are hoping to take back the crown.​

Goldens gather for a good cause

Gold Rush may be the ultimate dog lover’s dream come true, but it’s also an opportunity to give back.

Proceeds from the event go directly to Rescuing Golden Retrievers in Victoria Inc (RGRV Inc), a dedicated charity that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes goldens in need across Victoria.

Expect games, prizes, golden retriever-themed merch, an official photo booth and market stalls from a range of fantastic local pet businesses too. 

Golden retrievers are one of the world’s most loved and popular breeds – what better way to celebrate them while also supporting beautiful goldens in need.

How you can join the fun

Whether you’re a golden retriever parent or admirer, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Secure your tickets now and be part of a record-breaking day filled with wholesome fun (and fur – lots of fur!) all in support of RGRV Inc. 

Tickets available at https://www.intix.com.au/event/goldrush-2025.

For more information visit the Facebook event page Melbourne Gold Rush.

All images by Dogfolk Pet Photography.