Canberra will host the 2019 Australian dragon boat championships for the first time in eight years, with the 3000 competitors to converge on the capital in April.

Every state and territory will be represented by 50 clubs across five days of racing, with boats leaving the start line on Lake Burley Griffin every five minutes.

ACT Fire will represent Canberra in the national races and Dragon Boat ACT vice president Kirsty Sheppard encouraged the community to get lakeside for the event.

“Getting an event of this magnitude properly produced is a big challenge but bringing the Australian champs back to the ACT is a big personal responsibility for all of us," Sheppard said.