The 1996 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, sponsored by Telstra, was the 52nd annual running of the "blue water classic" Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. As in past editions of the race, it was hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia based in Sydney, New South Wales. As with previous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, the 1996 edition began on Sydney Harbour, at noon on Boxing Day (26 December 1996), before heading south for 630 nautical miles (1,170 km) through the Tasman Sea, past Bass Strait, into Storm Bay and up the River Derwent, to cross the finish line in Hobart, Tasmania.

The 1996 fleet comprised 95 starters of which 78 completed the race and 17 yachts retired.