The Sydney Boat Show
A new Sydney Boat Show will be held in August 2025 and the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show moves to November to capitalise on the spring boating season and charter schedules.
Changes to Sydney’s marine event schedule were announced earlier this year – with the launch of a new Sydney Boat Show – but the BIA has now confirmed Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will be held at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, 13-16 November 2025.
The Sydney Boat Show will take place from 14 August to 17 August 2025 at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. This show will make the most of the expansive indoor venue as well as the substantial outdoor areas to showcase a large range of boat accessories and gear.
The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will run 13 to 16 November 2025 and feature a dedicated on-water platform with a wide array of vessels, ranging from alternative fuel sportsboats to luxury motor cruisers.
Attendees to the multi-day Sydney Boat Show will be welcomed with a variety of demos, try boating experiences and engaging activations, including a giant indoor pool.
The August event will feature paddle, power and sail craft, with a strong fishing component, which is the most popular type of activity in boating across Australia. There will be dedicated fishing clinics, fishing demonstrations and fishing experts on the main stage for all those keen on angling. The boat show will feature hundreds of vessels from small paddle craft to the latest models in large offshore powerboats.
The event will also host crucial stakeholder and government forums addressing key industry topics, such as marine jobs in a sector that currently employs more than 35,000 people and yet demand for workers remains high across numerous skills and trades.
The move to Sydney Showground was announced earlier this year.
Invitations to exhibit at the Sydney Boat Show will be released on Wednesday 23 April containing full details of the venue floor plan, exhibitor rates and exhibitor marketing guide, along with comprehensive information on how to register to exhibit.
The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show
The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will be held in November 2025 against the stunning backdrop of Cockle Bay and the Darling Harbour foreshore. Featuring an on-water display of luxury vessels and high-performance boats, alongside vibrant foreshore activations and marine lifestyle exhibits, the move to a November date takes full advantage of Sydney’s balmy spring weather.
Both the Sydney Boat Show in August and the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show in November represent a fresh approach to boat shows in the region, promising enhanced engagement and targeted experiences for industry professionals and boating enthusiasts alike.
New format boat shows in Australia
Sydney’s two premium boat shows are both presented in this new format by the Boating Industry Association (BIA), in partnership with its event delivery partner Mulpha Events.
The new format for BIA shows in Sydney reflects industry feedback, global trends and public interest.
The BIA reported industry national turnover last year of $10.12 billion, with 75 per cent in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.
In Australia, more than 85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast, so it is little wonder that almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft and that more than 6 million people go boating each year. People of all ages, gender and ability participate in boating across paddle, sail and power for leisure and sport.