The 2025 Sydney Boat Show concluded on 17 August following its first edition at Sydney Olympic Park. The move from Darling Harbour to the Sydney Showground was made in consultation with industry stakeholders and visitors, and marked a new chapter in the event’s 56-year history.
Over four days, the show recorded 23,525 visitors, with more than 130 exhibitors displaying 400 boats alongside marine equipment and technologies. Organizers also noted 16 product launches, including four global debuts at the Sydney Boat Show.
Organizers said the new location and format successfully delivered a ‘broad showcase of vessels, products, and accessories while opening new opportunities within Greater Sydney and regional NSW areas’.
Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) President Adam Smith said the feedback from exhibitors, stakeholders, and the general public has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The roll out and response to the new format has been very encouraging but the show has only been possible through strong collaboration between exhibitors, industry, partners, and sponsors to ensure a unified approach that benefits both the sector and the public,” says Smith.
Coming up: Sydney International On-Water Boat Show
The Sydney Boat Show marked the first of two major events under the BIA’s new dual-format strategy, designed to meet industry needs.
In February 2025, MIN reported that the Boating Industry Association (BIA) announced major changes to the show season in Australia with the launch of a new boat show in Sydney and amended dates for the Sydney International Boat Show.
The next event will be the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, which will take place at Darling Harbour from 13 to 16 November 2025.
The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will be held in spring with plans to showcase more than 200 luxury vessels on a purpose-built marina at Cockle Bay, with an expanded onshore display stretching across Palm Grove, Tumbalong Boulevard, and Tumbalong Park.
Smith continues: “People engage with the marine lifestyle in so many different ways but across the board it is essential their experience is a positive one, guided by the right knowledge and expertise to ensure they have a positive experience.
The Australian boating industry contributes more than $10 billion annually to the national economy and supports more than 35,000 jobs.
Highlights from the 2025 Sydney Boat Show included:
- More than 400 boats on display
- Launch of the National Recreational Boating Statement, which forecasts industry statistics for 2030
- BIA hosted the inaugural Outdoor Recreation Round Table, which spans sectors including boating, fishing, sailing, paddling, 4WD, caravan and camping, and tourism
Edencraft general manager Josie Eastman says: “The Sydney Boat Show has been a fantastic event for us, bringing genuine, serious boaters through the doors and giving us strong leads to follow up in the weeks ahead. It’s also been the perfect stage to launch our new 655 Centre Console – a model customers have been asking for over many years, and one we’re proud to deliver as a world-class boat designed and built right here in Australia. This show is all about connection, bringing serious boaters face to face with innovation, performance, and the Edencraft experience.”
Malibu Sydney owner Roy Newlan adds: “Foot traffic has been both strong and of high quality. We’re meeting with serious buyers who are clear about what they want, and the overall experience feels purposeful and positive, with fewer tire-kickers.”