Sydney set to host two premier boat shows in 2025 under new format

Sydney Boat Show © Boating Industry Association

The multi-billion dollar boating industry in Sydney is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with the announcement of two distinct boat shows, both presented in a new format by the Boating Industry Association (BIA), in partnership with its event delivery partner Mulpha Events.

The first event, the Sydney Boat Show, will take place from August 14 to 17, 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 comprehensive range of boat accessories and gear.

Attendees to the multi-day event can look forward to engaging activations, including a giant indoor pool that will serve as a central feature for a variety of demonstrations and activations, from try boating experiences to crucial safety demonstrations.

This 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 event will feature hundreds of boat types from small paddle craft to the latest models in large offshore powerboats.

The Sydney Boat Show 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 provides more display space than what was provided in 2024 at very attractive venue fees and charges.

The invitation to exhibit for the August event will be released on Wednesday 23 April containing full details of the venue floor plan, exhibitor rates, exhibitor marketing guide, along with comprehensive information on how to register to exhibit and much more.

Following this, the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will be held at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, from November 13 to 16, 2025. This event will provide a dedicated on-water platform to showcase a wide array of vessels ranging from alternative fuel powered sports boats to luxury motor cruisers.

The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is a premium marine showcase, set against the stunning backdrop of Cockle Bay and the Darling Harbour foreshore. The event will feature an impressive 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, offering more time on the water and creating ideal conditions for twilight viewing experiences. With its prime waterfront location and seasonal timing, the reimagined show is perfectly aligned with the boating lifestyle — attracting serious buyers, marine enthusiasts, and global industry leaders for a standout on-water experience.

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. 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.