Sydney Boat Show '26 bigger and better at Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Boat Show '26 bigger and better at Sydney Olympic Park © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) today officially announced the dates for the 2026 Sydney Boat Show, which will return to the Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday, 30 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026.

The four-day event is set to grow following an expansion plan driven by the success of its debut in 2025 and overwhelming early interest from the industry.

BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said, "The move to Sydney Olympic Park for the new-look Sydney Boat Show was a success for many exhibitors and the feedback from our members, and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. So much so that a significant number of exhibitors and sponsors are keen to return and have already said they want to be on board for 2026."

Fielding highlighted the benefits of the venue's strategic location: "One of the major advantages for both exhibitors and patrons is the site's accessibility. The Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park is geographically central to the Greater Sydney region, making it easily accessible for visitors from all parts of the city and beyond. The site even has its own dedicated train station, Olympic Park Station.

"Demand is such that we are planning to expand the undercover exhibition space and to make the most of the expansive outdoor areas," Fielding added. "We plan to make the event bigger and better in 2026, building on the increased floor space and accessible location to deliver a genuine boating showcase which will include marine accessories, fishing gear, trailable boats and the boating lifestyle that spans paddle, power and sail."

Derek Rodway of Good Times Marine said, "We tested the waters of the new look Sydney Boat Show, and the event was beyond our expectations. Ease of access for set up and pack down, the suitability of the venue and general vibe of the show was very positive. We look forward to attending a bigger and more elaborate event in 2026."

BIA is accepting expressions of interest to exhibit simply by emailing with 'Sydney Boat Show 2026' in the subject line and a note to confirm interest. The formal Exhibitor Applications with be distributed in January.

Meanwhile, BIA is currently awaiting all reports to be finalised on the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show which was held in November this year at Darling Harbour. An announcement on plans for the 2026 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is expected to be made in the first quarter of the new year.

The BIA is the peak industry body in Australia representing the interests of boating which includes designers, manufacturers, importers, brokers, insurers, retailers, charters, yacht and boat clubs, marinas, events, surveyors and trades from boat builders to riggers, and more. BIA is an advocate for boaters and the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating. BIA has members in all States and Territories.

The BIA reported national industry turnover last year of more than $10.2 billion with around 35,000 people employed across more than 2,000 businesses. Seventy-five per cent of BIA members are in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.

BIA is also now in a collaboration with the Australian Fishing Trade Association due to the close relationship of boating and fishing, and in total the two organisations represent $21 billion in annual industry turnover and 135,000 people employed.

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 more than 5 million go boating each year. People of all ages, gender and ability participate in boating across paddle, sail and power for leisure and sport.

Across the nation the most popular boat is the recreational family runabout up to 6m in length. These craft include the ubiquitous 'tinnie' and comprise more than 90 percent of the national fleet of registered vessels.