New Zealand boaters considering a mid-winter escape have every reason to look across the Tasman this August. The 2025 Sydney Boat Show is shaping up to be one of the most significant marine lifestyle events on the Australian calendar — and the timing, location, and revamped format make it more accessible and appealing than ever before.
Held from 14–17 August at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park, this year’s event marks a major departure from the traditional Darling Harbour venue. The move opens up over 21,000 square metres of exhibition space, both indoors and outdoors, allowing for a broader range of displays and activities. With a split-format strategy now in place, this land-based show in August will be followed by a dedicated on-water showcase in November — a format that closely mirrors The Auckland Boat Show, and The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show (two seperate organisers) models which work in tandem well.
And it’s already proving popular. As of mid-June, indoor exhibition space has completely sold out — a strong vote of confidence from the marine industry, and a clear sign that this year’s show will be a substantial one.
What to expect in 2025
The event will showcase a wide cross-section of the boating world — from paddleboards to powerboats, sailing vessels to cutting-edge marine electronics. Key exhibitors include household names such as Garmin, Mercury, Sea-Doo, Lewis Boats, Honda, Century Batteries, and Freedom Boat Club. You’ll also find marine specialists like TR Marine, Good Times Marine, Webbe Marine, and Sirocco Marine — all under one roof. We are still awaiting the full exhibition list.
Beyond the boats, the event promises an immersive family-friendly experience:
The Main Stage will host fishing tutorials, rigging demos, and seafood cooking presentations from Australia’s leading anglers and chefs. The Berkley Supertank delivers daily live-action fishing demos, with underwater viewing to highlight lure performance and casting techniques. Riverina Avenue is an open-air zone lined with lifestyle exhibitors, food trucks, live music, and pop-up bars. It’s also where you’ll catch fishing icon Andrew “ET” Ettingshausen in person. The Demonstration Pool, housed inside the Dome, features interactive gear displays and live product showcases — an ideal stop for hands-on learning.
It’s a well-rounded show that balances education, entertainment, and retail — with plenty to interest everyone from serious buyers to weekend wanderers.
Planning your visit
General admission tickets are just AU$19 (plus booking fee), and kids under 16 get in free with a paying adult — making it a cost-effective option for families. Early bird buyers who secure their tickets before 31 July go in the draw to win AU$5,000 in “Boat Show Dollars” to spend with any exhibitor. Flash sales like the recent (still active for two further days) 50%-off promotion have also been rolled out, so it’s worth subscribing to show updates for future deals.
Even better, event tickets double as transport passes, giving attendees free travel on Sydney’s metro, train, and light rail systems throughout the event. With the Showground just 14km west of the CBD and well-serviced by public transport, getting there is hassle-free.
The venue’s location near accommodation hubs and family attractions like Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and Sydney Zoo also makes it an easy sell as a combined holiday and boat show experience.
A show on the rise
BIA President Adam Smith has described the move to Sydney Showground as a “bold but strategic” call, and so far, it appears to be paying off. The surge in exhibitor interest has already prompted organisers to consider expanding the available footprint.
“The level of interest has been phenomenal. Indoor space is already sold out, and we’re exploring further expansion opportunities to accommodate more zones and experiences,” said Smith. “Expect a packed event full of product launches, national and global premieres, and new technology from leading marine and fishing brands.”
More information and ticket sales: www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
Key Dates & Details
📍 Sydney Boat Show 2025
🗓 14–17 August
📌 Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
🎟 Tickets from AU$19 | Kids under 16 free
🚆 Includes free public transport (metro, trains, light rail)
🌐 More info: sydneyboatshow.com.au
