The 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is preparing to open its doors tomorrow. The expanded show, which has moved to November from its traditional August dates, will take place from Thursday 13 November to Sunday 16 November at Darling Harbour, transforming the precinct into a large-scale outdoor showcase of vessels and lifestyle attractions. The event will run from 10am to 7pm from Thursday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
In February 2025, MIN reported that the Boating Industry Association (BIA) had announced major changes to the show season in Australia with the launch of a new boat show in Sydney — the Sydney Boat Show — and amended dates for the Sydney International Boat Show. The new dates for the Sydney International Boat Show are designed to take full advantage of the city’s ideal spring conditions, including longer days. The new iteration of the event focuses on larger in-water power and sail craft (10m to 30m+).
Now in its 56th year, the annual show brings together more than 120 brands and over 160 vessels, ranging from motor yachts and sailing boats to family-friendly craft. The event also contributes to an industry valued at more than A$10bn (US$6.5bn) annually, supporting around 35,000 jobs nationwide.
Organised by the BIA in partnership with Mulpha Events, the 2025 edition introduces a festival-style layout. The main event marina in Cockle Bay will host over 23 international and Australian launches and premieres, while the surrounding foreshore precincts will feature additional exhibitors and displays.
Highlights for 2025 include Asia-Pacific premieres such as the Dufour 48 and Fountaine Pajot FP41 from The Yacht Sales Co, and the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295 Coupé. Queensland Marine Centre will present four Boston Whalers and, for the first time, two Navan boats. Visitors can also see the debut of the Princess F65, making its first appearance in the Southern Hemisphere, alongside the Leopard 46 Sail and Leopard 46 Powercat showcased side by side for the first time in Australia.
Among the notable exhibits in the harbour this week will be the Horizon 100 by Flagship International, the largest vessel on display; the Ferretti 1000, valued at A$23m (US$15m) and part of Ray White Marine’s A$70m (US$45.5m) showcase; and the Iliad 53F from The Yacht Sales Co, which has the widest beam at the show. Carbon Yachts’ Candela C-8 electric foil boat will also be featured among the event’s most unique vessels.
The Discover Boating Festival Hub, with free public entry, extends across Palm Grove, Tumbalong Boulevard and Tumbalong Park. It features interactive activations, live music, roving entertainment and a diverse selection of gourmet food and wine. Visitors can also explore boating accessories, attend new product launches and enjoy the Wine Selectors Tasting Deck. Celebrated wine judge Will Figueira will host 30-minute masterclasses, including Bon Voyage Bubbles, Waves of White, Captain’s Choice, Summer Reds and Sunset Sips. Each session includes four curated wine tastings for A$15 (US$9.75) with a day pass.
BIA president Adam Smith says the festival not only celebrates boating but also reflects its growing importance to Australia’s economy and culture. “Water is part of our national DNA; it shapes how we live, travel and relax,” says Smith. “The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show isn’t just an event for boat owners; it’s a celebration of the Australian lifestyle and an opportunity to highlight an industry that contributes so much to our wellbeing and economy.
“Earlier this year, we launched the National Recreational Boating Statement, which projects boating participation to exceed six million Australians by 2030, supported by more than one million registered vessels and around A$20bn (US$13bn) in annual spending on boating and general watercraft activities.
“Boating is highly valued for its social and health benefits, with Australians recognising the mental and physical wellbeing that comes from being on, in, or by the water. Australia truly is a lucky country; we have world-class marine manufacturers, iconic waterways, and some of the best boating conditions anywhere in the world, so we invite everyone to join us at Darling Harbour this week to come and see some of the latest in boats and gear, and to enjoy the Discover Boating Festival Hub!” he says.
Visitors can also support Little Wings, a not-for-profit organisation that flies ill children from regional and remote communities to city hospitals for treatment. Funds are raised through a raffle, with winners drawn at the close of the show.
Tickets for Sydney International Boat Show 2025
General admission tickets cost A$36 (US$23.40) plus booking fee, while children under 16 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets include access to both the marina and the Discover Boating Festival Hub, or visitors can attend the Hub only for free. Tickets are available via Oztix and the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show website.
The official event app provides access to the full exhibitor directory, maps and schedules.
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