When Marine Business News took a closer look at the Perth Boat Show in June, our message to the industry was simple: if this event was not on your radar, it should be.
With the doors now set to open in less than two weeks, there is even more reason for Australia’s recreational marine industry to take notice.
The Perth Boat Show will occupy all six pavilions of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September, bringing together more than 90 exhibitors and over 150 craft. Boats alone will represent more than $40 million in value, with the addition of engines, electronics, accessories, fishing equipment, safety products and other marine and recreational products pushing the value represented on the show floor towards $50 million.
Those are significant numbers, but perhaps more importantly, they demonstrate the continuing strength of Western Australia as a boating market and the growing importance of having an event capable of bringing that market together.
For members of the marine industry who can make the trip west, there is a compelling case for doing so.
A boat show is about much more than selling boats across three days. It provides an opportunity to see first-hand what is happening in a market, speak with dealers and distributors, look at the brands gaining traction, assess new products and, importantly, observe what consumers are interested in.
In an increasingly fragmented media and retail environment, exhibitions also remain one of the few places where suppliers, retailers and customers come together in significant numbers at the same time.
Event organiser Richard Campbell of CMS Events believes the continued growth of the Perth Boat Show demonstrates exactly that.
Richard Campbell – CMS Events
“Since CMS Events took the helm of the Perth Boat Show, we have enjoyed tremendous success in rebuilding and growing the event, and the response from both the industry and the boating public has been extremely encouraging,” Campbell said.
“The show continues to demonstrate the power of exhibitions. When you bring a qualified and engaged audience into a marketplace where they can see, compare, ask questions and make buying decisions, positive results follow. Perth is proving that very clearly.”
The breadth of this year’s show is also notable.
Taking pride of place will be the Italian-built Bluegame BG54, a 16.57-metre motor yacht valued at more than $2 million, providing an important prestige element alongside the trailer boats, engines, electronics, equipment and boating lifestyle products that form the backbone of the event.
It is a mix that reflects the diversity of the WA boating market.
The organisers have also worked hard on reasons for visitors to stay longer and engage with the show. Live demonstrations and Sea Safe sessions will operate from the Boat Shed Stage, while Perth is OK! On Deck with Pete will see presenter Pete Curulli moving around the exhibition, speaking with exhibitors and highlighting new products and innovations.
Friday evening trading provides an opportunity to capture the after-work market, while Sunday’s Father’s Day program has been designed to encourage families through the doors. The Skippers Bar, café, competitions, giveaways and other activities add to an event format designed to generate dwell time and keep visitors moving through all six pavilions.
Boating Industry Association of Western Australia President Tony Spiteri said interest ahead of the show had been strong.
“We’re seeing strong interest ahead of this year’s show and we’d encourage anyone planning to come along to book online in advance, where pricing is cheaper than at the gate. With three full days of activity and close to $50 million on the show floor, there really is something for the whole family,” Spiteri said.
For the industry, however, the significance goes beyond the visitor attractions.
Tony Spiteri – BIA WA President
Western Australia has a substantial and highly engaged boating population, supported by an enviable coastline, strong fishing culture and an outdoor lifestyle in which boating plays an important role. It is a market that deserves the attention of national manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and service providers.
Even for businesses not exhibiting in 2026, spending a day walking the halls, talking with exhibitors and observing the audience could prove valuable market intelligence.
The success of any exhibition ultimately depends on bringing buyers and sellers together. From everything taking shape in Perth, this show appears to be doing exactly that.
For anyone in the marine industry able to get to Perth from 4–6 September, Marine Business News would encourage them to make the effort.
Sometimes the best way to understand a market is simply to get on the floor and see it for yourself.
Visit https://www.perthboatshow.com.au/whats-on for more details.
Event Details
Perth Boat Show 2026 https://www.perthboatshow.com.au/
Timing
- Friday 4 September, 9.30am to 7.00pm
- Saturday 5 September, 9.30am to 5.00pm
- Sunday 6 September, 9.30am to 5.00pm
Location
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth
Pavilion 1 to 6
Tickets:
Cost: From $22.50 online. Tickets at events.humanitix.com/perth-boat-show-2026
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerthBoatShow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perthboatshow/
