Sydney’s largest marine and boating event has concluded another successful year, with thousands of visitors descending on Sydney Showground over four days to celebrate the very best in boating, fishing and outdoor adventure.
Building upon a legacy of major boat shows dating back to 1960 in the NSW capital, the 2026 Sydney Boat Show transformed Sydney Showground into Australia’s largest off water marine showcase from 30 July to 2 August, bringing together more than 100 exhibitors showcasing more than 350 boats and watercraft, thousands of marine products and accessories, Australian premieres, industry leading innovations, live demonstrations and family friendly entertainment.
Cameron Bow of Sportsman Boats said: “I had a brilliant Sydney Boat Show. It was the best boat show I have exhibited at for the past 10 years. The constant flow of people Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday was excellent and the quality of people was amazing as they were genuinely interested in buying a new boat. I feel like the slump is over.”
Hosted by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) the four day event showcased luxury motor yachts and trailer boats, to cutting edge marine technology, fishing equipment and water sports, reaffirming its position as one of Australia’s most significant events for the recreational boating industry.
BIA Chief Executive, Andrew Fielding, said attendance was up on last year and positive industry response highlighted the resilience and strength of Australia’s marine sector.
“The Sydney Boat Show once again demonstrated why it is the city’s premier marine and lifestyle event, bringing together industry leaders, State Government partners, boating enthusiasts, families and first time visitors under one roof,” Mr Fielding said.
“It was fantastic to see so many people embracing the boating lifestyle, exploring the latest innovations and connecting directly with manufacturers and experts. The enthusiasm across the four days reflects the passion and resilience of our industry.”
Nathan Dark of Lewis Ski Boats said, “We had the best show by far since buying the business. The quality of enquiries was very good and we did really well. We took our first deposit just 30 minutes after the show opened on day one.
“Last year we walked out of the show happy but this year we were blown away with the total number of deposits and genuine interest every day but especially Thursday and Friday.”
Blake McArthur of Hunts Marine said: “Overall I thought the show presented very well and it was the most constant crowd I have seen in almost 30 years, and in strong numbers. The people we spoke to were engaged, enquiries were up and we secured some solid results in sales and strong leads.”
Visitors explored hundreds of vessels from leading Australian and international brands, including Australian premieres, while exhibitors unveiled the latest innovations across fishing, electronics, engines, trailers, accessories and marine technology. Promoting safe boating and marine career opportunities, Transport for NSW delivered an interactive and informative Boating Safety Zone that was popular every day of the event, while more than 700 high school students attended the BIA Careers Information Days over Thursday and Friday.
The Show also delivered an extensive program ranging from State Government safer boating forums through to live entertainment and educational experiences with fishing personalities Andrew “ET” Ettingshausen, Steve Starling and Michael Cooke drawing crowds throughout the weekend. Popular fishing identity Paul Burt returned with his live Catch ‘N’ Cook demonstrations, while Sydney FishTok creator Shroom entertained audiences at the Young Anglers Zone.
Sydney Boat Show is proudly owned by the BIA and supported by Transport for NSW as Official Partner in Safety. The event was also supported by Major Partners Anaconda and GMSV, alongside Event Partners Century Batteries, MitchCap and Pacific Boating.
For more information, visit bia.org.au
