Australia's boating season has hit its stride in 2025, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, held 22–25 May, set an impressive tone with 45,865 people through the gates over four days and a record 824 boats on display, split between 422 afloat and 402 ashore. Electric propulsion made a strong statement, with next-generation vessels like the Candela C-8 turning heads alongside a lavish $50 million Riviera showcase.
Sydney followed with its own strong numbers: 23,525 visitors, more than 130 exhibitors, and around 400 boats covering 16 new products, including four global premieres. The revamped format at Sydney Olympic Park clearly resonated, drawing enthusiasm from exhibitors and the public alike.
Next on the calendar is the inaugural Spit Boat Show, running 13–14 September 2025 at Fergusons Marina in Mosman. Free to attend over both days, it brings together premium brands including Axopar, Pardo, Grady-White, Capelli, Azimut, and Candela, with day boats, luxury cruisers, hybrids, and marine lifestyle offerings all part of the mix.
Then Melbourne takes centre stage. From 16–19 October, five marinas along New Quay Promenade and Harbour Esplanade form the backdrop for an on-water festival that blends hands-on access with a genuine waterfront atmosphere. Whether you are a long-time boat owner or simply curious about the water, the show is designed to bring you close to the boats, the technology, the heritage, and the lifestyle in a setting where the city meets the sea.
The New Zealand contingent at this year's Melbourne Boat Show is larger than ever. Purekraft will present directly, while Senator and McLay Boats NZ appear via the Warragul Marine Centre. Returning Kiwi brands include Extreme Boats, showing through Inverloch Marine, Stabicraft and Surtees both with MY Marine, Makaira presenting directly, and White Pointer through Geelong Boating Centre. Last year's showing was already noteworthy, with Stabicraft, Surtees, Makaira, White Pointer, Haines Hunter, and Assault Boats all making their presence felt and underlining New Zealand's growing footprint in Australia's fishing and offshore markets.
The broader exhibitor list reads like a directory of the region's best. Australian names carrying significant weight include Haines Hunter, with stands spread across Geelong Marine World, Port Phillip Boating Centre, Mullies Marine, and their own dedicated display, alongside Bar Crusher Boats, Evolution Boats, and Four Winns. Palm Beach Motor Yachts brings bespoke design and a touch of luxury to the mix. International representation comes through Jeanneau Power & Sailing via 38 South Boat Sales, and Axopar through Eyachts.
Marine technology is equally well covered. Raymarine, Icom, Volvo Penta, Sleipner through AMI Group, and Altex Yacht & Boat Paint all feature, giving both Kiwi and Australian boaties plenty to explore on the technical side. If the show follows the trajectory of recent years, a stronger sustainability focus and broader innovation across exhibitor stands seem likely.
Melbourne also brings a sense of history to proceedings. Heritage tall ships Alma Doepel and Enterprize offer a connection to maritime tradition that sits comfortably alongside the latest in boating technology, giving the event a character that extends well beyond the purely commercial.
With its waterside layout, the chance to get aboard and ask questions, and an exhibitor range stretching from fishing boats to luxury cruisers, the 2025 Melbourne Boat Show shapes up as one of the year's most complete boating events on either side of the Tasman.
