The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show returns to the Gold Coast from 21 to 24 May 2026, and with 37 editions now behind it, the show is poised to deliver one of its most ambitious outings yet. Organisers are anticipating more than 45,000 visitors ranging from dedicated boating enthusiasts to industry professionals and luxury lifestyle seekers, all converging on Sanctuary Cove's newly expanded 346-berth Marina precinct.
The scale of the event reflects its standing as the Southern Hemisphere's largest marine show. More than 300 local and international exhibitors will present a fleet exceeding 800 vessels, together with upwards of 2,500 marine products and accessories spread along Queensland's iconic waterfront.
Corey Rattray-Wood, Acting General Manager of Mulpha Events, makes no attempt to temper expectations. "The calibre of exhibitors in this year's line-up is nothing short of outstanding, and we look forward to welcoming over 300 of the world's most acclaimed marine and boating leaders to our iconic Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show," he said. "With on-land exhibitor spaces now sold out and on-water spaces nearing capacity, the 2026 Show is shaping up to be one of the largest showcases in the event's history and we're looking forward to seeing the anticipation and excitement continue."
The exhibitor roll call for 2026 reads like a directory of global boating prestige. Newly confirmed participants include Riviera, Sunseeker, Sundance, Maritimo, Boatology, Island Gypsy, Horizon, Leigh-Smith, Palm Beach, Performance Cruising, Short Marine and Whitehaven, strengthening a lineup that already features BENETEAU, Princess Yachts and De Antonio. Across the show floor, a series of world premiere model launches and Asia Pacific debuts will give attendees front-row access to innovations that have not yet reached broader markets.
Of all the unveilings planned, Riviera's contribution carries particular weight. The Australian boat builder will stage two world premieres at the event, and Brand and Communications Director Stephen Milne explains why the Gold Coast has become the natural home for the brand's headline announcements.
"The Gold Coast has become the marine industry capital of Australia with the Marine Precinct offering a manufacturing, refit and repair hub unlike anything else in the Southern Hemisphere," Mr Milne said. "As a result, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has become the show for big boats in Australia, and our owners and guests enjoy flying to the Gold Coast in May to experience the Boat Show and the other wonderful attractions of Queensland in autumn. Riviera will premiere two exceptional new Sport Yachts in a spectacular showcase at Sanctuary Cove including the world premiere of the magnificent Platinum Edition 6200 Sport Yacht, alongside the Australian boat show premiere of the 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition."
Australian-first reveals extend well beyond Riviera's display. Cantiere Mimì will introduce its all-new 11 Cabin and 13.5 Cabin models to local audiences, and BENETEAU is bringing both the Antares 12 Coupé and the Oceanis 52 to Australia for the first time. Saxdor will stage an Australian premiere with the 400 GTS, while EYachts arrives with a sizeable contingent of local firsts: the Axopar 45 Cross Top, Axopar 45 Cross Cabin, Axopar 38 Cross Cabin, Axopar 29 CCX and Sirena 58. Whitehaven contributes the 6000 Flybridge, 6500 Flybridge and Harbour Classic 52 to the premiere tally, and Aquila adds the 46 Yacht, 42 Coupe and 50 Sail to what is shaping up as a rich season of new-model announcements.
The marina itself will be alive with luxury yachts, powerboats, sailing vessels and trailer boats, and will play host to the annual Live Bream Shoot Out competition.
On the landside, dedicated Sports, Leisure and Fishing precincts will cater to those with a taste for adventure, offering live demonstrations, expert product advice and fresh launches from Jobe Watersports, Surf Coast Marine, Grand Boats, Floatables, Suzuki, Penske, Nautique Central, Northside Marine, JSW Powersports and Sea Legs.
Visitors after a more leisurely pace can wander the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, which offers boutique shopping, premium dining, live entertainment, an interactive kids zone delivered by Maritime Safety Queensland, and a blend of displays where boating culture meets coastal luxury.
Gates open at 9:00am and close at 5:00pm across all four days, 21 to 24 May 2026. Free Park 'n' Ride services operate from both Movie World and Dreamworld, serving travellers heading north and south along the M1. Ride share and taxi drop-off zones are also available, and those seeking a more memorable arrival can choose helicopter transfers through Gold Coast Helitours or opt for water transfer services.
The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is owned and presented by Mulpha Events, with backing from the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast. Moët Hennessy serves as Official Beverage Partner.
On-water exhibitor highlights
BENETEAU
BENETEAU will use the show to deliver two Asia-Pacific premieres: the Oceanis 52 and the Antares 12 Coupé.
Princess Yachts
Seven vessels will make up the Princess Yachts display, with the all-new Princess F65 motor yacht and the award-winning F58 leading a selection of additional popular models.
Riviera
Riviera commands attention at the show with the world premiere of the Platinum Edition 6200 Sport Yacht, supported by the Australian boat show premiere of the 5600 Platinum Edition.
Boatology
Australian dealer Boatology will oversee Cantiere Mimì's local debut, presenting four vessels and headlining with two premiere models, the 11 Cabin and the 13.5 Cabin.
Sunseeker
The Sunseeker stand will feature the Sunseeker 76 Yacht and the Superhawk 55.
Saxdor
Saxdor marks its Australian premiere presence with the 400 GTS.
EYachts
EYachts arrives with a strong collection of Australian premieres, including the Axopar 38 Cross Cabin, the Axopar 45 Cross Top and the Sirena 58, alongside Queensland debuts for the Axopar 45 Cross Cabin and the Axopar 29 CCX.
Whitehaven
Whitehaven's line-up spans multiple premiere tiers: an Australian premiere for the Aquila 42 Coupe, Asia Pacific premieres for both the Aquila 46 Yacht and the Aquila 50 Sail, and worldwide premieres for the Whitehaven Harbour Classic 52, the Whitehaven 6000 and the Whitehaven 6500.
