From the moment Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park opened its doors, the energy was unmistakable. More than 21,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space filled quickly with the sound of conversations, the clink of stainless fittings, and the scent of fresh gelcoat. Outside along Riverina Avenue, the buzz continued, with live music drifting from the Garden Bar and polished hulls glinting in the sunlight.
The 2025 Sydney Boat Show has arrived in force, and the scale of what's on offer sets it apart.
World premieres have taken centre stage, with the indoor space sold out entirely and an impressive roster of international and local launches drawing serious attention. Among the international arrivals is the Active Anchor, a variable pitch, all-terrain anchor that buries and holds using a crab or stingray-style action to grip virtually any seabed. Edencraft's 655 Centre Console is another overseas highlight, a deep-V offshore fishing machine built for demanding conditions. Rounding out the international debuts is the ROTO Hydra530, the first mono-hull polyethylene boat to incorporate air step technology, combining durability with a surprisingly smooth ride.
Asia-Pacific firsts are equally compelling. Vortum ultra-quiet marine generators, designed and built in Brisbane, are making their regional debut alongside Chapman Marine's SDX 270 Outboard, a cruising-focused boat loaded with comfort features and storage. The 2026 Malibu Wakesetter, tuned specifically for Australasian conditions, is also premiering here, as is the fully stainless Savwinch Winch Hauler, engineered to take the effort out of launching and retrieving vessels.
Australian brands are holding their own with confidence. BRIG's Navigator 22 and 24 are drawing attention for their stability and versatility, while the Fanttik X9 Cross portable high-pressure pump is proving handy across everything from paddleboards to tenders. JD's Boatshed is presenting the Cobalt CS22 in its first Australian outing, a compact yet luxurious runabout that impresses on finish and fittings. Henri-Lloyd is introducing its Dynamic Motion sailing apparel to the market, Spliseal is showing a waterproof electrical splicing system, and Whittley Marine has brought a six-strong aluminium series paired with the latest Honda outboards.
New Zealand has a strong presence at the show. Stabicraft's 2350 Ultra Centrecab is on display, offering full walkaround fishability that will appeal to serious offshore anglers. Haines Hunter is previewing upcoming models, Surtees Boats has made the trip north and is appearing in the outdoor zone alongside Andrew "ET" Ettingshausen, and Senator Boats is represented on the Good Times Marine stand.
The show has never been purely about browsing hulls and hardware, and 2025 keeps that tradition alive. Live fishing presentations run throughout the day, and Miguel Maestre is demonstrating fresh seafood cooking on stage. The Demonstration Pool gives visitors a chance to get hands-on with paddle craft and new products, while the Boating Safety Zone delivers practical, expert advice on staying safe afloat.
Fishing enthusiasts are gravitating toward the Berkley Supertank, where Michael "Cookie" Cook is running casting and lure demonstrations. Out in the Riverina Avenue precinct, marine and lifestyle exhibitors create a lively outdoor atmosphere complemented by the Garden Bar and food trucks cooking up a storm. Ettingshausen is making scheduled appearances throughout the event, chatting with fans and swapping fishing yarns, while families will find face painting and interactive displays designed to spark the next generation's love for the water.
Across the show floor and outdoor areas, the breadth of exhibitors is worth noting. Lowrance is presenting a new Recon Trolling Motor alongside its full electronics range. Malibu Boats is showing the brand-new 20VTX and will debut the 2026 Wakesetter on 16 August. Webbe Marine has brought Stabicraft, Bar Crusher, and Sailfish to the floor, while Blue Bottle Marine is covering electronics from Furuno, Simrad, Minn Kota, and Lowrance, plus SeaDek and Edgewater Boats. Ballistic RIBs Australia is exhibiting the LS78 with Mercury 400hp, alongside the LS55 and LS48. Oceanworx has the TEMPEST 5.3, AXCESS 5.3, SQUADRON 4.8, and 5.2 on show. Whittley Boats is presenting its AL aluminium series, the new Honda L4 150 and V6 250 outboards, and the MY 2026 FG range.
Grand Boats Australia is displaying RIBs and tenders running from the G340 through to the G850, and Watersports Marine has the Surtees 800 Gamefisher and Stabicraft 2350 Supercab on hand. Mercury Marine is offering deals across its Avator, MerCruiser, and outboard ranges, Insinc Marine is displaying the Edencraft 255 Formula, and Sydney Watercraft Centre is presenting the Haines Hunter 675 Enclosed Limited, 565 Offshore, and 595 Offshore.
For boaters, anglers, and families, the 2025 Sydney Boat Show is delivering a full immersion in the marine world, from the latest technology to the biggest personalities, all under one roof.
