Darling Harbour will transform into a celebration of Australia's maritime lifestyle from 13 to 16 November 2025, when Cockle Bay plays host to the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show. Spread across four days, the event is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in partnership with Mulpha Events and promises to be a landmark occasion for anyone passionate about life on the water.
At the centre of the marine display will be a purpose-built marina in Cockle Bay, with more than 150 luxury vessels available to browse, buy or charter. The lineup spans high-end motor yachts, power cruisers, sailing yachts and the latest in marine technology, giving visitors a thorough look at what the industry currently has to offer, from the newest innovations to classic craftsmanship.
The on-water spectacle is only part of the story. A vibrant festival precinct stretching through Palm Grove, Tumbalong Boulevard and Tumbalong Park will bring the action ashore, anchored by the new Discover Boating Festival Hub. Boating displays, product launches, interactive activations, roving entertainment and live music will fill the precinct, alongside a strong selection of gourmet food and wine experiences.
One highlight drawing particular attention is the Wine Selectors Tasting Deck, where celebrated wine judge Will Figueira will step away from the judging table to lead guided masterclasses pairing exceptional wines with the stories behind them. Sessions on offer include Bon Voyage Bubbles, Waves of White, Captain's Choice, Summer Reds, and Sunset Sips. Figueira is enthusiastic about the combination of setting and subject matter.
"We're thrilled to be part of the 2025 Sydney International On-Water Boat Show — it's the perfect setting to celebrate the best of Australian lifestyle: sun, sea and sensational wine. Just like boating, great wine is all about discovery, craftsmanship and savouring the journey," he said.
Early-bird tickets for the general public are priced at $32 (plus booking fee) and available until 22 October 2025. Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult, and all tickets include access to the Discover Boating Festival Hub. Wine Selectors masterclass sessions are ticketed separately at an additional $15 for a 30-minute tasting of four curated wines.
Every ticket bought before 22 October 2025 goes into a draw to win a two-night stay at the five-star InterContinental Sydney, complete with a dining package valued at $2,500.
Among the brands and businesses already confirmed for 2025 are 313 Marine, AMI, Amphibious AUS, Austral Propellers, Azimut, Boatology, Boating Co, Boating Partnerships, Carbon Yachts, Club Marine, Cumberland Charter Yachts, DCH Marine, E-Yachts, Fenquin, Fixtech, Flagship International, Fleming Yachts, Float Haven, Grand Boats, Kick n Bak Floats, Leopard Catamarans, Martha Cove Marine, Maritimo, Multihull, Nautilus, Ocean Media, Pacific Boating, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Princess Yachts, Ray White Marine, Sealegs International, Sherlock Industries (Birdboss), Shoreside Clothing, Short Marine, Simpson Marine, and Sirocco, with more still to be announced.
Getting to the event is straightforward. Cockle Bay sits at the heart of Sydney, served by convenient parking, pedestrian access, ferries and buses, and direct rail connections from both Town Hall and Wynyard stations. For those travelling from interstate or overseas, Sydney Airport is just a 20-minute trip away by car or train.
Show hours run from 10am to 7pm Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday closing at 6pm. The extended evening hours mean visitors can take in the harbourside atmosphere during the long spring twilights, making the most of an event that blends lifestyle, leisure and marine commerce in one of the country's most recognisable waterfront settings.
Official partners supporting the show include Walcon Marine, GMSV, Century Batteries, MitchCap Finance, Ocean Media and Wine Selectors.
The November event is part of a broader evolution in Sydney's boating calendar. Now in its 56th year, the Sydney International Boat Show has expanded into two distinct events designed to serve different corners of the marine community. The indoor Sydney Boat Show ran from 14 to 17 August 2025 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, drawing together paddle, power and sail craft alongside marine technology, gear and boat-based fishing under a single roof. The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show complements that event with an open-air spring showcase focused on larger in-water vessels, set against Darling Harbour's harbourside precinct. Between them, the two shows offer a more complete picture of Australian boating than either could deliver alone.
