Victoria's boating calendar is set to gain a significant new event when the Gippsland Lakes Boat Show makes its debut from 27 February to 1 March 2026. Positioned along the Paynesville Esplanade in the heart of East Gippsland, the show will bring together boats, marine technology, fishing gear, lifestyle products and on-water experiences against the backdrop of one of Australia's most celebrated inland waterway systems.
The Gippsland Lakes stretch across more than 600 square kilometres, taking in Lake King, Lake Victoria and Lake Wellington, and are shielded from the Southern Ocean by the long barrier of Ninety Mile Beach. The system is widely regarded as one of the country's most versatile boating destinations, offering sheltered conditions for sailing, cruising, fishing, paddling and wildlife watching. Waterfront towns including Paynesville, Metung and Lakes Entrance are easily accessible, supported by free public jetties and well-maintained navigation channels.
The show has been designed with this environment firmly in mind. Visitors can expect to find trailer boats, dayboats, cruising yachts, inflatables and lifestyle craft on display, alongside the latest marine engines, electronics and fishing technology. Several New Zealand boat brands will feature prominently among the exhibitors. Extreme Boats will appear both through Inverloch Marine and on a dedicated Extreme Boats stand, while Stabicraft and Surtees will be presented through MY Marine, with designs well suited to sheltered lakes, rivers and estuarine conditions.
A strong lineup of Australian and international brands will fill out the display. Bar Crusher Boats will present their plate aluminium fishing platforms, built around strength and offshore capability. Beneteau will bring its internationally recognised sailing and powerboat range, combining performance with comfort. Highfield Boats will display their aluminium RIB models, valued for durability and versatility across a wide range of uses. Scandinavian-inspired dayboats from Saxdor Yachts will sit alongside premium sports cruisers from Sea Ray Boats, which focuses on family boating and entertaining. Stejcraft will represent the Australian-built runabout and bowrider segment, with designs long favoured for local conditions.
Major marine equipment brands complete the exhibitor lineup. Garmin will present a full range of marine electronics, from chartplotters and sonar to integrated navigation systems. Honda Marine, Mercury Marine and Yamaha will each bring outboard ranges known for reliability and continuous development, and Minn Kota will display electric trolling motors and boat control technology that have become popular with anglers across the country.
The show runs concurrently with the much-loved Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, creating a festival atmosphere across the entire weekend. The Rally draws a fleet of classic and historic vessels to the lakes, ranging from tall ships and traditional sailing craft through to vintage motorboats and skiffs. On the water, the Grand Parade through McMillan Strait into Lake Victoria is a centrepiece attraction, while the foreshore fills with restored boats, live music and maritime stalls.
Fishing enthusiasts will find additional reason to attend with the Bream Cup 2026 running alongside the show. The two-day competitive fishing tournament targets big Gippsland Lakes bream and carries a $15,000 cash prize pool, with live weigh-ins and demonstrations from professional anglers adding to the spectacle.
Across the water at Raymond Island, the programme extends further still. The Car and Bike Show, presented by Variety, the Children's Charity, will bring classic cars and custom bikes to The Abbey on Saturday afternoon, adding motorsport flavour, food and entertainment to an already full weekend.
The mix of boats, fishing competition, heritage craft, music and family-friendly events positions the Gippsland Lakes Boat Show as a new centrepiece for boating in Victoria, celebrating both the waterways themselves and the lifestyle that surrounds them.
