Get ready for curtain-up at the best musicals, theatre shows and live entertainment playing in Melbourne in 2025 and 2026.
Entertainment
Yorke Saltwater Classic
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Darwin 4WD, Boating & Camping Expo
Sydney Boat Show
South Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Best boat shows in Victoria and across Australia
With 85 per cent of Australians living within 50km of our extensive coastline, it's no surprise that boat shows draw the crowds annually. Whether you're into sailing, fishing, power vessels or simply curious to browse, here's your guide to the best boat shows in Victoria and Australia.
Boat shows are a great way to discover the best in boating, including cutting-edge marine tech and premium fishing gear. Alternatively, you can relive the days of tall ships and wooden boats at a classic boat show.
You can plan a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide for the SA Boat & Fishing show, explore Geelong's waterfront and watch the Festival of Sails, or go on an epic road trip to Darwin for a boating and camping expo.
More RACV boating and fishing guides
Australia's best boat shows
Perth Boat Show
This September, the Perth Boat Show presents water enthusiasts with a wide range of boats, marine equipment and lifestyle exhibits across three fun-filled days. Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the family-friendly event has an impressive line-up of water vessels, the latest in marine innovation, a range of exhibitors and ample entertainment.
Whether purchasing your dream power boat, checking out fishing equipment, to listening to inspiring speakers, the Perth Boat Show is an affordable day out for all.
When: 19–21 September 2025
Where: Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, Perth, WA
Find out more: perthboatshow.com
SA Boat & Fishing Show
For South Australia's premier event for water enthusiasts, head to the SA Boat and Fishing Show this October.
Held at the Adelaide Showground, discover a wide range of boats, fishing gear, and marine accessories to kickstart or upgrade your boating or fishing lifestyle. There are also expert-led seminars, interactive displays, the latest in fishing and boating safety advice, plus show specials to entice.
Part of a 'two shows in one' concept, the SA Boat and Fishing Show runs alongside the Adelaide 4WD and Adventure Show.
When: 24–26 October 2025
Where: Adelaide Showground, Adelaide, SA
Find out more: saboatshow.com.au
Does looking for a new boat bring a smile to your face? Image: Perth Boat Show
Melbourne Boat Show
The Melbourne Boat Show returns this October at the New Quay Promenade in Docklands. In its 63rd year, this free-entry event showcases the latest in boating, marine tech, and watercraft across seven marinas. It’s your chance to explore over 100 engaging exhibits, attend lively seminars, and enjoy on-water demonstrations.
Promising bigger and better for 2025, over 38,000 attendees from across Victoria and beyond attended in 2024. Attendees also revelled in the Melbourne Boat Show's family-friendly atmosphere, with live entertainment and popular kids' activities.
When: 16–19 October 2025
Where: New Quay Promenade, Docklands
Find out more: melbourneboatshow.com.au
Sydney International On-Water Boat Show
The reimagined Sydney International On-Water Boat Show takes place at iconic Darling Harbour for a four-day event billed as one of the Pacific's premier marine lifestyle events.
In its 56th year, this year's event has moved to spring, ideal for its scenic outdoor position on a purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay Wharf. Attendees can access four days of marine magic, with on-water displays of luxury vessels, power cruisers and sailboats.
The event will feature an impressive on-water display of high-performance boats, alongside vibrant foreshore activations and marine lifestyle exhibits. A jam-packed line-up of entertainment, foreshore activations, and hands-on displays ensures a fun day out for all.
When: 13–16 November 2025
Where: Cockle Wharf, Darling Harbour
Find out more: sydneyboatshow.com.au/sydney-international-on-water-boat-show/
Festival of Sails
Join Australia's largest keelboat regatta for the Australia Day long weekend to witness world-class sailing action and top-tier entertainment. Free to attend, the Southern Hemisphere's largest sailing regatta takes place at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club on Eastern Beach.
Returning in January 2026, the Festival of Sails combines competitive sailing with a vibrant waterfront festival. Expect live music, gourmet food stalls, and family-friendly activities, including nightly fireworks.
When: 24–26 January 2026
Where: Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Geelong
Find out more: festivalofsails.com.au
Boat shows are a great way to meet other boating enthusiasts. Image: Sydney Boat Show
Australian Wooden Boat Festival
The biennial Australian Wooden Boat Festival is the largest celebration of wooden boats in the Southern Hemisphere. Transforming Hobart's waterfront this February, an exemplary collection of over 400 wooden boats - including tall ships and classic vessels - will be on display to honour our marine heritage.
Attendees can also discover cultural exhibitions, join hands-on workshops, and enjoy a variety of food and entertainment. The Australian Wooden Boat Festival’s kids' precinct makes this a great event for the whole family.
When: 5–8 February 2026
Where: Hobart Waterfront, TAS
Find out more: australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au
Geelong Boat Show
After the success of the inaugural Geelong Boat Show in 2025, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria are hosting the event again at the Geelong Waterfront. Expect to see a wide range of boats – from superyachts to speed boats - plus the latest equipment for your boating needs and informative lifestyle exhibits.
The Geelong Boat Show promises entertainment by way of the Offshore Superboats Championships, adding high-speed excitement to this free event.
When: TBC 2026
Where: Geelong Waterfront
Find out more: geelongboatshow.com.au
Yorke Saltwater Classic
The biennial Yorke Saltwater Classic returns in April 2026 to celebrate lovingly restored wooden and classic vessels from boat-building greats. Held at the sister towns of Stansbury and Port Vincent on the Yorke Peninsula, this free two-day event has been growing in popularity since its inception in 2003.
On Saturday, get up-close to the vessels in Stansbury before they sail to Port Vincent. On Sunday, the fleet will be on display in the Port Vincent marina before more parades in the bay. Seaside markets, rousing entertainment and regional eats combine for this community-fuelled weekend event.
When: 18-19 April 2026
Where: Stansbury & Port Vincent, Yorke Peninsula
Find out more: ypsaltwaterclassic.org.au
Australia boasts a large collection of boat shows. Image: Festival of Sails
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
The Gold Coast’s premier boat show returns in May 2026, showcasing over 800 vessels, from small boats to superyachts. Held at Sanctuary Cove, a high-end resort with an expansive marina, the event is billed as the Southern Hemisphere's "most glamorous, immersive boating lifestyle event".
With over 45,000 attendees this year, the event is growing again with more exhibitors and marine products in 2026 - all celebrating aquatic and exotic lifestyles.
Alongside luxury launches and the latest in marine innovations, Sanctuary Cove's Lagoon Beach Club offers gourmet dining, premium beverages and live entertainment (with plenty for children) in a superyacht-inspired setting.
When: 21–24 May 2026
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, Queensland
Find out more: sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
Darwin 4WD, Boating & Camping Expo
Dedicated to the latest boats, 4WD vehicles, caravans and camping products, the Darwin 4WD, Boating & Camping Expo is the Top End's premier leisure lifestyle showcase.
Held at the Darwin Convention Centre, the event introduces products for outdoor enthusiasts, along with engaging demonstrations, lively exhibits, and show specials ideal for the region's rugged conditions. Family-friendly entertainment, craft beer, market stalls, and food trucks to round out the two-day expo.
When: TBC June 2026
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, NT
Find out more: darwin4wdcampingexpo.com.au
Sydney Boat Show
New in 2025, the Sydney Boat Show was held on 14-17 August at Sydney Olympic Park's Showground. It catered for those interested in fishing boats, sailing vessels, and marine technology.
Across four days, there were expert talks, hands-on demonstrations and boating innovations on display. The Discover Sailing and Paddling Club on the Cockle Bay Marina Foreshore gave attendees the chance to try something new, be it fishing, sailing knots or paddling techniques.
There was also a giant indoor pool, boating and fishing celebrities on the main stage, informative masterclasses and two relaxing areas with ample food and drink. All tickets included travel on trains, metro and light-rail services for an effortless day out.
When: 30 July-2 August 2026
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Find out more: sydneyboatshow.com.au
Many boat shows incorporate demonstrations or races. Image: Festival of Sails
South Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Returning in 2027, the biennial South Australian Wooden Boat Festival takes place in the historic river port of Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Celebrating the region's rich maritime history, the excitement at the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is not only in the array of wooden boats and its focus on the culture of boat building, but thrilling sailing races, on-water displays, and uplifting entertainment.
This free festival unites boat enthusiasts and the local community in a fun-filled atmosphere with activities for the whole family.
When: TBC 2027
Where: Goolwa, SA
Find out more: woodenboatfestival.com.au
