If you’re interested in a new boat but you’re not sure what to get, there’s inspiration to be had all through 2026. We’ve put together a list of our favourite boat shows and events in Australia, whittling the list down to just nine for your calendar.
We’ve spaced them out through the year and across the country so, hopefully, there’s at least one you can get to fairly easily.
BAD Boat Challenge
When: 16-18 January and 23-25 January 2026
Where: Mildura, VIC, and Berri, SA
More info
If you want to see international powerboat racing, 2026 starts with a treat.
Over two weekends in January – the first in Mildura, the second in Berri – a team of Australians and Kiwis will take on the visiting Americans in a competition that’ll hopefully be more competitive than this year’s Ashes.
These boats are fast, but they’re also loud. Take some ear protectors and enjoy the roar of the engines in a safer, more muffled way, and let the world’s leading pilots take your breath away.
Geographe Bay Race Week
When: 14-20 February 2026
Where: Busselton, WA
More info
The most westerly trip on our list, if you’ve ever wanted an excuse to travel to Western Australia, here it is.
Each year, the Geographe Bay Yacht Club holds a week-long event of races over a variety of classes. The event has almost doubled in size in the past few years – going from 43 to 83 vessels from 2023 to 2025 – and the organisers are hoping for the biggest and best event yet in 2026.
A highlight in the Australian sailing calendar, making the trip over to Busselton at least once is a must-do for boating fanatics.
Sail Port Stephens
When: 13 April-3 May 2026
Where: Port Stephens, NSW
More info
Just up the road from the Dealify offices, Sail Port Stephens is a three-week sailing extravaganza that we look forward to every year.
The event is broken up into three categories: Commodores cup, Performance Racing and Super Series with some of the top racers from around the country competing.
There are also events held in the area away from the races, with the annual street party the highlight.
The setting for the races is perfect, both from a competitor’s point of view and a spectator’s, as Port Stephens was named Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year for 2025.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
When: 21-24 May 2026
Where: Gold Coast, QLD
More info
With more than 300 exhibitors, 800 boats and 45,000 visitors at the 2025 event, Sanctuary Cove is the biggest celebration of boats in Australia.
The first show was held in 1988 after the competion of four manufactured harbours and since then it’s gone from strength to strength.
Last year, the biggest in its history, saw everything from mega yachts, next-gen boating tech and plenty of national and global premieres.
Float Your Boat
When: 19-20 June 2026
Where: Lake Macquarie, NSW
More info
In a spectacle like nothing else on this list, Float Your Boat is an annual tradition that now takes place over two nights.
The Friday night sees a flotilla of brightly lit boats travel from Marmong Point roudn to Wangi Wangi. On the Saturday, the boats go from Belmont round past Warners Bay and over to Marmong Point. Each boat has been decked out in lights – think Vivid on water – with a huge assortment of designs and motifs on show.
Thousands of people line the lake for this free event with pop-up sites along the route with food, live music and more entertainment.
Members of the public can enter to join the flotilla so long as they meet the requirements (such as having the right licence and a suitable boat). Each successful applicant is given $600 to spend on lights and expenses, plus free mooring for two nights. Prizes are up for grabs for some of the best designs.
Sydney International Boat Show
When: 30 July-2 August 2026
Where: Sydney, NSW
More info
Dating back to 1968, the Sydney Boat Show is the oldest boating event in Australia.
For four full days, Sydney is taken over by boating enthusiasts. You’ll be able to see the latest boats and accessories. Everything from fishing equipment and marine tech to lifestyle gear and mega yachts.
The size of the event can be overwhelming for first timers but luckily there’s an app (for both Apple and Android) that has details of exhibitors, site maps and a schedule for the show.
Melbourne International Boat Show
When: October 2026
Where: Melbourne, VIC
More info
Centred around Docklands, the Melbourne Boat Show is another massive annual event that all boat lovers should think of going to.
More than 100 exhibitors were present in 2025. As well as the big boat manufacturers, visitors could see the latest offerings from boat paint, marine eyewear and bait/tackle suppliers.
If you’re looking for a new boat or just the excuse to see what’s available in Australia this year, it’s a great place to be.
Bonus boating events
Not all the best local boat shows are necessarily in Australia or 2026. Here are two other events that deserve a mention, taking you over to New Zealand and out into 2027.
Auckland Boat Show
When: 5-8 March 2026
Where: Auckland, NZ
More info
The Auckland Boat Show celebrates its 25th year in 2026 with its biggest show ever. If you’re looking for an excuse to go overseas next year, this could be what you were looking for.
With more than 1.3km of boats on show, it’s going to be one of the best events of 2026.
Auckland focuses on high quality and innovation, so you’re sure to see the top boats and boating tech on display. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into fishing, diving or anything else water-related.
Australian Wooden Boat Festival
When: 5-8 February 2027
Where: Hobart, TAS
More info
Only held every second year, the wooden boat festival in Tassie was too good not to include.
Held over four days in 2027, this is Tassie’s largest free festival and a celebration of wooden boats. With more than 400 in the water (including 11 tall ships), it’s a spectacle to see and a great reason to finally visit Tasmania.
Two of the highlights of the festival are the Parade of Sails to kick things off and the Admiral’s Sail to close the show, but even if you can’t make these there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Back on dry land, there’s plenty to see and do. From dedicated precincts with children’s activities and street food to exhibitions, talks and workshops, there’s plenty to keep your diary full.
Financing a new boat
If you end up going to one of these boat shows, there’s a decent chance you’re going to spot a boat that you fall in love with. If your pockets aren’t deep enough to buy it outright, give us a call. Our team of brokers can help you get the best boat finance deal, letting you get out onto the water in the vessel of your dreams.
