Boat shows look set to have a bumper year in 2015. These are the perfect way for a boatie to spend a weekend – whether you’re looking to buy or just want to stay in the know. Let’s take a quick look at what to expect from some of them.
February
MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival
This is Australia’s and one of the world’s best showcases of wooden boats. Talk to boat owners, builders and the folks who sail them.
Dates: 6-9 February, 2015.
Location: Hobart waterfront.
Entry: Free.
March
Sydney Trailerboat & Outdoor Leisure Show
This show is located a short drive from the city, at Sydney Olympic Park. One of the show’s highlights is the Supertank, where experts give fishing and marine equipment demonstrations. The experts from AL-KO will be on hand, so have your boat trailer equipment and accessories questions ready.
Dates: 7-8 March, 2015.
Location: Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park.
Entry: Free.
Hillarys Boat, Dive & Fishing Show
Hillarys will feature kayak and safety demonstrations, boat trials, cooking presentations, live filleting shows and casting lessons right on Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Dates: 6-8 March, 2015.
Location: Hillarys Boat Harbour, Perth.
Entry: $10, children aged under 16, free.
Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show
With workshops, seminars, activities and challenges, Manly (the Brisbane one) comes alive in March with the Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show.
Dates: 6-8 March, 2015.
Location: Manly Boat Harbour, Brisbane.
Entry: Adult one-day tickets $13, two-day tickets $20; seniors $11; kids under 15 years, free.
May
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
More than 300 exhibitors and 500 boats showcase the ultimate in marine lifestyle. Once you’ve finished looking at yachts, pay the luxury car exhibitors a visit. You might want to take the opportunity to sit inside a Maserati.
Dates: 21-24 May, 2015.
Location: Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast.
Entry: TBC.
Gold Coast International Marine Expo
On the doorstep of Australia’s largest shipyards, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the marine industry.
Dates: 21-24 May, 2015.
Location: Coomera, Gold Coast.
Entry: Adults $10; seniors $7; kids under 15 years, free.
June
The Supertank is where the action is with live fishing demonstrations. Look out for the AL-KO team somewhere in the 30,000 square metres of exhibitors at Jeff’s Shed.
Dates: 12-15 June, 2015.
Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Entry: TBC.
A showcase of vessels large and small, products and accessories, services and expert advice, seminars and workshops, holiday destinations and entertainment.
Dates: 25-28 June, 2015.
Location: Adelaide Showground.
Entry: TBC.
July/August
Sydney International Boat Show
With more than 1000 boats on display (including 200 on the marina), the Sydney International Boat Show is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. The AL-KO team will be one of the 200 exhibitors there, so hit them up with your marine trailer questions. Note: the undercover section of the show has relocated to Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island while renovation work takes place at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.
Dates: 30 July to 3 August, 2015.
Location: Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.
Entry: Adult one-day tickets $21, two-day tickets $30; seniors $19; kids under 18 years, $13.
September
Brisbane International Boat Show
It’s Queensland’s biggest boating show. Australia’s best tournament anglers will compete in the Bream Weigh-in over the three-days the show is on and you’ll want to say ‘hi’ to the AL-KO team for advice on boat trailer accessories.
Dates: September, 2015 (TBC).
Location: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane.
Entry: TBC
October
Club Marine SA Boat and Fishing Show
Held in conjunction with the Adelaide 4WD and Adventure Show, punters will get two shows for the price of one.
Dates: 23-25 October, 2015 (TBC).
Location: Adelaide Showground.
Entry: Adults $16; concession $13; kids under 16 years, free.
Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show
Boat enthusiasts will be well catered for at Western Australia’s largest boat show and the third largest in Australia.
Dates: 9-11 October, 2015.
Location: Mandurah Offshore Fishing & Sailing Club, Mandurah Ocean Marina
Entry: Adults $18; concession $14, kids under 16 years, free.
Pick one event or a couple and head to your local boat show in 2015.
Dreaming of that next big purchase? Here’s everything you need to know (plus more).
Photo Credit: Boating Industry Association of Victoria