Sydney's November boat shows, sorted

October 1, 2026

Sydney had two big boat shows in 2026, and a third, smaller one is coming up this weekend. Here's which is which.

This weekend: The Spit Boat Show

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026, 10am to 4pm Fergusons Marina, 83 Parriwi Road, Mosman

This is a two-day show on the water at The Spit, run by three local dealers: Short Marine, EYachts and Boating Syndication Australia. It's built around day boats and motor yachts you can step aboard, from brands such as Axopar, Grady-White, Pardo and Capelli. The organisers ask you to register on the show's website before you go.

It's much smaller than the big shows, and that's the point. You can see the boats and talk to people without a crowd.

Getting there. Parking around The Spit is tight on a sunny weekend. Coming by boat? Check with the marina about berthing first, and remember the bridge. The Spit Bridge opens on a schedule, so look up the opening times before you plan the trip in or out of Middle Harbour.

Darling Harbour's on-water show: dates not yet confirmed

In November 2025 the Boating Industry Association moved its Sydney International On-Water Boat Show back to Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour. It ran from 13 to 16 November 2025, with a floating marina of boats from about 10 m to 30 m-plus and a free festival hub at Tumbalong Park.

Some listings show the same dates, 13–16 November, for 2026. Treat those with caution. As of 1 October, the organiser's own site says the 2026 dates are "coming soon". Copied over to 2026, those dates would run Friday to Monday, which isn't how the show has been scheduled before. If the dates are confirmed, we'll share them.

The winter show has been and gone

The BIA's indoor Sydney Boat Show ran from 30 July to 2 August 2026 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. That's the one with trailer boats, engines and the most gear stands. Check the BIA's site for the 2027 dates.

Getting the most from a boat show

Go early on the first morning. Brokers have time to talk and the boats are clean.
Bring your numbers. Know your tow vehicle's towing limit and ball weight, your storage options and your budget, including insurance, rego and annual servicing.
Ask for a sea trial. A boat feels different at the dock than it does crossing a ferry wake off Bradleys Head. Most dealers will book one in.
Look underneath. Check the bilge, the wiring and how easy it is to reach the engine for servicing.
Show pricing. There are often deals, but ask what's included: trailer, safety gear, registration and delivery.

If you're just going to look, The Spit on a spring weekend is a good morning out anyway. Take a coffee down to the water and see what's new.

Sources

thespitboatshow.com.au — Sat–Sun 7–8 Nov 2026, 10am–4pm, Fergusons Marina, 83 Parriwi Rd Mosman; run by Short Marine, EYachts and Boating Syndication Australia; register online
mysailing.com.au — Spit Boat Show returns 7–8 November
sydneyboatshow.com.au — BIA site: Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, Cockle Bay, "2026 DATES COMING SOON"; Sydney Boat Show 30 July–2 Aug 2026 at Sydney Showground
sydneyboatshow.com.au — on-water show returned to Darling Harbour in November 2025
marineindustrynews.co.uk — 2025 on-water show ran 13–16 Nov 2025 at Darling Harbour (BIA with Mulpha Events)
afloat.com.au — Sydney Boat Show 2026 at Sydney Showground, 30 July–2 August
yachtkings.tv — third-party claim of 13–16 Nov 2026 (not confirmed by the organiser)