Melbourne Boat Show 2026 - Docklands Dates Displays and Free Tickets

Melbourne Boat Show returns to Docklands in October

The Melbourne Boat Show will stage its 64th edition across New Quay Promenade and Harbour Esplanade Docklands over four days in October 2026.

Presented by the Boating Industry Association of Victoria the waterfront show brings recreational boating displays onto the promenades and marinas with visitors able to inspect boats on land and on the water. Admission is free with registration required for tickets.

The 2026 exhibitor line-up covers fishing and cruising boats yachts ski and wake boats personal watercraft and pontoons alongside engines electronics trailers safety equipment fishing tackle and other marine products. Dealers and manufacturers will be joined by boating organisations government agencies conservation groups and maritime heritage exhibitors.

Brands represented through the current exhibitor directory include Beneteau Caribbean Garmin Honda Marine Jeanneau Malibu Boats Mercury Marine Quintrex Raymarine Riviera Sea-Doo Stabicraft Suzuki Marine and Yamaha Marine among many others.

Boating demonstrations fishing and family activities

The program extends beyond the boat displays. The show's current line-up includes the Suzuki Marine Main Stage Supertank seafood cooking demonstrations the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project Kids Zone tall ships and wooden boats and safe-boating activities.

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard's St Kilda team is also scheduled to attend with its rescue vessel subject to operational demands. Visitors can meet crew members and learn about marine search and rescue training and safety on the water.

Sailing will have an expanded presence through a collaboration involving the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Albert Park Yacht Club and Australian Sailing. The display will introduce visitors to dinghy and keelboat sailing and provide information about ways to become involved in the sport.

The Making Waves Foundation will also be represented with visitors invited aboard the Farr 47 yacht ninetySeven on Saturday and Sunday. The organisation uses sailing and boatbuilding programs to create opportunities for young people living with disability or facing other life challenges.

Free entry across four days

The Melbourne Boat Show runs from Thursday 15 October to Sunday 18 October 2026. Thursday opens at noon Friday and Saturday run from 10am to 6pm and the final day runs from 10am to 4pm.

Free tickets can be registered in advance. Visitors who scan their ticket at the show can enter the event's prize draws while registrations made before midnight on 30 September 2026 are also eligible for the advertised early-bird promotion.

The show precinct runs along New Quay Promenade and Harbour Esplanade in Docklands within walking distance of Southern Cross Station.

Thursday 15 October 2026
12pm-6pm
New Quay Promenade & Harbour Esplanade Docklands VIC

Friday 16 October 2026
10am-6pm
New Quay Promenade & Harbour Esplanade Docklands VIC

Saturday 17 October 2026
10am-6pm
New Quay Promenade & Harbour Esplanade Docklands VIC

Sunday 18 October 2026
10am-4pm
New Quay Promenade & Harbour Esplanade Docklands VIC