The Sydney Boat Show 2025 - special CBN Feature

MAJOR LAUNCHES AT THE

2025 Sydney Boat Show THE Sydney Boat Show is set to make a splash at its new indoor venue, Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park, from 14 to 17 August 2025, with a number of Australian, Asia-Pacific and international debuts scheduled across the four-days.

The Show will deliver the ultimate boating and fishing lifestyle experience all under one roof. With more than 21,000m? of indoor exhibition space and extended footprint into Riverina Ave, the Show will showcase the latest in trailerable boats, personal watercraft, marine technology, fishing gear, and on-water accessories.

Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) President, Adam Smith, said the Sydney Boat Show will be more than just a boat show, offering a valuable and dynamic platform for a wide range of new product launches and premieres.

“The Sydney Boat Show will be much more than a place to see boats – it’s a hub for discovery, innovation and connection. It is where you can find all of the latest in marine innovation under one roof, including products that haven't even hit the global market yet,” Smith said.

“Whether you're upgrading your vessel, exploring the latest in marine technology, or simply soaking in the boating lifestyle, you’ll find it all at the Show,” he said.

See our preview inside of some of the exciting launches and premieres happening at the 2025 Sydney Boat Show:

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY SYDNEY BOAT SHOW

On course for Sydney Olympic Park HE new-look Sydney Boat Show will drop anchor at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park 14-17 August with an action-packed program.

The show is set to deliver four full days of boating, fishing, family fun and marine innovation, showcasing more than 400 boats plus the very best of the Australian boating lifestyle. Explore cutting-edge marine technology, the latest gear and gadgets, and a strong line-up of boat-based fishing exhibits - all presented by a wide range of premium exhibitors, and complemented by interactive activities and expert-led fishing and cooking masterclasses. Plus, loads of giveaways, prizes and bargains.

On Saturday, 16 August at 1:30pm, Miguel will light up the Anaconda Main Stage with a high-energy live cooking demonstration. Watch him prepare his legendary fish and chips, boldly infused with his very own craft beer, Rubia.

After the demonstration, follow the aroma to the Riverina Garden Bar, where Miguel’s pop-up food truck will be serving up fresh, piping-hot portions of his iconic dish paired perfectly with an icecold Rubia. Miguel will also be roaming the exhibition floor on Friday, 15 August and Sunday,

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17 August, mingling with fans and hosting lively Q&A sessions packed with expert cooking tips and cheeky charm.

General admission is $19 (plus booking fee), with free entry for children under 16 years when accompanied by

a paying adult. Tickets are available now and as a bonus include travel on trains, metro, and light rail services throughout the show. Just show your event ticket to the transport staff when boarding. Sydney Olympic Park is easy to access by public transport, including regular train services to Olympic Park Station, as well as bus and ferry options, or via the new WestConnex link with lots of parking available.

Download the Sydney Boat Show smartphone app from the Apple Store or Google Play App store as an easy way to ensure you find all the boats and brands on your wishlist.

Using the app, you can view the What’s-On Guide, see the schedules for the Anaconda Main Stage and Demonstration Pool, navigate the show with the show map and access the Exhibitor Directory with details of what brand to find where.

The 2025 Sydney Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) and its event delivery partner Mulpha Events, and proudly supported by Partner in Safety – Transport for NSW, along with event partners Anaconda, Century Batteries, and GM Speciality Vehicles and Ocean Magazine.

To find out more, including tickets visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.

A great day out for all the family OOKING for the perfect family winter weekend escape? Enjoy four jam-packed days of marine adventure, live entertainment and interactive fun. This year’s show is more than just boats — it’s a full-scale family event where every generation can discover something new. From the latest marine technology and wa-

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tercraft to live shows and interactive zones, it’s the ultimate celebration of life on, in and by the water.

Adventurers will be well looked after with face painting, interactive activities including paddle boats in a large inflatable pool, kids’ play zones and the chance to meet their fishing idols.

Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) President, Adam Smith says the show is about more than just showcasing boats. “Boating offers a healthy, screen-free way for families to connect and enjoy our world-class waterways.

Events like this highlight just how accessible and fun the boating lifestyle can be for everyone.”

For some friendly competition, head to the Boating Safety Zone, where families can test their skills in the lifejacket challenge, and learn valuable water safety tips in a fun, engaging way. Don’t miss the chance to stock up on bargain deals on rods, reels and tackle at the popular Hot Tackle stand.

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FISHING LEGEND ANDREW ET ETTINGSHAUSEN’S

TOP PICKS for the 2025 Sydney Boat Show USSIE sporting legend turned fishing icon Andrew “ET” Ettingshausen is reeling in the excitement as official ambassador for the 2025 Sydney Boat Show. ET is at the helm to guide visitors through the must-see highlights.

Best known for his long-running television series Escape Fishing with ET, Ettingshausen will make special appearances throughout the four-day event, sharing stories from his adventures across Australia’s most remote and spectacular waterways.

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ET’s Top Six Must-Sees at the 2025 Sydney Boat Show: 1. The Anaconda Main Stage - Hear from top anglers and celebrity chefs with live fishing demos, tackle tips and delicious seafood cooking sessions.

2. The Anaconda Demonstration Pool - Catch paddle sports demonstrations, product launches and live-action performances in this high-energy space designed to put new gear to the test. Plus kids can test out the pool on paddleboats.

3. Boating Safety Zone - Dive into safety essentials with Transport for NSW and maritime partners, then take on the family-friendly lifejacket challenge for a fun twist.

4. Fishing Supertank - Learn casting techniques and fishing secrets with expert Michael “Cookie” Cook, performing live daily demos at the massive on-site tank.

5. Riverina Avenue Outdoor Precinct - Browse a relaxed open-air display of marine and lifestyle brands

before unwinding at the Garden Bar, complete with food trucks, live tunes, and guest appearances by ET. 6. Family Fun Zone - From face painting to marine-themed games, younger visitors will find plenty to explore in this colourful, hands-on area designed just for kids.’

Escape Fishing with ET airs nationally on Network Ten and 10 Drama, or stream it on YouTube @escapewithetTV and special guest appearance from #Schroom’.

Aussies take the bait with fishing ITH more than 85% of Australians living within 50km of the coast, boating is woven into the fabric of the national lifestyle. Each year, around five million Australians take to the water, and nearly one in five households own a boat or watercraft but it’s fishing that’s reeling people in.

According to a 2024 BIA National Recreational Boating Survey, nearly half of all respondents (49%%) listed fishing as the main reason they head out on the water. Findings are supported by data from the Australian Government’s National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers (2018–2021), which found that 4.2 million Australians fish

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recreationally each year by boat or from the shore (58.8%).

BIA President Adam Smith says, “Recreational fishing is not only a cherished hobby but also a major economic driver. It supports over 100,000 jobs and contributes an impressive $11B to the Australian economy each year.”

“The show will feature the latest in fishing equipment, advanced tackle, fish finders, trolling motors and hundreds of boats to suit every style, and budget,” Smith says.

A major feature of this year’s show is the Boating Safety Zone, presented by Transport for NSW and its safety partners. This interactive area will offer expert advice, hands-on safety equipment demonstrations and up-todate information to ensure boaters are safe while enjoying time on the water. Fishing fans will also be able to explore the impressive range from leading tackle retailer Hot Tackle, offering everything from light estuary lures to heavy offshore game gear, sourced from top suppliers across Australia and around the world.

The Anaconda Main Stage, hosted by Step Outside presenter and well-known fishing expert Paul Burt, will be a daily hub of live

demonstrations, masterclasses, insider tips and giveaways. Some of the best anglers in the country will take to the stage sharing their tips including Paul Burt, Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen, Shroom, Tim Simpson, Justin Duggan and Harry Curly.

Another standout attraction will be the Berkley Supertank Fishing Show, hosted by Michael “Cookie” Cook, one of Australia’s most respected fishing educators. With passion and a knack for breaking down complex techniques, Cook’s sessions are both engaging and educational for anglers of all skill levels.

Adding to the excitement, Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen—sporting legend and host of the long-running Escape Fishing with ET—is an official ambassador for the show. ET will join Paul Burt on The Anaconda Main Stage to share his behind-the-scenes stories and insights.

“Australia’s love for fishing and boating isn’t just about leisure,” Smith added. “It’s about community, wellbeing and the economy. We’re proud to bring together the best of the industry under one roof so more people can experience everything this inclusive and rewarding lifestyle has to offer.”

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BOATING IS FOR EVERYONE...

Flexible, fun ways to get started OATING has long been a cherished part of the Australian lifestyle — and now, more than ever, it’s becoming easier, more accessible, and more diverse for people of all backgrounds to get involved. From stand-up paddleboarding on a calm bay, casting a line from a small runabout, or cruising Sydney Harbour at sunset, the BIA is encouraging everyone to embrace life on, in and by the water.

BIA CEO Andrew Fielding says, “Time spent on, in, or around water supports physical and mental wellbeing, fosters social connection, and gives people a much-needed break from the fast pace of everyday life and you don’t need to own a boat or have any prior experience to enjoy it.”

With the rise of boat hire, share and membership models—like those offered by Freedom Boat Club, Book My Boat and Pacific Boating—more people now have flexible access to a range of vessels.

“These innovative models for boating use are perfect for people in urban areas who may not have space to store a boat or time for ongoing maintenance,” Fielding says. “It’s a pay-as-you-go approach to a lifestyle that may have otherwise seemed out

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of reach for some.”

From boat hire, share and mem-

bership models to paddleboards, powerboats, boat-based fishing or

wakeboarding, there’s never been a broader range of options.

There’s something for everyone OATING in NSW is as diverse as the people who enjoy it, here are a few ways that you can get on-thewater: • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP).

• Boat-based fishing.

• Wakeboarding and watersports.

• Day cruising: Hire a boat and take a picnic out on the water.

• Learn-to-sail programs.

“Boating is embedded in our culture and offers so many different experiences,” BIA CEO Andrew Fielding says.

“You don’t need to go far or spend a lot.

There’s a way for everyone to get out on the water and experience our great outdoors via a boat.”

From peaceful paddles to exciting water sports, boating in NSW offers endless possibilities — and the BIA is making sure more people than ever can be part of it.

For more information or to book tickets SCAN QR CODE or visit sydneyboatshow.com.au

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Top 10 Tips for First-Time Boaters he BIA in partnership with Transport for NSW are reminding new boaters to take a few simple steps to ensure their first experience is a positive one. Here are 10 tips: 1. Keep It Safe – Do a boating safety or learn-to-sail course, and read through the BIA’s Boating Safety Guide. Download the Marine Rescue NSW and the DECKEE apps.

2. Plan Your Activities - Plan accordingly - some activities require preparation, make a checklist to ensure you have everything.

3. Check the Weather - Don’t take risks with bad weather. Reference the Bureau of Meteorology and check DECKEE for localised conditions. If in doubt, delay or choose protected waterways. If going offshore, log your trip with Marine Rescue NSW. 4. Start Small - Ease in with short trips close to shore - build confidence, learn how your boat responds and what works best.

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parture and return, navigation or lookout.

10. Have Fun - and Don’t Forget to

Wave - Boating is about having fun. Always wave to your fellow boaters, you are a part of the boating community now.

New Products at the Show

ant to see the latest vessels, innovative marine technology, gear and accessories before they hit the market?

Here’s just some of what you can see at the show:

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5. Wear a Lifejacket - Choose a well-fitting, comfortable and Standards approved lifejacket - especially for children. There are loads of options now available.

6. Use a Pre-Departure Checklist – Allow for extra time to cross-check.

Secure your gear, check fuel and safety gear and make sure everyone knows the plan.

7. Slow Down for Waves - Ease off the throttle when you see larger waves or swells coming - what feels like a bump to the skipper can feel like a jolt to passengers.

8. Learn to Trim the Boat - Trimming adjusts how your boat rides through the water. With small tweaks, you can improve speed, fuel efficiency and comfort.

9. Get Everyone Involved - Give your passengers roles, ask kids to spot debris or help with ropes, whilst adults can help with de-

International Launches Active Anchor. Stand C340 Edencraft 655 Centre Console. Stand A301 ROTO Hydra530. Stand R105

Asia-Pacific Launches

Vortum by Zenith Engineering. Stand A216 SDX 270 Outboard by Chapman Marine Group. Stand D112 2026 Malibu Wakesetter

by Malibu Boats Australia.

Stand A404A Savwinch Winch Hauler.

Stand D107

Australia Launches Navigator 22 and Navigator 24 by BRIG Navigator. Stands: C242, C243 and C244

2350 Ultra Centrecab by Stabicraft®. Stand A231 Fanttik X9 Cross paddle board pump. Stand A223 2025 Cobalt CS22 by JD’S Boatshed. Stand C245 Dynamic Motion racing

apparel by Henri-Lloyd. Stand C326 Spliseal. Stand A223.

Honda Repower Division, Honda 150 and V6 250 outboard engine models by Whittley Marine Group. Stand C412

Rayglass 3000 and Rayglass 2700 by QMC. Stands B405 & B406 For more information visit sydneyboatshow.com.au.