2025 Melbourne Boat Show all set for Docklands return
The free event will be held from October 16-19, celebrating the Victorian boating community with an emphasis on promoting more female participationThe Docklands precinct in Victoria’s capital will host the 63rd Melbourne Boat Show from October 16-19, again showcasing Victoria’s powerhouse marine manufacturing industry as well as actively promoting the increased participation of women in marine activities.
Women represent just 19 per cent of marine licence holders in Victoria, and the 2025 Melbourne Boat Show is pioneering a change with dedicated Women on Water initiatives designed to inspire confidence and break down barriers to participation.
“The Melbourne Boat Show is about celebrating our whole boating community,” said Steve Walker, CEO of Boating Industry Association of Victoria.
“We’re excited to see more women, families and young people getting involved, and this year we’re working to make it even easier for everyone to discover the joy of life on the water.
“While encouraged that 26 per cent of younger licence holders aged 12-35 are female, we know we can do so much better.”
Industry leaders Eleni Savva (Savwinch) and Michelle Reid (Dunbier) will spearhead the Women on Water/Women in the Industry networking sessions alongside Welcome to Safe Boating presentations, which are open to all attendees to support greater diversity and inclusion in boating and the marine industry.
As Australia’s second-largest boat building hub after south-east Queensland, Victoria’s marine industry will again take centre stage at the show.
Haines Hunter, celebrating 25 years at its Derrimut facility, will headline a top lineup of local manufacturers, including Bar Crusher (Dandenong), Hart Marine (Mornington), Inferno Marine (Eildon), Revival Boats (Bayswater), Rolco Boats (Campbellfield), Whittley Boats (Campbellfield) and Composite Constructions (Braeside).
In addition, Parker, Benneteau, Jeanneau, Chaparral, Palm Beach and Saxdor will be among the premium international brands representing the latest in luxury marine craftsmanship at the show.
Activities at the show include:
• Supertank: Master the art of angling at the Supertank live fishing station and gear up at Tackle Island with expert advice from seasoned professionals
• Honda Marine stage: This is where you get all the expert advice from the fishing pros and industry leaders.
• Heritage adventures: Step aboard maritime history with ferry trips to the magnificent Tall Ship Alma Doepel and historic steam tug Wattle at North Wharf.
• Culinary demonstrations: Join Step Outside Show host Paul Burt at the Suzuki seafood precinct for mouth-watering live cooking demonstrations – transforming the day’s catch into meal delights.
• Cutting-edge tech: Discover the latest innovations in marine safety, navigation systems and sustainable boating solutions.
Entry is free, but if you book tickets on-line you’ll go into a draw to win prices including a one-year marina berth lease at Wyndham Harbour valued at $15,000.
For more information on the 2025 Melbourne Boat Show, including exhibitors, activities, opening hours, prizes and ticketing, click here.
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