Tickets on sale for Melbourne’s Discover Boating Showcase

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria has launched early bird tickets for February’s event priced from $11 for show-goers aged seven years and up, with anyone aged six or under admitted free. A family ticket is available for $22.

From next month, the ticket price rises to $14 for a single entry or $28 for families.

The first-of-its-kind event will be hosted at the National Water Sports Centre, Patterson Lakes, on February 19 and 20, and will include on-water boat tests for the first time so potential owners can try before they buy.

However, punters will have to nominate which day they plan on attending the event to help organisers ensure they manage the numbers coming through the gates in line with strict COVIDSafe guidelines.

As well as the waterfront boat display with on-water trials, the Discover Boating Showcase will include an education hub aimed at helping first-timers get out on the water, a boater’s marketplace featuring accessories such as fishfinders, and lifestyle features including demonstrations, entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, and a cafe and bar.

Parking is free, and for those who enjoy a more gentle pace on the water, non-powered watercraft also will be on display.

On-water exhibitors include Aussie Boat Sales, Crawford Marine, Davey Marine, JV Marine, Melbourne Malibu, Melbourne Marine Centre, Mercury Marine, MY Marine, Port Phillip Boating Centre, St Kilda Boat Sales and Sundance Marine.

Land-based displays will include everything from boat dealerships to winches, marine radios, Dunbier and McKay trailers, pre-purchase boat inspections, on-water safety, and even marinas where you can store a boat.

For more information, visit the Discover Boating Showcase website.