Return of the Melbourne Boat Show to Docklands

From tall wooden ships to multi-million-dollar yachts and the latest boating innovation, the 2023 Melbourne Boat Show promises to cater to every boater’s dream when it returns to Docklands.

Berthing at the Docklands waterfront from October 26 to 29, the free event will celebrate everything boating, hosting activities and attractions for the whole family with more than 100 impressive exhibitors to explore.

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria’s chief executive Steve Walker said the show would offer an unparalleled experience on the water’s edge.

“We’re very excited about the Melbourne Boat Show, the 61st edition of it – it’s going to be bigger and better than it was last year,” he said with the latest fishing, cruising, ski, wake boarding, pontoon, sailing, jet ski, and bike boats all on show.

We’ve expanded the footprint, there will be more exhibitors, there will be a great range of entertainers, stage presenters, educators and a whole lot of family fun.

Attractions include a Nautical Showcase displaying the world’s best watercraft, sleek sailboats, and luxury cruising boats, with boat in a bag also on offer, which can be inflated on the water in less than 15 minutes.

At the Supertank live fishing station, attendees can learn to lure a variety of species and if they’re hooked, they can get all their fishing gear at Tackle Island.

Visitors can also dive into a sea of fishing gear, and experience expert advice and live demonstrations at the Fishing Fiesta, while little sailors’ activities include a ferry visit to the Heritage and Wooden Boat precinct at North Wharf in what will be a boat show first.

The new attraction will invite people to step aboard the magnificent tall ship Alma Doepel, as well as the historic steam tug Wattle and the replica topsail schooner, The Enterprize.

Adding to the excitement, the show will host workshops and seminars with industry experts sharing their nautical knowledge about safety equipment, boating rules, making weather decisions, and more.

Mr Walker said a “rig rundown” event was also sure to be a drawcard, showcasing a display of Victoria’s best 10 specked up after market boats with “all the latest gizmos and gadgets and electronics and fit out”.

Last year the event at Docklands attracted more than 30,000 people, which Mr Walker said they were confident of eclipsing as the location was a premier destination.

He said whether people were a novice angler, a seasoned paddler or boatie, the event was not to be missed with prizes up for grabs.

“We’ve got a great boat show audience with a huge appetite for what we’re going to be putting on so we’re really looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a great event.” •

melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au