our history
The Sydney International Boat Show was launched as a standalone event in 1968. The first boat show site was at the Horden Pavilion at Moore Park, where it remained until 1985.
The show ventured to a temporary facility in Pyrmont from 1986 to 1988, where an on-water component was introduced. These three years laid the foundation for what would be a long stint at the nearby Darling Harbour.
1989 was a milestone year with the opening of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. This large, first-class facility had the added benefit of Cockle Bay being a short walking distance. The show grew immensely in Darling Harbour for 25 years until 2013.
The major upgrade of Darling Harbour started soon after the show in 2013, which meant relocating to a temporary facility at Glebe Island for three years from 2014 to 2016. It also meant a split show, with the now very large and popular marina component in Cockle Bay, and a ferry service transporting show guests between the two locations.
The show returned to Darling Harbour for it’s 50th edition in 2017. Since this time, the undercover displays are located within the spacious International Convention Centre, Sydney, and the spectacular marina displays just minutes away on Cockle Bay.