A must-see event in Australia, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show annually attracts more than 47,000 visitors and offers exemplary opportunities to see captivating yachts for sale up close and make those all-important contacts.
Established in 1988, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is owned and presented by Mulpha Events and has grown to become a fundamental part of the local economy and often bears witness to regional debuts of superyachts for sale and an enticing social calendar.
Offering a seamless flow throughout the pontoons and a curated collection of relative exhibitors, visitors can browse an extensive collection of yachts of all shapes and sizes including sportfishers, flybridge yachts, and sports yachts.
What to expect at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Welcoming over 760 boats each year, visitors to the show can expect to see more than 330 exhibitors plus 2,500 marine products, which all come together to create the ultimate yachting package.
Accompanying the yachts being showcased, Captains, crew, and representatives are on hand for guided tours and sea trials, plus more relaxed discussions in the VIP lounge. These are great opportunities to learn more about getting started in yacht ownership and the art of creating custom yachts.
For visitors looking to get even more out of the show experience, there's a host of seminars, Q & A sessions, and fishing masterclasses running throughout the event.
Specialised zones are clearly marked throughout the exhibition grounds, ensuring a seamless flow and plenty of opportunities to see all of the exhibiting brands and the enticing showcase of boats for sale.
The Show Layout
Marina Displays
The marina area is the heart of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, featuring an impressive lineup of superyachts, powerboats, sailboats, and multihull yachts for sale. This waterfront display allows visitors to explore a wide range of luxury boats and yachts, with some exceeding 50m (165ft) in length. The marina has recently expanded to accommodate even larger yachts, making it one of the most exciting attractions at the event.
Marina Village Precinct
A bustling exhibition space where the streets are lined with an extensive selection of trailer boats, outboard engines, jet skis, kayaks, inflatables, and marine accessories. This section of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show provides an immersive experience for boating enthusiasts, allowing them to browse the latest in marine technology and recreational watercraft.
Sports, Leisure and Fishing Precinct
Spanning over 20,000m², this dedicated area of the show presents trailerable watercraft, fishing gear, and watersports equipment. It is designed for those who enjoy an active marine lifestyle, offering a variety of exhibitors with products tailored for sportsfishers, adventure boating, and leisure activities. This section also provides customizable undercover spaces for exhibitors, ensuring an engaging and comfortable experience for visitors.
Tickets and Access
Tickets for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are exclusively available online; there will be no box office at the event. There are two main ticket options, which are:
- General Admission: Priced at a daily rate. General admission grants visitors access to the main exhibition areas.
- Lagoon Beach Club Pass: For an enhanced experience, the Lagoon Beach Club offers a premium setting with amenities such as Veuve Clicquot champagne, an all-day gourmet grazing menu, and live entertainment by the water. This exclusive area provides a luxurious atmosphere.
* Children under the age of 16 can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Yachts on Show
As a leading yacht show in Australia, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is an ideal chance for the Australian audience to see many of the latest yachts for sale in person. Often used as a base to make regional debuts, visitors can expect a good selection of leading names from the yachting industry, along with many first-look opportunities.
Debuts that have previously been showcased at the event include the world debuts of the Maritimo M600 in 2024, the Riviera 585 SUV in 2023, and the Ocean Alexander 28 E in 2022.
Other debuts that have made a big impact at the show have also included the Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht. Take a closer look at this streamlined sports cruiser in our YachtBuyer Review.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Highlights
Keeping the buzz alive around the pontoons, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show offers extensive live entertainment from street performers to the exclusive program at the Main Stage. Getting everyone involved, a host of seminars, talks, and competitions can also be enjoyed.
Sea Trial Zone
A brand-new feature for 2025, the Sea Trial Zone on C Pier allows potential buyers to test-drive some of the most innovative motor yachts on the market. This exclusive area offers a unique opportunity for serious buyers to experience luxury boats in real-world conditions on the pristine waters of the Gold Coast.
Designed to facilitate hands-on experiences and help buyers make informed decisions, the Sea Trial Zone provides direct engagement with relative brokers and specialists, with visitors getting a true feel of each model's performance.
Lagoon Lounge Beach Club
With exhibitors adorning the boardwalks displaying a curated collection of nautical merchandise and services, the perimeter of the show blends the yacht displays together, giving visitors everything they need to relax and enjoy the buzzing ambiance of the show.
For extra indulgence, while enjoying the fleet of new yachts for sale, the Lagoon Lounge Beach Club is the VIP offering for the Sanctuary Cove event. Looking directly over the Superyacht Marina, a premium bar and exquisite cuisine await with exclusive access to the private lounge and concierge service throughout the four-day boat show.
In 2023 the Lagoon Lounge went one step further by providing private corporate retreats. Roped off from the mainstream lounge area, corporate areas have their own seating space along with champagne and bespoke tasting experiences.
Expanding the service more in 2024, SCIBS introduced the Lagoon Beach Club VIP Experience. Set in a brand-new raised VIP precinct, located within the grounds of the Lagoon Beach Club, the new offering allows ticket holders entry to an exclusive environment with live entertainment, a five-star grazing menu, and free-flowing drinks.
If you're looking to attend the upcoming edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, start getting an idea of what yacht you'd like to view by comparing all of the available yachts for sale tracked through YachtBuyer MarketWatch, with only real listings—no fake options to waste your time.
World Debut 
Show Premiere
YachtBuyer Reviewed
