The first Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, organised by the
Boating Industry Association of Victoria, provided a lively and memorable
weekend from February 28 to March 1, 2026, along the scenic Paynesville
Esplanade. Stretching from the marina to the ferry terminal, the waterfront
area became a vibrant hub for boating enthusiasts, anglers, families, and visitors
who enjoy spending time by the water.
Set in the heart of Paynesville, the event celebrated the
region’s strong boating culture and its connection to the beautiful Gippsland
Lakes. Across the three days, visitors wandered through displays of boats and
marine gear, chatted with industry experts, and soaked up the relaxed lakeside
atmosphere.
The boat show was only one part of a much larger weekend of activities,
with the Bream Cup, Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, and the Raymond Island Car
and Bike Show running alongside the event, creating a packed schedule that
offered something for almost everyone.
Boats, Marine Gear and Industry Displays
At the centre of the show were the boats themselves.
Visitors explored a wide range of vessels, from practical fishing boats and
aluminium runabouts to larger offshore models built for serious anglers.
The displays extended along the waterfront, allowing people
to stroll between boats on the water at the marina and additional exhibits
along Victoria Street. For many visitors, the chance to step aboard different
models and compare features was one of the highlights of the weekend.
Many well-known marine businesses were on site, sharing
advice and answering questions from prospective buyers and boating enthusiasts.
Among the exhibitors was Melbourne Marine Centre, which showcased
several models from the Northbank Boats range. Their stand features the 520CC,
550C, 600C, and 650HT, giving visitors a closer look at the design and layout
of these popular fishing boats.
Other exhibitors also enjoyed strong interest. Bairnsdale Boats and More
reported a fantastic turnout as they sold two Stacer boats and thanked
attendees who stopped by their display for a chat. The dealership also
acknowledged the work of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria for
bringing the event to life, as well as the support of Mercury Marine Australia.
Inverloch
Marine showcased a variety of boat models, featuring several from Extreme
Boats and Proline Alloy. Visitors had the opportunity to inspect models such as
the 616, 646, and 745 Game King from Extreme Boats, as well as the Proline 1860
Side Console from Proline Alloy. All these boats are designed with serious
fishing enthusiasts in mind.
Bream Cup Delivered Exciting On-Water Action
While the displays on land drew steady crowds, plenty of
attention also focused on the fishing competition taking place across the lakes.
The Bream Cup 2026 was a two-day tournament targeting big
bream throughout the Gippsland Lakes system. Tournament boats returned to the
show precinct, where spectators gathered to watch live weigh-ins and follow
updates from the main stage.
Professional anglers were also happy to share tips with curious
visitors, discussing lure selection, rod setups, and fishing techniques.
One of the most memorable moments of the tournament came on
the final day when Riley Whelan, a 16-year-old competitor, claimed victory in
the inaugural event.
Whelan impressed the crowd with a total catch weight of
11.976 kilograms, securing the $8,000 first prize from the tournament’s $15,000
prize pool.
Classic Boats Brought History to the Lakes
Adding a sense of heritage to the modern boat show was the
Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, a biennial gathering celebrating vintage boats
and traditional maritime culture. Throughout the weekend, visitors enjoyed a diverse
display of classic vessels. The fleet includes elegant sailing boats, historic
motorboats, traditional skiffs, and smaller craft with decades of history behind
them.
One of the rally’s highlights was the Grand Parade, where
the fleet travelled together through McMillan Strait and out into Lake Victoria.
On land, restored wooden boats, rowing craft and rooftop dinghies were
displayed along the foreshore, accompanied by music, maritime stalls and plenty
of friendly conversation between boat owners and visitors.
Berkley Supertank Showed Underwater Activity
Fishing enthusiasts also gathered regularly around the Berkley
Supertank Fishing Show, which featured a large 14,000-litre mobile tank used to
demonstrate fishing techniques. Presented by experts from Berkley, the demonstrations gave
spectators a rare chance to see how fish react to different lures and retrieval
techniques.
Each presentation lasted around 20 to 25 minutes and covered
a variety of practical topics, including lure selection, catch-and-release
practices, and tips for preparing fish for the table. For many anglers in the
crowd, it was a useful learning experience that they could take with them on
their next fishing trip.
Cars and Bikes Added to the Weekend Atmosphere
Across the water, the Raymond Island Car and Bike Show added
even more variety to the weekend’s activities. Hosted by Variety: the Children’s
Charity, the event showcased an impressive lineup of classic cars, custom
motorcycles, and unique collector vehicles.
Held at the Abbey, the show took place in a relaxed bushland
setting surrounded by towering gum trees. Visitors enjoyed the chance to admire
polished chrome and vintage designs while taking glimpses of the lakes nearby.
With plenty of food options, a licensed bar and a friendly
community atmosphere, the event proved to be another popular stop during the busy
weekend.
A Promising Start for a New Event
By the time the weekend wrapped up on Saturday afternoon, it
was clear that the first Gippsland Lakes Boat Show had been a success.
Visitors spent hours exploring the displays, chatting with
exhibitors and enjoying the lively waterfront setting. The combination of
boats, fishing competitions, classic vessels, and automotive displays created a
well-rounded event that appealed to a wide audience.
For organisers and exhibitors, the strong turnout was an
encouraging sign that the show could become a regular highlight on the
Victorian boating calendar.
With beautiful weather, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty
to see and do, the event offered a fitting celebration of boating life on the Gippsland
Lakes.