BOATLOADS TO SEE AND DO AT THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

The 2014 Sydney International Boat Show opens next week with both the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island and the Cockle Bay Marina at Darling Harbour filled to capacity. The show presents everything the water-loving Aussie could ever wish for. More than 60,000 visitors are expected at the show which, for the first time, is being held across two spectacular harbour venues, both available on the one ticket, with transport between the venues included for free.

Opening Thursday 31 July, more than 150 boats will be on display at Darling Harbour, ranging from the more modest, to the most luxurious, making up part of the recreational marine industry valued at $8 billion in Australia. A free continuous harbour ferry service will transport visitors from Darling Harbour across to the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island where an additional 210 exhibitors will display Trailer Boats, the latest gadgets and leading products available to recreational boaters this year. The Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island can also be accessed via a free continuous shuttle bus service operating to and from Central Station.

Once there, the Lifejacket Lounge featuring the Glebe Island Beach BBQ, near the entrance to the Exhibition Centre is a wonderful location to rendezvous with friends, catch a bite to eat, have a drink, and enjoy the view across the harbour. Amongst the many exhibitors, regular fishing clinics will take place on stage, also featuring the Musto Fashion Extravaganza (a ‘must-see’ every year), and talks by adventurers Lisa Blair and Andrew Abrahams. Lisa will speak about her goal of being the first woman to sail unassisted around Antarctica. Andrew will present amazing stories and pictures from his incredible feat of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Celebrity Chef Bart Beek will also be there cooking-up culinary delights and giving demonstrations.

The Sydney International Boat Show is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the one place where those who love boating, or want to learn more about it, can find information on owning a boat, hiring a boat, how to improve their fishing technique, see the latest in ski gear, or browse for their next tinny or kayak.

Whilst there will be plenty of public transport options, visitors wanting to drive are advised to head to Darling Harbour in the first instance. Those wishing to park at Glebe Island can do so by pre-booking their parking. Boat Show ambassadors Andrew Ettingshausen and Jessica Watson have all the transport details at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

The following tickets are available:
$ 21.00 - Adults (18 years and over)
$ 49.00 - Family (2 Adults & 3 Children, 6-17 years)
$ 13.00 - Children (6-17 years. Free entry 5 years and under)
$ 30.00 - 2-day Guest Pass (18 years and over)
$ 40.00 - 3-day Guest Pass (18 years and over)
$ 15.00 - Aged Pensioners (Must show valid pension card)
$ 19.00 - Seniors (Must show valid seniors card)

The show will open daily from 10am to 8pm at Glebe Island and from 10am to 6pm at the Cockle Bay Marina in Darling Harbour.

The Sydney International Boat Show will be joined by their Partner in Safety, Transport for NSW to ensure visitors are up to date on the latest information to help make their time on the water a better and safer experience.

Tickets and parking for Glebe Island can be purchased online at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au where a downloadable transport guide is also available to help visitors plan their day.