22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Six reasons why the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is the perfect family day out
Whether you're into superyacht luxury or messing around under the hood, there's nothing quite like the lifestyle that goes along with getting out on the water. That's why the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) returns every year to celebrate all things boating through a four-day event held on the Gold Coast.
SCIBS will cram a lot into its 36th annual event when it returns to Sanctuary Cove from 22-25 May. On the main stage, there will be something for the whole family, with stage shows plus cooking, boating and fishing tips. All event long, an amazing selection of sleek superyachts will be docked and on display on the marina, ready for you to admire, and
SCIBS hosts lots of kid-friendly immersive experiences, making it an unbeatable day out for everyone.
Photograph: supplied
Here are six reasons to be there – with the little ones in tow – when SCIBS returns for 2025.
Colourful street performers will be roving SCIBS for the length of the event. They'll be dressed as everything from awe-inspiring acrobats on stilts to beautiful mermaids – in costumes that are sure to delight little visitors. And yes, they will stop for photos.
Mr Kaboodle and the Wobbly Pirate Show. Photograph: supplied
On the main stage you can settle in for a SCIBS staple: Mr Kaboodle and the Wobbly Pirate Show. This fantastic kids' show is on throughout the weekend, so there will be plenty of opportunities to catch it.
The Berkley Supertank offers spectators a fish's-eye view of the world without having to get wet. A giant mobile fish tank, it will entertain dad and the kids alike. Little ones will love the chance to see so many fish swimming about, while fishing aficionados will get to watch expert Brett Thompson demonstrate different types of lures and angling techniques.
Photograph: supplied
Take the kids out on the water in the Sea Trial Zone, where you will have the chance to step aboard the latest vessels in an immersive boating experience. Experts will show you the ropes and be on hand to answer any questions you might have during the demonstration.
This year, SCIBS is also launching a new Luxury Sea Trial Precinct, giving premium buyers an exclusive opportunity to test-drive cutting-edge vessels on the stunning Gold Coast waters.
There's a dedicated kids' zone to be found at SCIBS, where you can stop in to enjoy oh-so-fun things such as face painting, glitter tattoos and arts and crafts.
Photograph: supplied
Saturday 24 May is World Boating Day - one big celebration of all things boating and marine. For the duration of SCIBS, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in the leisure boating scene – from cool gear and gadgets, to the latest innovation in watercraft. The kids will be thrilled by the spectacle, and you'll walk away with some new items for your wishlist.
Sanctuary Cove is home to the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, a luxury hotel that is nestled amidst award-winning golf courses and 4.2ha of tropical gardens, looks out on the Sanctuary Cove Marina, and is famous for its lagoon pool.
Other great stays on the Gold Coast include the child-friendly Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, which offers the chance to book an adjoining room for your kids at 50% off, along with free breakfast and a late checkout.
For a dependable budget option, Nobby Beach Holiday Village offers reasonably priced two-bedroom villas with enough room for the whole family to spread out, just 500 metres from the beach. The on-site swimming pool with a water slide is sure to keep the kids busy.
If you're travelling to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, why not extend your stay and explore what else the Gold Coast has to offer?
Arrive early in time to catch Blues on Broadbeach, the Gold Coast's blues music-focused festival, which hits town from 15-18 May. Most of the music is ticketless, so being there doesn't have to cost you a penny.
Make your kids' dreams come true with a visit to the Gold Coast's famous theme parks: Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Dreamworld. You could also blow their minds with a trip to SkyPoint atop Q1, Australia's tallest building, which offers 360-degree views of the Gold Coast below. And the kids will love the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to capybaras, Tassie devils and even red pandas.
See what's on at SCIBS.
