The Annual Melbourne Boat Show will celebrate 50 years with a unique array of marine memorabilia including wooden and classic boats displayed in years past.
BIA Victoria will display photos, programs and boats from the last 50 Shows.
Back in 1961, boat prices ranged from $60 to $12,000 and the venue dated back to 1880 – but the boats were then, as now, the latest available from Australia and around the world.
Organisers promoted the Show as “the ideal family outing” with ample parking.
“Professionals, amateurs, mums, dads, kids and anyone will find hours of absorbing interest at this educational display,” the original advertisements proclaimed.
“International boating trends from world manufacturers” were on show, with sailing craft, speedboats, dinghies, runabouts and cabin cruisers – plus a competition for the best photograph of the “Girl in the Bikini”.
The Show’s early days marked major changes in boating, with deep vee hulls and fibreglass dominating by the mid-1960s and beginning a trend which has continued ever since.
By the mid-1970s the fashionable trim colours were pale purple and burnt green, and a 14-foot runabout could be bought complete with trailer and 60 hp outboard for a little less than $3,000.
Landmark changes arrived in 1978, when BIA Victoria bought the show from Trevor Riddell of Riddell Exhibitions Promotions Pty Ltd, and in 1996, when it moved into the brand new Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
The 50th Show runs from Thursday 1 July to Monday 5 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, opening at 10am daily, with ticket prices held at last year’s levels and special half-centennial discounts for online ticket buyers.
Online ticketing offers a $2 discount on all adult and concession tickets, a $1 children’s ticket and a special $25 two-day pas available only online – plus the chance to win one of “50 prizes for 50 years” including everything from sunglasses, fishing rods, lifejackets even a Hobie kayak.
Buy Tickets Online Here
