2026 Gippsland Lakes Boat Show a Success

Organisers, the BIAV and Exhibitors, have hailed the inaugural Gippsland Lakes Boat Show a success after it concluded on the Paynesville Waterfront on Sunday afternoon.

Very favourable weather, an outstanding waterfront location, and a great display by Exhibitors made for two great days over the weekend. Complemented by the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, and featuring the inaugural Bream Cup, the boat show and overall festival was no doubt a great success.

The three-day estimated 4,000 - 5,000 strong crowd took in the boat show, as well as numerous Classic Boat Rally activations, including the main ‘parades’ on both Saturday and Sunday. Over 250 individual classic boats of all types and styles worked their way down the McMillan Strait and through the heart of Paynesville. Thousands lined the banks as this took place.

Exhibitors described the crowd as a genuine boat show crowd with real interest. Brand building was certainly at a premium, there were many leads generated, and there was quite a bit of evidence of people sitting at little tables in marquees with pen in hand! 

BIAV CEO Steve Walker commented, “Well done to the 50 high-quality exhibitors that displayed a great array of fishing, cruising, ski, and sailing boats, as well as many boating accessories and services.”  Adding “Our thanks go to the Victorian State Government, East Gippsland Shire, Destination Gippsland, Gippsland Ports, and Mariners Cove. He went on to single out the organisers of the Rally, recognising the excessive efforts of Bruce Stringer, Ron Parker and Vesna Rendulic.

The Bream Cup, as a feature activation, was also hailed a great success. Steve Walker commented, “BIAV has been so happy to host the event, to feature the 18 elite anglers, and to bring top-class fishing to a boat show”. He went on to thank Tournament Consultant Rhys Withers, the idea creator, Ben Scullin, the tournament director, and the BIAV team. Adding activation power to the boat show was Cookie’s Supertank and Paul Burt’s seafood cooking. Both were hugely popular over the two days.

BEST EXHIBIT

Stratford Marine celebrated on Friday evening at the Exhibitor Gathering and Event Launch. They were awarded the best exhibit prize for their display by BIAV’s boat show organiser supreme Katrina Muir. Matt Telling was taken aback, but delighted to be recognised. Word on the street was that they backed up the award with some good action over the weekend. 

Inverloch Marine GM James Cody was very enthused, stating, “It’s been great. Very busy all weekend. We’ve had lots of good, solid enquiries which we expect to convert. It’s been a success, and we will certainly be back if the event is repeated.”

Gippsland RV & Marine’s Fran Pinch commented, “We’ve had a fabulous weekend. It’s been amazing with a great turnout and lots of interest. Overall brilliant, and if it’s back again we’ll be there.

Kyabram Marine made a huge effort to attend, and Jen Larkin commented, “Fantastic. Well worth the journey. It’s a beautiful location with very enthusiastic crowds, and it's been great overall”.

Many Melbourne-based exhibitors enjoyed the event. One was MMC’s Andrew Stephen who stated “It was a good opportunity to come down to Gippsland Lakes and bring our Northbank boats, which are popular in this area.”

BIAV will assess all of the exhibitor and visitor feedback and contemplate future options for the event, but do expect to be back in 2028 alongside the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally.

Riley Whelan Crowned Champion at Inaugural Bream Cup

The inaugural Bream Cup has concluded on the Gippsland Lakes, delivering two days of high-calibre tournament fishing and a standout victory for 16 year old Metung angler Riley Whelan.

Competing against a strong field of 18 experienced anglers, Whelan secured the Inaugural Bream Cup title with a two day combined weight of 11.976kg, claiming the trophy and $8,000 in prize money. His consistent performance across both sessions proved decisive in a tightly contested competition.

Paul Malov finished second with 10.984kg, earning $4,000, while Dan Mackrell secured third place with 10.871kg and $2,000 in prize money. Cam Whittam rounded out the top four, finishing fourth with 9.656kg and taking home $1,000.

The tournament also featured daily Big Bream prizes, recognising the heaviest individual fish weighed each day.

On Day One, Riley Whelan secured the Tasline and BerleyPro Big Bream prize with a fish weighing 1.801kg, earning $500 plus a $350 prize pack.

On Day Two, Dan Mackrell claimed the Big Bream honours with a 1.59kg fish, also receiving $500 and a $350 prize pack from Tasline and BerleyPro.

The tournament produced impressive performances across the field, including the heaviest single day bag of the event, 6.495kg by Damien Dwyer on Day One while Whelan’s 6.185kg Day Two bag proved pivotal in securing overall victory.

Delivered as a feature activation of the 2026 Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, the Bream Cup attracted strong public engagement. Tournament boats were displayed along the Paynesville Beach, competitor briefings were held on the main stage, and visitors had the opportunity to interact directly with anglers and inspect professional tournament setups.

Importantly, the event contributed to the broader festival atmosphere across Paynesville, complementing the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Gippsland Lakes Boat Show drawing thousands to the waterfront. The integration of tournament angling into a major regional boat show demonstrated the commercial and community value of competitive fishing as a driver of visitation, industry exposure and regional activation.

BIAV CEO Steve Walker said the event highlighted both the strength of tournament fishing in Victoria and its role within the broader marine industry ecosystem. “The Bream Cup showcased elite angling talent while reinforcing the depth of community support behind the sport,” Mr Walker said.
“Importantly, it demonstrated how competitive fishing can enhance regional boat shows, generate strong public engagement and support local economic activity.”

The event was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors including Two Bays Suzuki Marine, Form A Sign Australia, Tasline, BerleyPro, and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV). Their backing ensured a professionally delivered, high-quality tournament experience for competitors and spectators alike.

The success of the inaugural event positions the Bream Cup as a significant new addition to Victoria’s tournament fishing calendar and a strong complementary activation within future marine events.

Click here for the full results.