2025 18th Boats Afloat Festival dates: October 31 - November 2 2025.
Great weather... another successful Festival.

Wonderful weather, a fleet of traditional boats, crystal clear waters and happy participants from up and own the coast saw us have another great Festival!

Friday night's welcome BBQ began proceedings with Narooma Marine Rescue providing the cooking and raising some money for their good work. 

Saturday's Morning Tea Cruise saw many of the boats enjoying quality water time together on Wagonga Inlet and some even cruising right up near the headwaters before heading back to the Marina for lunch at Kattalina's Cafe on the water. A jazz band provided the music for the public to come and inspect the boats and meet the owners.

Saturday evening's Dinner and Auction at Club Narooma included the presentation of the Malcolm McKay Memorial Best Boat Award to Don Parker and his SL Fossil (see below).

Brilliant sunshine on Sunday saw the fleet head down the channel and under the bridge for the Grand Parade along the Mill Bay Boardwalk. The public took advantage of the weather to line the Boardwalk and crowd the bridge to enjoy and cheer on the traditional boats on show.

Back at the Marina for lunch, farewells and promises of another great Festival next year!

Thanks to our sponsors, our organisers and all our volunteers associated with the event. 

We'll start planning the 19th Festival in 2026!

2025 Festival Images HERE

Malcolm McKay Best Boat Award 2025 - 'SL Fossil'

 

  • Malcolm McKay Best Boat Award 2024 'Queenslad Maid'
  • 2023 Malcolm McKay Best Boat Award winner "Eleanor" from the ACT.
  • Boats tie up at Narooma Marina
  • SS I K Brunell owned by Rodney Martin from Emerald in Victoria
  • Crowds on the Mill Bay Boardwalk appreciate the passing boats - Sunday's Grand Parade
  • Section of the impressive fleet during Sunday's Grand Parade

About Us:

Narooma BoatsAfloat Inc is a group of people with an interest in enjoying and celebrating Traditional Boats in all their varied forms – from clinkers and putt-putts to launches and cruisers and yachts.

In spring every year since 2006 a weekend festival is held on and around the pristine waters and colourful boatsheds of Wagonga Inlet in Narooma on the NSW south coast.

The Festival is open to any traditional style boat – Putt Putts, Steam, Sail, Rowing and Kayaks.

Each year we provide a relaxed program of boating activities on the crystal clear waters of Wagonga Inlet in scenic Narooma on the NSW South Coast.

This website provides a record of some of the past festivals as well as information for the public and for boaties on any upcoming festival.