Event Dates
From: Sunday, December 6, 2026
To: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ boat party is back for another season this coming Summer.
Your own yacht, your own crew and a harbour full of men in swimwear. SHIPrekt returns for its seventh season, bringing eight boats together for three summer Sundays of swimming, DJs and onboard barbecues.
- Visiting Sydney? Stay at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, rated “Fabulous” by guests featuring spacious rooms with exceptional views, large windows and a stunning rooftop pool.
The Event
- Next Edition: Sunday, December 6, 2026
- GAYMentertainment and The Yacht Social Club host SHIPrekt on Sydney Harbour, combining a private boat day with a shared gay party on the water.
- Gather your friends and book an entire yacht. Your boat becomes your group’s base for the day, joining the other vessels at the raft-up for music, swimming and socialising.
- Expect swimwear, inflatables and plenty of time on deck. Bring your own drinks and substantial food, with a barbecue onboard for lunch.
- Just eight yachts take part in each sailing, so organise your group before choosing your boat.
- Upgrade your Sydney experience at the Capella Sydney, rated “Exceptional” by guests in a beautifully restored building in the centre of Sydney featuring stunning designer rooms and high-end amenities.
The Schedule
Date & Time Event Venue Sunday 6th December 2026 10.30 am
to 4.30 pmSHIPrekt December Sydney Harbour
Departure: Rose Bay WharfSunday 24th January 2027 10.30 am
to 4.30 pmSHIPrekt January Sydney Harbour
Departure: Rose Bay WharfSunday 28th February 2027 10.30 am
to 4.30 pmSHIPrekt February Sydney Harbour – Mardi Gras Edition.
Departure: Rose Bay WharfRegistration opens at 10.30 am. Boarding times vary with public wharf access.
Choosing Your Yacht
- Bookings are for whole boats, with different capacities and layouts. Options range from Catalyst for up to 20 guests to larger vessels offering extra places at a supplementary charge.
- Yacht hire, skipper, crew and admission to the shared raft-up are included. The wider event has a floating DJ stage, lifeguards and safety boats.
- Compare the individual boat listings for deck space, covered seating and equipment before booking.
- Social Split lets the lead booker pay a deposit and share a private payment link with friends. Availability depends on how far ahead you book.
- Budget for a separate refundable AUD 1,500 damage bond per yacht.
Before You Board
- Buy food, drinks and ice the day before. Assign the shopping across your group rather than arriving with twenty bottles and nothing for lunch.
- Substantial food is compulsory for groups bringing alcohol; glass is prohibited.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, towel, swimwear and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Bring a dry change of clothes for the journey back.
- Have breakfast before heading to the wharf and leave time to carry supplies aboard.
- Guests must be aged 21 or over. SHIPrekt is exempt from The Yacht Social Club’s standard mixed-gender group requirement.
The Departure Point
- Rose Bay Wharf is the published departure point for all three sailings.
- Confirm your yacht’s boarding instructions before travelling and use the current booking information for your arrival time.
After the Boat
Head back to your hotel for a shower and change, then make Surry Hills or Oxford Street your evening base.
- The Beresford, Surry Hills – the natural first stop. Beresford Sundays brings drinks and DJs to the courtyard, making it an easy continuation of the harbour’s social mood. Go here if your crew wants to stay together over a few drinks.
- Stonewall Hotel, Darlinghurst – head to Oxford Street for drag, cocktails and a later night. Four bars across three levels give you room to switch between conversation and the party floors. Check the Sunday programme for your sailing date.
Where to Stay in Sydney
- Darlinghurst – best for Oxford Street’s gay bars and an easy walk home after the party. Choose this district if nightlife leads your trip.
- Surry Hills – best balance of cafés, restaurants, boutique hotels and gay nightlife. A good fit for SHIPrekt visitors planning a Sunday session at The Beresford.
- Potts Point – choose it for neighbourhood dining and a quieter base away from Oxford Street. Plan a taxi for the boat departure and late-night return.
- Sydney CBD – best for larger hotels and sightseeing. The Hyde Park end is the practical choice for combining city attractions with Darlinghurst nightlife.
For this event, choose Darlinghurst or Surry Hills: you make one trip to the wharf, but can enjoy the neighbourhood throughout your stay.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
& clubs. Book now and pay on arrival.
The 1888 boutique hotel is one of the
finest in the city and offers great deals.
For further information and advice on
Shiprekt Sydney visit, Facebook
Most of the gay bars are in Oxford street so we have chosen Hotels close to all the gay bars in this area that have high reviews on booking.com
our hotel partner.
Address: 36 College Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 21 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 35-45 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Address: 16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 68 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
Address: 117-125 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 273 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: Level 1, The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Address: 231 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 133 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 2-4 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 124 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: Take a look at the website for when is on and were.
Address: 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australi
Address: 85–91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, NSW 2043, Australia
Address: 265–267 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 2-4 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
Address: 157 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Sydney that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Best Gay Beaches, Nightlife, Gym, Events & MORE!
Sydney, has several neighborhoods known for their LGBTQ+ friendliness and vibrant culture. These areas are popular among the LGBTQ+ community and allies, offering a variety of entertainment, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
Next to Darlinghurst, Surry Hills offers trendy cafes, & a bohemian feel. Popular with LGBTQ+ travelers
Known for its alternative culture, street art, quirky shops, live music, and an inclusive vibe its a unique experience.
