You don't need to travel to the southeast of France to enjoy a Riviera event. In fact, you can visit Australia's own version at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct in Coomera, Queensland. Riviera is the largest boat building company in the country, and this May you can celebrate the world of boats alongside them at the international Festival of Boating.

Riviera Festival of Boating

To quote Riviera itself: "The Riviera Festival of Boating philosophy is all about encouraging owners and aspiring owners of luxury powerboats to learn more about their boats and onboard systems … and, at the same time, having fun alongside members of our global family."

This is a boating event on a huge scale, taking place in the company's own 14-hectare factory from May 21-24.

The Festival of Boating is about bringing boat lovers together to celebrate their pride and joys through a variety of talks, workshops, tours and social events. In fact, there will be 70 seminars taking place during the four-day event, covering a wide range of boat topics.

These are accompanied by a once-in-a-lifetime $14 million undercover boat show (with red carpets and everything), as well multiple train and bus tours of the boat-building factory itself.

"We've been to the Festival every year and we really enjoy the educational events and meeting the people behind the brand," said two happy festivalgoers on the event's website.

The Riviera Factory Gala Dinner will be held on the Saturday, where guests can sit down to a three-course feast as they watch some stunning live performances.

Gold Coast Marine Expo

The Festival of Boating is being held in conjunction with the equally beloved Gold Coast International Marine Expo. As such, guests of the former are able to purchase multi-day tickets that include entry to both events, starting from $10.

This fantastic sister event runs for the same length of time, making the destination a veritable dreamland for boat lovers the world over. At the Marine Expo you can see fishing seminars, boating demonstrations, the McDonald's High Diving Show and even witness a replica 15th century Portuguese pirate ship.

If you love boats, or have any inkling towards them at all, make sure you have your Gold Coast holiday accommodation booked and ready to go come May 21.

Holidaying to the Gold Coast

Queensland's Gold Coast is probably one of the most famous holiday destinations in the entire country. Who doesn't love the idea of kicking back on a golden beach under a hot sun, watching surfers do their thing as you drift away from the world?

Though the Festival of Boating is four days, you should definitely book flights at least a week apart, so you have time to explore the region as well. Famous theme parks such as Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet 'n' Wild are here, as well as numerous other international attractions.

Lucky for you, there's plenty of excellent resort accommodation to be found in cities close to Coomera such as Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach. Each of our Mantra properties here are designed to be ideal for travellers of all ages, with a range of contemporary amenities onsite to suit your every need. During your stay, make sure to check out what relaxing facilities - such as spas and swimming pools - are available at your hotel, as well as if there is a restaurant just waiting for you to indulge in before your trip to the festival.

So what are you waiting for? Put on your sailor's cap and head to the Gold Coast to celebrate your love of boats with Australia's finest boat builders.