Image: Courtesy Sydney International Airport
Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction has returned for 2026, with more than 2,300 unclaimed items set to go under the hammer online.
Bidding for the auction opens from just $10, with proceeds to support free swimming lessons and water safety programs for Bayside residents in partnership with Bayside Council. The airport says the initiative is designed to help families who may otherwise miss out due to cost barriers.
The auction is being run by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers and includes a wide range of items left behind across the airport’s terminals. These range from everyday goods such as tech, jewellery, sunglasses and perfume through to more unusual items including ski boots, a fishing reel, boxing gloves and a Batman Lego set.
Some of the more unusual items include:
- Guitar
- Wedding Dress
- 2 Hula Hoops
- 3 skateboards
- Ski boots
- Circular saw
- Fishing reel
- Air fryer
- Rice cooker
- Electric heater
- Picnic basket
- Boxing gloves
- Tennis and badminton racquets
- Batman Lego set
According to Sydney Airport, the 2026 event aims to raise $200,000, which would fund more than 8,000 free swimming lessons for the local community. Since 2013, the airport’s lost property auctions have raised almost $2.2 million for charities and community initiatives.
Sydney Airport Group Executive People and Corporate Affairs Kristen Sweeney said:
“For more than a decade, our Lost Property Auctions have raised almost $2.2 million for charities and community initiatives, turning unclaimed items into real support for the communities around the airport.
“Cost-of-living pressures are placing real strain on families right now, and swimming lessons are one of the things that can easily fall out of the budget. Every dollar raised helps remove that barrier, giving local families access to free lessons and water safety education.”
Bayside Council Mayor Cr Edward McDougall also welcomed the partnership, saying:
“Learning to swim is a critical life skill, but too many children and families in our community miss out due to cost and access barriers.
“This partnership with Sydney Airport will help us deliver free swimming lessons and water safety education to those who need it most.
“Bayside is a diverse and growing community, and programs like this play an important role in building confidence in the water, improving safety and supporting stronger, more connected communities.”
Bayside LGA is home to around 182,000 residents, with almost half of the community born overseas. The program is designed to improve access to swimming and water safety education across culturally diverse communities.
The program includes learn to swim lessons for children, young people and adults, as well as beach and water safety education. Bayside Council will roll out the program across local venues in the coming months, including Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre, local beaches and foreshore areas, and community venues such as Arncliffe Youth Centre.
The auction catalogue is now available online, with items scheduled across themed sales in the coming weeks.
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