From forgotten items to future swimmers Sydney Airport’s 2026 auction begins

Sunday 28 June 2026

  • More than 2,300 unclaimed items to be auctioned online, with bidding from just $10
  • Proceeds will fund free swimming lessons for local families through a partnership with Bayside Council
  • 2026 Lost Property Auction catalogue: www.theodorebruceauctions.com.au
  • Annual auctions have raised almost $2.2 million for community and charity
  • Photos for media use available HERE

Sydney Airport's popular Lost Property Auction is back for 2026, with more than 2,300 items left behind at the airport going under the hammer.

Bids start at just $10, with proceeds going towards free swimming lessons and water safety programs for Bayside residents who might otherwise miss out.

Since 2013, Sydney Airport’s Lost Property Auctions have raised almost $2.2 million for charities and community initiatives.

The 2026 auction, run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, gives shoppers across Australia the chance to snap up everything from tech, jewellery, sunglasses and perfume to quirky one-offs such as ski boots, a fishing reel, boxing gloves and a Batman Lego set.

This year's proceeds will support the delivery of Bayside Council's Community Learn to Swim and Water Safety Program, providing free lessons and education for people facing cost, access and participation barriers.

Sydney Airport aims to raise $200,000 from the 2026 Lost Property Auction, equating to more than 8,000 free swimming lessons for the local community.

Kristen Sweeney, Sydney Airport Group Executive, People and Corporate Affairs, 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.”

Mayor, Cr Edward McDougall, Bayside Council, said: “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 includes around:

  • 628 lots of clothing
  • 350 lots of jewellery and watches
  • 250 lots of earbuds
  • 100 lots of headphones
  • 150 pairs of sunglasses
  • 120 laptops
  • 100 bags
  • 100 belts
  • 60 bottles of alcohol
  • 60 scarves
  • 50 pairs of shoes
  • 40 lots of perfume
  • 40 e-readers
  • 40 cameras
  • 5 gaming consoles

Some of the more unusual items include:

  • Guitar
  • Wedding Dress
  • 2 Hulla 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

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers Director, Casi Prischl, said: "The Sydney Airport auction is one of our most-loved events. People from all over Australia log in to bid, not just for the bargains, but because they know every dollar goes towards something meaningful in the community.

"This year we have a brilliant mix of high-quality tech, gorgeous jewellery and watches, sunglasses, bags and perfume. With 120 laptops, 350 lots of jewellery and 150 pairs of sunglasses up for grabs, there is something for everyone.

"For the kids and the young at heart, we have a Batman Lego set, gaming consoles and three skateboards just waiting to find new homes.

"And for those who enjoy a surprise, we have ski boots, a fishing reel and boxing gloves up for grabs. Whether you are planning a weekend adventure or just looking to reel in a great deal, opening bids start at just $10."

How lost property is returned, reused and rehomed

Sydney Airport's dedicated lost property team works hard to reunite lost items with their owners. Last year the team returned more than 6,000 items left behind by passengers.

Items that remained unclaimed from the last year have been donated to local charities or repurposed in this year’s auction. It's worth noting that checked baggage is managed by individual airlines and is not included in the auction. Travellers looking for lost baggage should contact their airline directly.

Sydney Airport has also recently opened a new passenger-facing Lost Property office in Terminal 2, located opposite Gate 55, making it easier for travellers to make enquiries in person. The office operates from 8am to 4pm on weekdays.

The auction kicks off today, Sunday, 28 June, closing on the following dates:

  • Tech & Gaming | Monday 6 July | 11am
  • Jewellery & Watches | Tuesday 7 July | 11am
  • Sunglasses, Scarves & Accessories | Tuesday 7 July | 2pm
  • Clothing & Shoes | Wednesday 8 July | 11am
  • Beauty, Alcohol, Home | Wednesday 8 July | 2pm

Items can be shipped (delivery fees apply) or picked up by appointment from 118 Parramatta Road, NSW 2048. 

Notes to Editor

  • Last year's Lost Property Auction raised $253,142 for Sydney Airport's Community Water Safety Program in partnership with Inner West Council.
  • Since launching in June 2025, the program has delivered more than 2,600 swimming lessons to local children, with more than 14,000 free swimming lessons and water skills sessions planned overall.
  • Sydney Airport has also committed $5 million towards the rebuild of Botany Aquatic Centre, supporting long-term community access to swimming and water safety facilities in the local area.
  • At T2, unclaimed books from Lost Property are also rehomed through a “Little Library” initiative, where travellers can take a book, read it on their journey and pass it on.
  • Catalogue of items for sale: https://www.theodorebruceauctions.com.au/
  • Lost property enquiries: sydneyairport.com.au/lost-property