Boat Tours in Hobart
Hobart is the capital city of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Located on the Derwent River estuary, it is a place of wild beauty and has a long history but a vibrant modern day culture. Although cooler than mainland Australia, Tasmania is a state with an active outdoor lifestyle and a dynamic food scene with locally produced wines and freshly sourced seafood. A boat tour from Hobart is the perfect way to view the dramatic landscapes and wildlife in this rugged territory.
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Hobart is the capital city of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Located on the Derwent River estuary, it is a place of wild beauty and has a long history but a vibrant modern day culture.
Although cooler than mainland Australia, Tasmania is a state with an active outdoor lifestyle and a dynamic food scene with locally produced wines and freshly sourced seafood.
A boat tour from Hobart is the perfect way to view the dramatic landscapes and wildlife in this rugged territory.
Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Hobart.
What are the most popular boat tours from Hobart?
Several destinations close to Hobart are very popular destinations for boat excursions.
Maria Island cruise and guided day tours
A boat tour to the UNESCO listed Maria Island National Park combines a cruise and a guided walk of the island’s convict settlement.
Considered one of the top Hobart tours, a visit to Maria Island presents an excellent opportunity to view seals, dolphins and whales (during their migration) as well as kangaroos, wallabies and even Tasmanian devils.
The island is the best place in the world to spot a wombat in the wild.
Bruny Island Wilderness cruise
The rugged Bruny island is situated where the Tasman Sea meets the Southern Ocean. A boat excursion here includes entry to deep sea caves, a pass by Breathing Rock and a close up view of some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs.
Tasman Peninsula day trip and boat tour
Tasman peninsula is full of surprises. The desolate and windswept outcrop of land offers dramatic basalt columns, hidden caves and the highest sea-cliffs in the southern hemisphere.
Seal colonies, pods of dolphins and soaring albatross are just some of the wildlife you can expect on a boat tour here.
Iron Pot Lighthouse cruise
The Iron Pot Lighthouse is Australia’s oldest lighthouse and on a boat tour here, your guide will share tales of Hobart’s early settlement. Sites like Battery Point and Mount Wellington are two points of reference on your excursion.
Derwent River half-day sailing tours
Derwent River cruises are perfect for admiring Hobart’s harbor and waterfront attractions. From the water you will see sights like the Tasmanian Botanical gardens, Tasman Bridge and Government House.
You can opt between either a lunch or dinner cruise.
How much do boat tours from Hobart cost?
A Derwent River cruise starts at US$20 per person excluding lunch or dinner.
Half-day boat cruises to Maria Island, Bruny Island, Tasman Island or to the Iron Pot Lighthouse cost from US$100 per person.
Full-day boat excursions to these destinations cost from US$180 per person including lunch. If ferry trips and walking tours are included, these prices can increase to around US$250 per person.
Sunset cruises and twilight sailing excursions cost from AUD$150 per person.
Which places are seen?
Mount Wellington
The forested slopes of Mount Wellington dominate the Hobart skyline. Protected by the Wellington Park reserve the mountain is a place for both summer and winter activities.
Betsey Island
Betsey Island is a small uninhabited island located in Storm Bay. Home to numerous species of seabirds, it is also the location of the historic Iron Pot Lighthouse.
Breathing Rock
Visible only from the sea, the impressive Breathing Rock blowhole is one of the top attractions on Bruny Island.
Ile Des Phoques
The Island of Seals is close to Maria Island. From here you can view famous island landmarks like the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs and the Bishop and Clerk Mountain range.
How long does a boat trip last?
Harbor cruises in Hobart last around an hour. Boat tours to the nearby islands and attractions typically take between 1.5 and 3 hours. Tasmanian seafood tours and tours around the Tasman Peninsula are full day tours and can take up to 10 hours.
Some tours combine a boat cruise with a hike or walking tour. These tours are usually full-day excursions of around 8 hours in length.
Where do boat tours leave from?
King’s Pier Marina at Franklin Wharf is a common departure point for boat tours. Other tours depart from Port Arthur, a short distance from Hobart.
There are also boat tours that require a ferry connection. In these instances, the starting point of the tour is at the Brooke Street Pier Ferry Terminal at Franklin Wharf.
To reach any of these departure points you can utilize Hobart’s excellent bus service, take a taxi or if close enough, walk from your hotel.
When is the best time for a boat trip from Hobart?
December and January boast pleasantly mild weather and consistently clear skies making these the ideal time for a boat tour.
Given the fact that part of Tasmania’s allure is its rugged wildness, a boat tour at other times of the year also have their own appeal. Twilight sailing experiences, a Hobart sailing tradition, are also popular boat excursions in the summer months.
Which other outdoor activities can be done in Hobart?
Travel tips
- Dress warmly and pack a wind-proof jacket along on your boat tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially if a walking tour is included in your itinerary.
- Advise the tour operator in advance if you have any mobility issues.
- The water can get rough, so remember motion sickness tablets.