A Summer Affair with Tasmania

Are you displaying your boat at the AWBF2025? Even if you’re not, and still planning on travelling south for the Summer months, we recommend booking your berths now.

Each Summer we see more and more vessels from interstate enjoying our glorious tranquil waters, for short stays and long term stays.

Explore pristine waters and stunning coastlines

Tasmania is renowned for its clear blue waters and breathtaking coastal scenery. From the tranquil bays to the rugged cliffs, there’s something for every sailor to enjoy. Navigate the scenic routes, drop anchor in secluded coves, and soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you. The calm, sheltered waters make it an ideal destination for a leisurely boating adventure, allowing you to take in the sights at your own pace.

Surprisingly to some people, Tasmanian temperatures increase over the Summer period. On average the temperature sits around 21-23 degrees, and often late 20s. January and February often sees temperatures above 30, with the sun being exceptionally strong in Tasmania (so be sun smart, especially on the water).

Unmatched boating experiences

Boating activities and experiences are endless in Tassie. Pristine beaches untouched by others are bountiful, and perfect for Summer picnics. Beachcombing is great fun too, with old sea glass and beautiful shells to be found. Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and fishing are common (be sure to check your local fishing guide for sizes, sanctuaries and bag limits). Tasmanian waters are also teaming with sea life so spotting dolphins, seals and seabirds always provides entertainment.

The Tassie welcome

The warmth of Tasmanian people is as comforting as the Tassie sun. Coastal towns and ports around the island extend a friendly welcome to visitors, whether it’s within Hobart’s Sullivan’s Cove or far West in the historic seaside town of Strahan. The local boating community is small here, with any new vessels quickly spotted in bays. Be sure to say hello to the locals if you spot a beach picnic or a raft up!

Planning your adventure

It is recommended if you’re thinking of a trip to Tassie via boat, even if you’re not displaying at the AWBF, to start planning now. Berths at marinas book out quickly, with many already having decent waitlists. Here is a list of marinas we regularly work with, if you wish to get in touch!

Marine & Safety Tasmania (MAST) also offer 28 cruising moorings around the state. See here. MAST also have jetties around the state for public use. But be mindful to follow the rules when using those facilities to ensure everyone can continue to use them.

Join us for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival 7 – 10 February 2025

If you’re not already entered to display your wooden boat you can register an expression of interest here (Afloat). EOIs will close mid September, so please keep this in mind – we cannot accept any EOIs after cut off. We will then notify you after closing if you have been offered a berth or a place on the waitlist.

Again, we recommend making enquiries regarding other berthing facilities for either side of the AWBF as soon as possible, as they are becoming limited. There are usually several boats travelling south around the time of the AWBF, so be sure to put a post up on our official Facebook event page if you wish to join the travelling fleet!

If you’re not wooden, that’s ok! As one of the world’s premier maritime events, the festival celebrates the rich heritage and craftsmanship of wooden boats and the boating community in general. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with likeminded folk, experience fascinating exhibits and activities for all ages, and explore our on site Maritime Marketplace for a boating bargain.

We recommend reading the following pages for more Tasmanian specific safe boating:

• MAST Cruising Tasmania Guide
• Sign up to the MAST Safe Boating magazine Boatwise
• MAST Safe Boating Handbook
• Safe boating trip preparation
• More local tips

All images supplied by AWBF, Bella Laughton-Clark