GENERAL FAQs

1Do I need a ticket to attend the festival?
The Festival is completely free! With no fences or entry fees, 95% of activities are free. Only a few special events, workshops, and cruises require tickets, which can be purchased through the festival or from external operators.
2Symposium: Do I need to buy a ticket or make a booking?
No! It’s entirely free, just turn up 10 minutes before your chosen session.
3Where can I find a Festival schedule?
The full festival schedule will be available on the AWBF website in January 2025. Sign up to our online enews to stay informed.
4Is the site accessible?
The Festival is held predominantly outdoors along the Hobart Waterfront. Indoor venues such as the College of the Arts (Symposium), the Peacock Theatre and the Theatre Royal are fully accessible. Some workshop, exhibition and special event venues may have uneven surfaces, stairs and /or varying access. Tall ships and cruises are not booked or managed by the AWBF, please enquire with the specific ship for further details. Tall Ships are not yet announced, but tall ships/cruises are not booked or managed by the AWBF, please enquire with the specific ship for further details.
5Can I bring my dog to the Festival?
Yes - outside areas are fine, on lead and in effective control. No - indoor venues (assistance dogs are permitted).
6Is there a smoking area on site?
No, the entire site is non-smoking.
7Are there any opening/closing or welcome events?
The Parade of Sail opens the festival and will be held on Friday 7 February at midday, followed by an official welcome to the festival at Constitution Dock at 4:45pm. The Admiral’s Sail closes the festival on Monday 10 February at 4:00pm.
8Where can I stay during the AWBF?
Many hotels and accommodation providers are located within and around the Festival site; please check directly with providers or visit Discover Tasmania to plan your trip. Anywhere within 30kms of the site is suitable.
9I'm not registered for the festival but I’ll be in Hobart for the event with my boat. Can I berth nearby?
The Sullivans Cove area is exclusively for AWBF boats only during the event, no other vessels can come or go. For information about alternative berthing during the festival, please click here.

BOATS FAQs

1I'd like to bring my boat, what do I need to do?
Expressions of interest to display boats afloat are now closed. If you would like display your boat ashore please click here.
2What is required of me and my boat during the event?
Your vessel will be on site/in the berth for the entire four days - you cannot come and go (sorry, it's just too busy for that!). More details will be sent to you post registration.

ACCESSIBILITY FAQs

1Is there accessible parking?
Limited accessible parking will be available along Castray Esplanade and Hunter Street. For convenient access, there will be a pick-up and drop-off zone at the front of Brooke Street Pier, with access via Elizabeth Street. Check Hobart City Council’s parking info and mobility map.
2Is the site accessible?
The Festival is held predominantly outdoors along the Hobart Waterfront. Indoor venues such as the College of the Arts (Symposium), the Peacock Theatre and the Theatre Royal are fully accessible. Some workshop, exhibition and special event venues may have uneven surfaces, stairs and /or varying access. Tall ships and cruises are not booked or managed by the AWBF, please enquire with the specific ship for further details.
3Are there any accessible on-water activities available?
The Festival is held predominantly outdoors along the Hobart Waterfront. Indoor venues such as the College of the Arts (Symposium), the Peacock Theatre and the Theatre Royal are fully accessible. Some workshop, exhibition and special event venues may have uneven surfaces, stairs and /or varying access. Tall ships and cruises are not booked or managed by the AWBF, please enquire with the specific ship for further details.

PARKING & TRANSPORT FAQs

1Where can I park?
Secure parking is available at Queen’sDomain, courtesy of the Royal Hobart Regatta, just a 10-minute walk from the Festival for a small fee. Additional public and private parking can be found in the Hobart CBD, but Sunday parking isn’t free. Check Hobart City Council’s parking info and mobility map. Limited accessible parking will be available along Castray Esplanade and Hunter Street. For convenient access, there will be a pick-up and drop-off zone at the front of Brooke Street Pier, with access via Elizabeth Street.
2Is public transport available?
Skip the car and take a fast, frequent Metro Tasmania bus straight to the event, connecting to the Eastern Shore, northern suburbs, Taroona, and Kingston all weekend. Or take a Derwent River Ferry from Bellerive Pier to Brooke Street Pier. Thanks to McConnell Dowell, free ferry rides will be available on Sunday, 9th February! Hop on a chartered Derwent River Ferry and enjoy complimentary trips throughout the day.