Boating and Yachting

• Tasmania has more boats per head of population than any other Australian state.
• Sail beside dolorite sea cliffs towering 300 metres above you.
• Explore Tasmania’s uncrowded bays and waterways.

Located between 40°S and 43°30’S, Tasmania is a temperate paradise for sailors.

The capital city, Hobart, sits on the banks of the broad, deep Derwent River. Your berth at central docks will be two minutes’ walk from Customs and Immigration and only a short stroll from pubs, restaurants, nightspots, Internet cafes and providores.

The usual route between Tasmania and mainland Australia is along the east coast, where you will find protected anchorages in small coastal communities.

From Hobart, you sail first past the 300-metre (1,000-foot) cliffs that are part of the Tasman Peninsula. The alternative route around the west coast is rugged and heavily dependent on westerlies. High winds and seas often make for ‘adventurous’ conditions. Port Davey in the south-west is wild, remote and beautiful. It’s your opportunity to explore an untouched virtually 'Gondwanan' landscape.

Bass Strait is recognised by sailors worldwide as one of the toughest stretches of water on the planet, because of shallow depths and strong westerly winds causing high, confused, steep seas. Marine and Safety Tasmania has up-to-date notices for 'boaties'.

Our Rivers and Lakes

Inland lakes offer superb angling for wild brown and rainbow trout - popular sites are well equipped with boat ramps for easy access. There are water sports of every kind on our rivers. Water skiing on the wide calm ones; kayaking and rafting on the wilder ones.

Please be aware that Tasmania’s island status helps protect us from many introduced pest species - your boat and all gear should be carefully cleaned before you leave home, and before you move on to a new location.

Related Experiences

• Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
• Australian Wooden Boat Festival
• Hobart Regatta
• Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race
• The Lady Nelson
• The May Queen