Derwent River Charter in Hobart

The best part of this Hobart outing is the chance to sail aboard a 62-foot ocean cruiser, not just sit back on a sightseeing boat. The skipper encourages you to take part, and the return crossing of the Sydney to Hobart finish line gives the trip a distinctive local touch.

I like two things in particular: you can help steer and sail, and the included tea, coffee, water, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks make three hours on the water feel easy. Paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are also available, though the chance to use them will depend on the conditions and how the charter runs.

One practical wrinkle: the meeting instructions give an office address, but the yacht itself may be easier to find than the office. Allow time to locate the boat, and remember that an open charter needs at least four participants or the equivalent AUD 640 fare to run.

Key points before you book

1 / 5

2 / 5

3 / 5

4 / 5

5 / 5

1 / 5

• A real sailing boat: The charter uses a 62-foot ocean cruiser, with the skipper encouraging you to participate.
• A Hobart-specific moment: The return route crosses the Sydney to Hobart finish line.
• Three hours on the Derwent: Choose a morning departure from 09:00 to 12:00 or an afternoon one from 14:00 to 17:00.
• Water gear is included: Paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are free to use, subject to the conditions and activity on the day.
• Snacks and drinks are covered: Expect tea, coffee, water, non-alcoholic drinks, and morning or afternoon snacks.
• Small groups, with a minimum: Open charters take 4 to 20 people, but the minimum is four participants or an equivalent AUD 640 cost.

👉 See our pick of the 4 Best Workshops And Classes In Hobart

Sailing the Derwent on a 62-foot cruiser

This is a good choice if you want more than a view from the riverbank. For three hours, you are aboard a large ocean-going yacht with a skipper, moving through the Derwent River and out toward the Southern Ocean. The route and schedule can change with weather and traffic, so think of the sailing itself as the main event, not a fixed sequence of stops.

The size of the boat matters. At 62 feet, it is a substantial cruiser, and the operator encourages you to participate as much as you like. You can take a hands-on role rather than spending the whole trip as a passenger. One 18-year-old passenger even got to steer, a detail that makes this especially appealing for families with older children or anyone curious about how a yacht handles.

You do not need to be an experienced sailor to appreciate the outing. The skipper is there to run the charter, while you can choose how involved to be. If you would rather watch the water and enjoy the views, that is a perfectly sensible way to spend the trip too.

The three-hour route, from departure to the finish line

The charter lasts three hours, with morning sailings from 09:00 to 12:00 and afternoon sailings from 14:00 to 17:00. The exact route is not fixed in the details available, and the operator can adjust the schedule to suit the weather and traffic. That flexibility is useful on the water, but it means you should not expect a guaranteed stop or a set list of landmarks.

At the start, you meet the crew and board at Franklin Wharf. Once underway, the focus is on sailing across the Derwent and taking in Hobart from the water. The boat is described as cruising along the Southern Ocean, but the precise distance and direction depend on conditions. You will have the most satisfying experience if you come ready for a sailing outing rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing cruise.

The most distinctive named moment comes on the return, when the yacht crosses the Sydney to Hobart finish line. That gives the trip a clear link to one of Tasmania’s best-known sailing events. It is a simple but memorable detail, particularly if you follow the race or want a sense of Hobart’s maritime life.

Paddleboards and snorkeling equipment, including fins, are provided at no extra charge. These are useful extras, but they should not be treated as guaranteed activities. Weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s decisions shape what is practical. Pack swimwear and a towel if you hope to get in the water, but be prepared for a sailing trip that stays aboard.

Snacks and drinks make the time afloat easier

Tea, coffee, water, and non-alcoholic beverages are available during the cruise, along with morning or afternoon snacks. This is a welcome inclusion on a three-hour trip: you can settle into the outing without needing to bring a full picnic or pay separately for basic refreshments.

Freshly made scones were a particular hit on one sailing. That is a lovely touch, though the precise snack may vary. If you have dietary needs, the operator can accommodate allergies, gluten intolerance, vegetarian diets, and other requirements. Let them know in advance rather than hoping to sort it out once you are on board.

You can bring money for drinks if you want to buy anything beyond the included non-alcoholic options. The package does not include transport or other personal expenses, so budget separately for getting to Franklin Wharf and any extras.

Choosing the right departure time

Both daily departure windows run for three hours, but the operator recommends choosing by season. From April through September, mornings are generally recommended. From October through March, afternoons are usually the preferred choice. These are suggestions for making the most of typical conditions, not guarantees of calm weather or sunshine.

That seasonal guidance is worth considering when you book, especially if you are choosing between two equally convenient times. Still, weather can change, and the itinerary may shift to suit conditions. Bring layers even on a warm day, since a sweater or jacket is on the suggested packing list for good reason.

The charter runs Monday through Sunday. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, and do not cut it close. The meeting instructions name the Hobart Yachts Office at Franklin Wharf, but one passenger had trouble finding an office and eventually went straight to the yacht. To avoid a frustrating start, confirm the precise boarding point with the operator before you set off.

Open charter or private charter?

The open charter starts at US$107.55 per person. It is the lower-cost option for couples, families, or small groups who are happy to share the boat with other participants. The group size is 4 to 20 people, but the minimum of four matters: if the booking does not reach that threshold, you may need to choose another date or request a refund. The minimum can also be met by paying the equivalent of AUD 640.

A private charter starts at US$1,233.70. That is a much larger outlay, but it may make sense if you want the boat reserved for your own group, especially if you are travelling with family or friends and value having the experience to yourselves. Compare the total price against the size of your party before deciding; the open option is likely better value for a smaller group that does not need exclusivity.

The listed starting price is only a starting point, so check the final cost for your date and party size. Parking fees and fuel fees are included, but transport to the wharf is not.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would put this high on the list for anyone who wants a hands-on activity in Hobart, especially if sailing itself is part of the appeal. The boat’s size, the chance to help steer, and the finish-line crossing give the outing more character than a standard short harbour cruise.

It can also work well for families. Children must be at least four years old, and those aged 4 to 14 need to be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants aged 15 and older are charged the adult rate. The three-hour duration is manageable for many children, but the open water, changing weather, and possibility of a quieter sail are worth weighing against their interests.

The experience is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. If you have a specific access question, check directly with the operator before booking, since the general accessibility information does not explain every detail of boarding or movement around the boat.

This is less ideal if you need a precise, guaranteed route or want a full day of water sports. The main attraction is sailing, and the paddleboards and snorkeling gear are extras rather than a promise of an extended stop. Likewise, if you are sensitive to weather or hoping for a particular sea state, remember that the operator may alter the schedule.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack for sun, wind, and the possibility of getting wet. The suggested items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, footwear, a backpack, and a sweater or jacket. An underwater camera is optional, but useful if conditions allow you to use it.

Arrive 30 minutes early, with your voucher ready for entry. The best way to reach the meeting point is by private car or local taxi, and transport is not included. Because the office instructions can be confusing, confirm whether you should head to the office or directly to the yacht before departure day.

Bookings are confirmed within minutes. The voucher is valid only for its specified date and time. You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the activity date in local time. If extreme weather or another unforeseen event forces the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund.

Should you book the Derwent River Charter?

Book it if you want a proper sailing experience in Hobart, enjoy being involved rather than simply watching, and like the idea of crossing the Sydney to Hobart finish line. The included refreshments, gear, and three-hour format make the open charter a solid way to spend part of a day on the water.

Think twice if you need a fixed itinerary, have no flexibility around weather, or cannot meet the four-person minimum at the open-charter rate. Before you pay, confirm the boarding location and check whether your chosen date has enough participants. If those details work for you, this is a practical, distinctly Hobart way to get out on the Derwent.

FAQ

How long is the Derwent River Charter?

The sailing lasts three hours.

What time does the charter depart?

You can choose a morning departure from 09:00 to 12:00 or an afternoon departure from 14:00 to 17:00. The activity runs Monday through Sunday.

Where do I meet the yacht?

The listed meeting point is the Hobart Yachts Office at Franklin Wharf, Hobart, TAS 7000. Arrive 30 minutes early, and confirm the exact boarding point with the operator because the office location can be hard to identify.

What is included in the price?

The package includes a three-hour skippered sailing charter, parking and fuel fees, free use of snorkeling equipment and fins, free use of paddleboards, and morning or afternoon snacks. Tea, coffee, water, and non-alcoholic beverages are available during the cruise.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes. The open charter requires at least four participants or an equivalent cost of AUD 640. Group size is 4 to 20 people. If the minimum is not met, you can book another date or request a full refund.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least four years old. Children aged 4 to 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants aged 15 and older pay the adult rate.

Can the operator accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. The operator can accommodate allergies, gluten intolerance, vegetarian diets, and other dietary needs.

Is the experience wheelchair-accessible?

Yes. The activity is described as wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

What happens if the operator cancels because of extreme weather?

You can reschedule or request a full refund.