The Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025: A Celebration of Maritime Heritage

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025

Mark your calendars: the Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF), the largest celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere, returns to Hobart from 7–10 February 2025. This free, biennial event transforms the city’s waterfront into a bustling hub of maritime history, craftsmanship, and vibrant festivities. Whether you're a maritime enthusiast or simply looking for an extraordinary summer experience, AWBF promises to be a highlight of the Tasmanian calendar.

A Preview of What's to Come

The official program for the 2025 festival will be released in early November 2024, offering a full glimpse into the exciting events and activities in store. For a taste of what’s ahead, you can explore the 2023 Festival Program, which featured an impressive lineup of wooden vessels, engaging talks, live performances, and more.

What Makes AWBF Unmissable?

Founded in 1994, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival has grown into Tasmania’s largest free event, attracting visitors from across the globe. The four-day celebration brings Hobart’s historic port to life, spilling into the city with an array of attractions and activities.

• Show-Stopping Wooden Vessels: Admire an extraordinary collection of historic tall ships, classic yachts, and traditional fishing boats. From small dinghies to grand schooners, the festival showcases the finest craftsmanship in wooden boat design.
• Parades and On-Water Displays: Witness the grandeur of the Parade of Sail as it kicks off the festival, and don’t miss the closing Admiral’s Sail. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours and on-water demonstrations throughout the event.
• Cultural and Culinary Delights: The festival offers a feast for the senses with cooking demonstrations, Tasmanian food and drink vendors, and live performances at the festival tavern.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids can explore a dedicated maritime precinct with shaded areas, interactive activities, and hands-on workshops, ensuring fun for all ages.
• Knowledge and Inspiration: Attend symposium talks, workshops, exhibitions, theatre, and film screenings that delve into maritime culture, boatbuilding, and the history of wooden vessels.

A Community-Driven Celebration

Te Karangatahi

The AWBF is much more than a maritime event—it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of Tasmanians and their mainland and overseas friends. In 2023, the festival welcomed over 450 wooden boats, hosted 100+ exhibitors and vendors, and featured 250+ performers, speakers, and chefs, attracting 60,000 visitors over four days.

The event’s success is powered by:

• A small team of highly skilled staff who oversee the festival’s planning and execution.
• A 350+ strong volunteer crew whose commitment and enthusiasm bring the festival to life.
• Generous contributions from partners and donors who provide financial and in-kind support.
• The boat owners and enthusiasts, whose participation keeps the spirit of wooden boat culture alive.

Experience AWBF 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a history buff, or simply curious, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s more than just a gathering of wooden boats—it’s a vibrant celebration of Tasmania’s maritime heritage, community spirit, and creative ingenuity.

Fair winds, and see you on the Hobart waterfront in February 2025!

https://australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/