Constitution Dock

Constitution Dock is the vibrant centrepiece of the AWBF, hosting the official opening and welcoming guests, including Te Karangatahi, to our Festival home. Lined with a variety of wooden boats, the dock buzzes with activities like model boat sailing, dragon boat races, parbuckling and public rowing.

Icon showing assistance companion animal
  • Outdoors
  • Wheelchair accessible around perimetre
  • Concrete ground surface
  • Bench seating
  • Shade sails (outside Waterside Pavilion)
  • All access toilets adjacent at Waterside Pavilion

Quick & Dirty Boat Challenge

A race of creativity, ingenuity, perseverance and time. Student teams from around the state race to construct a boat on-site during the Festival—with limited materials and time, this is sure to be a must
see spectacle! On Sunday, the teams decorate and waterproof their boats. On the last day of the Festival the boats will be launched in Constitution Dock, then raced under sail and oar!

Public Rowing

Sat 8 – Mon 10 Feb 09:00-16:00

Grab a dinghy and row for free among the beautiful boats berthed at Constitution Dock!

Parbuckling

When your barrel of rum falls overboard, all you need is a couple lengths of rope and a bit of dexterity to retrieve it from the watery depths. Have a go at this time honoured maritime skill.

Derwent Storms Dragon Boats

Join Derwent Storms Dragon Boat Club for an exciting on-water demonstration of dragon boat paddling. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced paddler, come and witness the teamwork, rhythm, and power that drives this thrilling water sport!

The Hobart Outrigging Society

Hobart Outrigger Canoe Club will showcase one of Australia’s fastest-growing water sports. Experience the tradition of outrigger canoeing, a practice that dates back 30,000 years to the coastal cultures of the Pacific Rim. Fun for all ages, from social paddling to international racing!

CONSTITUTION DOCK TIMETABLE

DAY TIME PROGRAM / ACTIVITY
Friday 13:00 - 17:00 Docking of Parade of Sail Vessels
Friday 16:45 - 17:15 Festival Welcome
Saturday 10:40 Waka Ama Demonstration
Saturday 09:00 - 18:00 Free Public Rowing: Ages 8+
Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 Parbuckling
Saturday 12:00 - 12:30 CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER "Derwent Storms" Dragon Boats Demo
Saturday 13:00 -14:00 The Hobart Outrigging Society Demo
Saturday 14:30 - 15:00 CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER "Derwent Storms" Dragon Boats Demo
Sunday 07:45 Wooden Boat Guild Piner's Punt & Fazackerley's Launch
Sunday 09:00 - 18:00 Free Public Rowing: Ages 8+
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 Waka Ama Demonstration
Sunday 10:00 - 16:00 Parbuckling
Sunday 10:00 - 10:45 My First Boat launch
Sunday 16:00 Waka Ama Demonstration
Monday 09:00 - 13:00 Free Public Rowing: Ages 8+
Monday 10:00 - 12:00 Parbuckling
Monday 11:00 Plywood Canoe Launch
Monday 14:00 Quick & Dirty Parade and Race
Monday 15:00 - 15:20 Poroporoaki Haka Performance
Monday 16:00 Waka Ama Demonstration

Te Karangatahi Waka Taua

Kia Ora! Join us on Friday to welcome Australia’s only traditionally carved Māori coastal vessel in action at Constitution Dock. Marvel at the craftsmanship and skill of the paddlers. Then, on Monday, come bid farewell to our Kiwi guests as they paddle out of Sullivans Cove and embark on their journey home. Haere rā!