The 2025 Festival showcases a vibrant array of maritime arts, including photography, painting, sculpture, and decorative crafts. Enjoy presentations from experts, interactive exhibitions, and insights into the rich culture and stories of the sea.
EXHIBITION
REX GREENO: MEMORIES THROUGH SEA STORIES
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
6 December 2024 to 27 April 2025 10:00 – 16:00
An exhibition of works by Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder Rex Greeno—artist, fisherman, and maker of tuylini, ninga and pyerre (Tasmanian Aboriginal bark and reed canoes)— that tells a story of deep connection to culture, family and the sea. Inspired by Rex’s life experience as a commercial fisherman, “Rex Greeno: Memories through Sea Stories” shares a collection of drawings that feature life on and by the sea, his passion for traditional watercraft, and the sharing of Ancestral knowledge and skills passed through generations.
- Wheelchair accessible
- All access toilets
Catalogue Launch
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Watergate Courtyard
Wednesday 5 February 18:00
Join senior artist and Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder, Rex Greeno, for the launch of the Memories through Sea Stories catalogue.
FREE event and no bookings required, includes entry to the exhibition.
Acknowledgement: “Rex Greeno: Memories through Sea Stories” is a multi-venue project developed by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Devonport Regional Gallery and University of Tasmania. Supported by Creative Australia.
EXHIBITION
Maritime Museum of Tasmania
16 Argyle St, Hobart
Daily 09:00-17:00
Maritime Museum of Tasmania proudly supports the Australian Wooden Boat Festival with boats on display both afloat and ashore. Visit the museum to explore Tasmania’s rich maritime heritage and see the model boat
making exhibition.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Ramp access to ground floor
- Lift access to first floor
- All access toilets
- Museum volunteers available to assist
EXHIBITION
The Marine Art of A.D Blake
The Sunroom Gallery, UTAS School of Creative Arts, Hunter St
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 10:00-17:00 & Monday 10 10:00-16:00
A D Blake’s marine paintings combine his love of the sea and sailing with his passion for his art. He has been sailing yachts since 6 years old and his deep knowledge of boats and the sea is apparent in his work.
Tony taught himself by studying the paintings of artists whom he admires and began his artistic career with a sell out exhibition in New York in 1991. His subjects range from historical to present day sailing scenes.
He especially loves the beautiful classic boats with their graceful lines and cotton sails. His works hang in collections world wide including the USA, Canada, UK, Norway, NZ, Australia and on board Superyachts. Paintings also hang in the New York Yacht Club and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
His paintings have been published in many books and magazines. His paintings are presently exhibited in galleries in the USA and NZ. He skippered the classic New Zealand yachts “Gloriana”, “Waitangi” and “Thelma” over a period of 17 years. He has cruised extensively around New Zealand. Also completing many offshore trips in his own yacht and with friends on their yacht.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lift access to Gallery
- Accessible seating options
- All access toilets
EXHIBITION
Toiles de Mer
The Sunroom Gallery, UTAS School of Creative Arts, Hunter St
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 10:00-17:00 & Monday 10 10:00-16:00
Discover the charming “Toiles De Mer” (Sea Canvases) exhibit in 2025. This beloved tradition, originated at the Wooden Boat Festival in Brest, France in 1992. It showcases intricately decorated plaques made by sailors that tell the story of their vessels. For the
first time, we have invited our proud boat owners to contribute their own plaques. Don’t miss this unique display of maritime artistry!
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lift access to Gallery
- Accessible seating options
- All access toilets
EXHIBITION
177 Nations of Tasmania
The Henry Jones Gallery
Daily, 10:00-19:00
Did you know that there are as many as 177 different nationalities represented in Tasmania’s population? A dynamic photographic and written display will show case many of these at the Henry Jones Art Hotel during the festival. The display, a collaboration between podcast content creator Mark Thomson and photographer Andrew Wilson will present stories and images from over 100 different nationalities for forthcoming publication, 177 Nations of Tasmania.
- Wheelchair accessible
EXHIBITION
Water Ways 2025
Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre
Daily, times to be advised
The Art Society of Tasmania presents “Water Ways 2025”, inviting artists to interpret the theme of water in any medium. Reflecting Tasmania’s bond with the sea, the $2,000 prize will be awarded by people’s choice.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lift access from Courtyard
- All access toilets in Courtyard
EXHIBITION
THALLASOPHILE
Social Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre
Daily, 10:00 – 16:00
Thallasophile: One who loves the sea Artist Jane Flowers showcases her latest maritime oils on canvas, capturing the beauty of the sea, sky, and littoral zone. With numerous awards and years of sailing experience, Jane blends her passions into stunning works that reflect her deep connection to the ocean.
One half of the “Thallasophile & Lagarostrobos” exhibition.
- Wheelchair accessible
- All access toilets in Courtyard
EXHIBITION
LAGAROSTROBOS
Social Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre
Daily, 10:00 – 16:00
Lagarostrobos: A communion with Huon Craftsman Ned Trewartha leverages 30 years of boat-building expertise to create custom furniture and maritime and bird-inspired sculptures from precious Tasmanian woods, particularly Huon pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii). He has actively participated in every Australian Wooden Boat Festival since its inception.
One half of the “Thallasophile & Lagarostrobos” exhibition.
- Wheelchair accessible
- All access toilets in Courtyard
EXHIBITION
SAILING INTO THE FUTURE: THE AMAZING WOODEN BOATS OF MADAGASCAR
Sidespace Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre
Fri-Sun 10:00 – 17:00 & Mon 10:00 – 16:00
Photographer, Tom Polacheck’s exhibition highlights Madagascar’s rich maritime heritage, where wooden boats blend influences from Southeast Asian outrigger canoes, Arab dhows, and Western schooners along the island’s 3,000 km coastline.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lift access from Courtyard
- All access toilets in Courtyard
special event
Sailing Tasmania presents "30 Years of Women on Water"
Founders Room, Salamanca Arts Centre
Fri 7 February 17:30-19:00
Price: $10 + booking fee
Join us in celebrating 30 years of women on the water as we honour their remarkable achievements and contributions. This special event features inspiring stories and valuable networking opportunities, with a captivating conversation led by Sarah Gilman, former ABC broadcaster and board member of Womensport and Recreation Tasmania. Don’t miss this chance to connect and be inspired by the incredible women shaping our maritime community.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lift access from Courtyard
- Ramps required for entry into Founders Room
- All access toilets in Courtyard
EXHIBITION
International Guild of Knot Tyers
Hobart Town Hall, Ballroom
Visit the Hobart Town Hall for a captivating exhibition of knotwork and rope-making, featuring demonstrations by members of the International Guild of Knot Tyers alongside local artisans. Explore both traditional and innovative techniques as you connect with the diverse world of rope craftsmanship.
- 2 x accessible parking spaces
- Drop-off in carpark with turning circle
- Lift from carpark to Town Hall Ballroom venue
- Wheelchair accessible
- All access toilets
EXHIBITION
"drift" by Alice RG
Hadley’s Orient Hotel, 34 Murray Street, Hobart
Sat 8 February – Sat 8 March 2025
Daily 10:00-16:00
Free Admission. Artworks for sale.
An exhibition of intimate paperclay sculptures built upon coastal objects by Tasmanian artist Alice RG.
Using thin paperclay, Tamanian artist Alice RG spirals and envelops objects of the Tasmanian coastline. Weathered and worn, these are objects that drift along our shorelines bringing stories unseen. Alice RG imagines tales of metamorphosis through sculptural poetry with handmade petals and pearls growing upon and around hidden rocks, feathers, shells and seaweed.
Photographer: Julz Glover
- Wheelchair accessible via ramp (assistance available from Hadley’s staff)
- All access toilets
