The Shipwrights Village is a major Festival attraction, offering a firsthand look at the craftsmanship behind wooden boat building. Watch live demonstrations of time-honoured skills like caulking, roving, and rope work, and see boats built on-site. Explore the materials and techniques that have shaped this craft for centuries and get swept up in the artistry of wooden boat construction.
- Temporary marquee
- Wheelchair accessible
- Tight spaces
- Concrete ground surface
- No toilets (closest toilet is 80m at Princes Wharf 1)
Wooden Boat Centre Interactive Displays
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 09:00-17:00
During the Festival, shipwrights, students, and volunteers will be on hand with full-sized boats under construction or renovation, offering craft demonstrations, toolbox talks, and more. Festival-goers can ask questions of expert shipwrights, explore the exciting courses offered at the Centre, chat with current and former students, and even get hands-on experience with traditional tools and Tasmanian timbers.
Plywood Canoe Build
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 09:00-17:00
The Wooden Boat Centre at Franklin offers a short course in building a tortured plywood canoe (with paddles) over 5 to 7 days. For the Festival, the WBC team will attempt to complete one in just three days, aiming to launch it on the final day. Wish them luck as they race against the clock!
Traditional Rope Making
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 09:00-17:00
Join us on a journey back in time to the origins of rope-making, where you’ll explore the anatomy and unique qualities of different types of rope, all while experiencing materials and techniques that date back hundreds of years. Watch demonstrations using hand-spun Turkish hemp—untouched by machines—and polished hemp, as used in England’s famous Chatham Dockyards, along with fragrant jute. Specially crafted for the 2025 Festival are three hand-made rope-making machines built by our demonstrator, Graeme “Critter” Creighton, showcasing stunning Tasmanian, Victorian, and Queensland timbers. Ever thought about trying your hand at making rope? Join in and get involved—Graeme will be counting on your help and enthusiasm throughout these interactive demonstrations.
Wisdom Through Wood
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 09:00-17:00
Tasmania’s “Wisdom Through Wood” has become the premier destination for learning green woodworking techniques in Australia. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness pre industrial woodworking methods and learn about the deep human connection fostered through this art.
Figurehead Sculpting
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 09:00-17:00
Renowned sculptor Roland, with Swiss and Italian heritage, will showcase his expertise in crafting wooden figureheads with a live demonstration. With years of experience sculpting timber in Tasmania, Roland invites Festival-goers to witness the transformation of raw wood into intricate works of art. Engage with him as he shares insights into his process, inspiration, and the many public sculptures he has created across southern Tasmania.
