Want to enhance your Festival experience? Look no further! Set sail and dive into the rich depths of maritime culture with AWBF's exclusive ticketed events—it's time to cast off the bowlines and discover something extraordinary!
ENTERTAINMENT
FORUM
We are the Ocean: Voyaging and the Pacific
Theatre Royal, Hobart
Fri 7 February 18:30-20:30
Price: $35 / $30 concession
Suitable for ages 14+
Join historian Dame Anne Salmond, artist Michel Tuffery, and waka captain Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr in conversation with Professor Kate Fullagar as they investigate the epic stories of the original Pacific explorers and the powerful connection between people and the ocean. Featuring a performance by the Māori cultural troupe Ngā Mātai Pūrua.
THEATRE
"In the Belly of the Whale" by Mikelangelo
The Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre
Sat 8 & Sun 9 February 18:00-19:30
Price: $40
Suitable for ages 12+
Follow Mikelangelo, the Nightingale of the Adriatic, as he sails the wild seas and the darkest depths of the ocean with his trusty guitar, his booming baritone and his sparkling accordion. He weaves songs and storytelling into a magical solo show that will captivate and delight audiences young and old, and everyone in between.
Mikelangelo is the alter-ego of songwriter and creative dynamo Michael Simic. He has packed venues and received critical accolades from the Sydney Opera House to London’s West End, and performed in the sold-out season of Songs of the Sea at AWBF 2023.
Created in collaboration with writer/director Tracy Bourne, In the Belly of the Whale has its international premiere at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
THEATRE
The Barbarian Ship
Ironhouse Waterside Tavern
Mon 10 February 10:30
Price: $10 + booking fee
The Barbarian Ship embarks on its maiden voyage at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, bringing to life the extraordinary true story of the 1829 mutiny aboard the brig Cyprus. Directed by Julien Poulson and The Green Mist, this immersive rock-opera recounts the daring escape of 18 Tasmanian convicts who stole a ship and sailed across the Pacific, reaching Japan. There, they encountered hostile samurai who forced their retreat under cannon fire. The notorious Captain William Swallow, a master escape artist, miraculously evaded the gallows after spinning a remarkable tale, but his fate was sealed upon his return to Van Diemen’s Land, where he died at Port Arthur.
With a full cast of musicians, dancers, roving performers, and a pirate choir, The Barbarian Ship recreates this untold chapter of Australian history with a vibrant and haunting performance. Audiences will be transported to a world of high seas adventure, rebellion, and dockside revelry, as Captain Swallow and his ragged crew sing their tale of defiance, escape, and fate. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience as part of the Australian Wooden Boat Festival!
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.
WORKSHOPS
Pre-Festival Workshop
Surfboard Workshop
Franklin Wooden Boat Centre
Fri 31 January – Tues 4 February, 2025 | 5 Day Course
Price: Dependent on surfboard choice
Craft your very own hollow wooden surfboard with Bywater Surfboards at the Wooden Boat Centre in the Huon Valley. This 5 day workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no experience necessary. Choose from a variety of board styles and lengths to create a board that truly reflects you. Celebrate your craftsmanship and leave with a surfboard ready to hit the waves!
There are limited spots available, so please be quick to avoid disappointment!
Workshop
Japanese Joinery "Tsugite" Making Workshops
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 09:00-16:00
Price: $370 Book tickets below for daily or multiple sessions
Join traditional Japanese carpenter Yuji Kanesada from Gifu and furniture designer Hiroshi Yamaguchi from Canberra for hands on workshops in Japanese joinery. Participants will use authentic Japanese tools, such as saws, chisels, and planes while learning about various joinery techniques and their historical significance. These workshops are suitable for both beginners and intermediate woodworkers.
Day 1 “Kanawa Tsugi”, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Day 2 “Kainokuchi Joinery”,Yuji Kanesada
Day 3 “Miyajima Tsugi”, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Day 4 “Osaka Castle Gate Post Joinery”, Yuji Kanesada
Workshop
Kumiko Workshop
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Sat 8 to Mon 10 February between 10:00-16:00 (20-30) mins
Price: $35 No booking needed. Just come and join the fun!
Discover the art of “kumiko”, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique, with skilled carpenter Katsumi Kawamura from Shiga. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the secrets of kumiko as you assemble pre-cut wooden pieces to create your own stunning piece of art to take home.
Workshop
Kanna Woodshaving Flowers
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Sat 8 to Mon 10 February between 10:00-16:00 (20-30) mins
Price: $15 No booking needed. Just come and join the fun!
Join Japanese artist Takako Kawamura and learn to craft a beautiful wooden flower using delicate wood shavings from a Japanese kanna (hand plane). In just 15-20 minutes, you can make a stunning Rose or Anemone to take home as a unique piece of art. Additionally, we’ll have a special Japanese hand plane experience available for a limited time—come and try your hand at this traditional technique.
Workshop
Craft a Wooden Handboard for Bodysurfing
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Fri 7 to Mon 10 February 10:00-14:00 Daily single workshops
Price: $139
Unleash your inner bodysurfer and craft your very own wooden handboard. No prior experience is necessary—bring your passion for woodworking and the ocean and leave with a one-of-a-kind hardboard made by you. Reserve your spot today and ride the wave of creativity.
Workshop
Craft Your Own Boat Fender or Ocean Plait Mat
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Mat Making Fri 7 & Sun 9 February 10:00-12:30
Fender Making Sat 8 & Mon 10 February 10:00-12:30
Price: $100 Max 6 people per session
Discover the art of knot tying in this engaging 2.5 hour tutorial, where you’ll learn to craft your own small boat fender or traditional ocean plait mat alongside skilled members of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. All materials are provided, and sessions are limited to six participants for a more personalised experience. Join us and master this timeless craft.
Boat Fender Workshop Sold Out on Saturday
Workshop
Turning on the Spring Pole Lathe
Watermans Dock, Murray Street Carpark
Daily 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00
Price: $60 Max 5 people per session
In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to the tools and techniques of turning on a traditional foot operated spring pole lathe. Learn to master tool control for making clean cuts while crafting round objects such as a rolling pin, porridge spurtle, wooden mallet, or belay pin. Join us for an immersive experience in pre-industrial woodworking.
Workshop
Kumundar Gujo Jungle Gym
Parliament House Gardens
Sat 8 to Mon 10 February 10:00-12:00 & 13:30-15:30
$10 For children aged 5-12 years
Bring the kids along to Little Sailors Village for a unique, hands-on experience with “Kumundar”, a captivating wooden jungle gym inspired by traditional Japanese carpentry! At an impressive 5m x 5m x 3m, this large structure will be assembled piece by piece with wooden mallets and wedges. Kids will have the chance to create, learn, and play as they help build this interactive jungle gym, experiencing the joy of hands-on construction while discovering the beauty of traditional Japanese woodcraft.
Kumundar is supported by the Hobart-Yaizu Sister City Committee and Dobson Mitchell Allport.
TOURS, CRUISES & SAILS
SAILING
Accessible Sailing
From Sandy Bay Marina
Fri 7 12:00 & Sat 8 to Mon 10 February
Providing people of all abilities the opportunity to experience
the joy of sailing. Sailability Tasmania will offer accessible sailing throughout the Festival, which includes participating in the official Parade of Sail. Proudly supported by Australian Sailing and the Derwent Sailing Squadron.
CRUISE/TOUR
Tour with TasPorts
From Brooke St Pier
Sat 8 February between 09:00-14:00
Price: $5 Wheelchair accessible
Hop aboard for Tour with TasPorts—a fun, family-friendly and informative event, providing you with a unique insight into operations at the Port of Hobart. Tour with TasPorts is so much more than a river cruise! The cruise is fully accessible and an Auslan interpreted service will be provided on the 10:20am tour. All ticket fees will be donated to the Mission to Seafarers.
CRUISE
Huon River Cruises
River Derwent
Fri 7 – Mon 10 February
Experience the on-water events and boats in luxurious comfort aboard the 1948 historical Tasmanian motor cruiser, LaDrone.
One & All (sa)
The 141 foot brigantine was built based on a traditional carvel construction and a topsail schooner rig. It will be sailing to Hobart from South Australia.
Endeavour Replica (nsw)
The Australian-built replica of HMB Endeavour is one of the world’s most accurate maritime replica vessels. Constructed from 1988 and commissioned in 1994, the vessel features 30 kilometres of rigging, 750 wooden blocks or pulleys, and the masts and spars carry 28 sails that spread approximately 10,000 sq feet (930 m2) of canvas.
Søren Larsen (nsw)
Søren Larsen, built in 1949, was one of the last fully traditional, cargo carrying sailing ships made for Baltic trade. She was lovingly restored and re-rigged by the Davies family in 1978 to the graceful 19th century brigantine she is today.
Young Endeavour (nsw)
A two-masted, square-rigged sailing ship that was purpose-built for sail training. Since 1988, Young Endeavour has welcomed over 14,000 youth on board to take part in an immersive youth development experience at sea.
James Craig (nsw)
Launched in 1874, the three-masted barque James Craig was rescued as a rusting wreck from Tasmania’s Recherche Bay and underwent a 40-year restoration. Now one of only four of her era still sailing, she stands as a symbol of authentic heritage preservation.
Enterprize (vic)
The 27-metre topsail schooner Enterprize is a fully operational replica of a tall ship originally constructed in Hobart in 1830 by William Harvey and William Pender. It first sailed to mainland Australia (settling in the Yarra River, Melbourne) in 1835.
Windeward Bound (tas)
The 110 foot brigantine has crossed Bass Strait more than 40 times and has carried more than 6,000 young Australians on her award-winning youth development programs.
Julie Burgess (tas)
The Julie Burgess is a wooden auxiliary gaff rigged ketch used for cray fishing in Tasmania for over 50 years from the 1930s.
Lady Nelson (tas)
Built locally and launched in 1988, the current Lady Nelson is a replica of the original Lady Nelson brig involved in establishing the settlement of Hobart Town in 1804.
Rhona H (tas)
The 52 foot fishing vessel was built in 1942 in Launceston and is one of the last functioning traditional rigs of its type.
Kerrawyn (tas)
A true Tassie gem, Beltz designed and Wilson built in circa 1948. Recently restored, the 53 foot ex fishing ketch now sails the Huon as a comfortable cruiser and a notable example of continuing tradition.
