Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse

Highlights

Your cruise starts at Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, where you’ll hop aboard your motorboat, a custom-built vessel with leather seats and an enclosed cabin with large windows to take in the views. Then set off down the River Derwent, passing by landmarks like Battery Point, Wrest Point Casino and 160-foot-tall (49-meter) Shot Tower. When you reach the mouth of the Derwent, take a look at Iron Pot Lighthouse, which stands on a small rock island, guarding the entrance to Storm Bay. Constructed in 1832 after several shipwrecks on these waters, the lighthouse is one of Australia’s most historic. Listen to tales from your guide about Hobart’s early settlers, including lighthouse keepers and their families, and hear about the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, in which the lighthouse is the final turn. Then head into Storm Bay toward uninhabited Betsey Island, where white-bellied sea eagles and other marine birds live, and enjoy a view of Hope Beach, a secluded stretch of coastline whose offshore winds and large breaks make it a popular surf spot. As you move closer, you’ll feel the swelling surge of the ocean before turning around to cruise back to Hobart, watching for marine life along the shore.

Summary

Your cruise starts at Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, where you’ll hop aboard your motorboat, a custom-built vessel with leather seats and an enclosed cabin with large windows to take in the views. Then set off down the River Derwent, passing by landmarks like Battery Point, Wrest Point Casino and 160-foot-tall (49-meter) Shot Tower. When you reach the mouth of the Derwent, take a look at Iron Pot Lighthouse, which stands on a small rock island, guarding the entrance to Storm Bay. Constructed in 1832 after several shipwrecks on these waters, the lighthouse is one of Australia’s most historic. Listen to tales from your guide about Hobart’s early settlers, including lighthouse keepers and their families, and hear about the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, in which the lighthouse is the final turn. Then head into Storm Bay toward uninhabited Betsey Island, where white-bellied sea eagles and other marine birds live, and enjoy a view of Hope Beach, a secluded stretch of coastline whose offshore winds and large breaks make it a popular surf spot. As you move closer, you’ll feel the swelling surge of the ocean before turning around to cruise back to Hobart, watching for marine life along the shore.

Tour info

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes

Why take this tour?

Discover Tasmania’s coastal beauty and maritime history on a boat cruise from Hobart down the Derwent River to Iron Pot Lighthouse and Betsey Island. See highlights including Mount Wellington, Shot Tower and Hope Beach as your expert local guide shares tales of early shipwrecks, settlers, sailors and maritime life. Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people allows for a customized experience with your guide.

What’s included?

Cruise
Local guide
Entry/Admission - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Iron Pot Cruises
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 2h 30m
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

We operate under a strict COVID-19 plan and are recognised as a COVID Ready business operating in line with the NCCC COVID safe guidelines and other relevant state based guidelines.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Iron Pot Cruises

About operator:

Join this 2.5 hour cruise exploring Hobart from the water. Visit Australia's oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate Betsey Island, see hundreds of nesting seabirds, cliffs, caves. You'll cruise in one of our brand-new boats with a maximum of 12 guests.

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