The 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival was a stunning celebration of maritime heritage, showcasing the rich craftsmanship and enduring beauty of wooden boats. Held biennially in Hobart, Tasmania, this festival has grown into one of the largest maritime events in the Southern Hemisphere since its inception in 1994. The event attracted thousands of visitors, hundreds of historic and modern wooden boats, and an exciting variety of activities that paid tribute to the art of boatbuilding.
The festival kicked off on Thursday, February 6, with the breathtaking Parade of Sails. Over 200 wooden boats, including 11 magnificent tall ships, sailed up the Derwent River into Sullivans Cove, greeted by thousands of spectators lining the waterfront. Among those taking part in the parade was Roger Mills from Boating New Zealand, who sailed aboard the James Craig, a stunning tall ship built in 1874 in Sunderland, England. Roger shared his excitement: “It was a great experience” and noting Te Ura nearby, “Te Ulra made a beautiful sight in the Parade of Sail,” referring to the beautiful boats that graced the water.
Following the parade, the festival continued with a variety of cultural and maritime activities. At the Festival Welcome, renowned Tasmanian Indigenous boatbuilder Sheldon Thomas launched Truganini at Constitution Dock, symbolically inviting vessels and visitors to the event. Roger Mills noted the diversity of activities, sharing his excitement over the Ngataki vs. Te Rapunga race on Saturday, which reenacted their 1934 race across the Tasman. “After an hour of racing, they couldn’t be separated at the finish. It was a great sight,” Roger said, capturing the thrill of the event. Watch his video below.
On the water, spectators had the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable tall ship cruises, while land-based events offered exciting workshops, symposiums, and cultural experiences. Notably, the We Are the Ocean: Voyaging and the Pacific forum featured renowned guests like Dame Anne Salmond and artist Michel Tuffery, who explored the deep connections between Pacific explorers and the ocean, enriched by a vibrant Māori performance from Ngā Mātai Pūrua.
The weekend offered highlights like the Solar Boat Challenge, fascinating historical tales like The Daring Rescue (the story of a schooner buried for 153 years), and hands-on activities like knot-crafting workshops and the Derwent World Championships. Families had plenty of fun with activities like the Little Sailors Village and live music performances at the Ironhouse Waterside Tavern.
Roger Mills was particularly taken with the rich blend of traditional and modern elements at the festival. “It was inspiring to see both the tall ships and smaller craft celebrating the craftsmanship and the stories of the people who built and restored them,” he said, reflecting the heart of the event—preserving maritime history while embracing innovation.
Throughout the festival, boats of all sizes—from humble workboats to grand tall ships—lined the docks, each with its own story of restoration, adventure, and heritage. For maritime enthusiasts, the Wooden Boat Symposium was a must, featuring experts and seasoned voyagers sharing stories and insights into wooden boat design, voyaging techniques, and the importance of preserving traditions.
As the event drew to a close on Day 4, the grand finale included thrilling events like the Plywood Canoe Launch, the Proa Parade, and the Quick & Dirty Boat Parade, where student teams launched boats they had built during the festival. The Admiral’s Sail, with over 200 boats and 11 tall ships sailing in unison, was a spectacular conclusion to a truly remarkable celebration of maritime craftsmanship.
For Roger, the experience was one to remember. “The atmosphere, the boats, the people—it’s a festival like no other, bringing together the best of history and modern craftsmanship, and it was an honor to be a part of it,” he said.
The 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival was more than just a celebration of wooden boats—it was a testament to the enduring legacy of maritime tradition, craftsmanship, and community. The festival once again proved why it remains a must-visit event for anyone passionate about the sea, boats, and the stories they tell.
We will leave the last word to Roger, “The end of four days of fun, education, meeting new friends and wonderful sights at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart Tasmania. Well done to all involved in a grand event spread across multiple venues. My highlight was a trip on the James Craig Tall Ship – wow! Farewell Hobart – until next time, meanwhile see you all in Auckland next year for the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival!”
