With the Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2021 in Tasmania cancelled due to COVID, an 'alternative initiative' is being held on 10-11 April, so what better reason to focus on the apple isle as a great destination for boating. While fearless Sydney to Hobart crews battle the elements to make it to Tassie each year, trailer boat owners on the mainland can get there in a much more leisurely fashion via the Spirit of Tasmania https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/ Hitch up your boat and enjoy a drive ‘n boating holiday around this great state.
For those with larger boats that decide to cruise or sail to Tasmania, the state’s marine authority, Marine and Safety Tasmania, has posted information for vessels arriving in the state from outside waters. There are approved docking and entry points which you can access at https://mast.tas.gov.au/ COVID-19 conditions may apply at the time of your travel so it is advisable to stay across requirements for entry by boat and by car.
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival: Maritime Trail
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a Tasmanian tradition and pays homage to the state’s rich marine and timber heritage. In fact it is the largest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere. While the complete 2021 event has been cancelled, a very interesting Maritime Trail event is being held over the weekend of 10-11 April to keep the community connected.
The event includes visits to explore hidden boatyards and sawmills, sailing rides on classic wooden tall ships, talks, films and cultural happenings across various regions. The event also places the spotlight on a number of museums including the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, Bass and Flinders Centres, Bass Strait Centre and Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum.
If you can’t make it this year events, it’s still worth checking out the program, following the links and getting more information on the wooden boat industry to earmark some places to visit during your time in Tasmania.https://www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/maritime-trail-program/
If all that sparks your interest in owning your own wooden boat, speak with Jade Boat Loans about a loan package.
Boating Highlights in Tasmania
As you would expect from a state surrounded by water, there are plenty of great boating experiences to be enjoyed in Tasmania and the boating facilities are extensive. The coastline is diverse and the inland regions have lakes, rivers and lagoons to discover and explore.
Where to start? Well you have basically four regions: east coast from Cape Portland to Huon River which is quite sheltered; the west coast which is more rugged; the north coast around Cape Grim which offers great boating and the inland highland regions which cover the lakes.
The Derwent River is probably the best well-known to many boaters that annually watch the Sydney to Hobart fleet battle the flukey winds to the finish line. These yachts dock at the magnificent marina and the Yacht Club.
For those chasing the catch of the day, word has it that brown trout can be found in the upper reaches of the river plus generously sized black bream. For those with tow boats, water-skiing is a popular recreation in these parts.
Game-fishers will likely head to St Helens on the east coast where you can find several different tuna species and marlin. Georges Bay offers the opportunity for fishers to catch salmon, king fish, bream and trevally. Chasing Bluefin tuna? Then sources have it that you should be heading to Eaglehawk Neck.
For those with a bigger boat, the rugged west coast and sea trout of 10+ kgs await. For the less adventurous, the north coast is the place for inlets and great recreational angling. Due to its sheltered position, the north coast is popular with both power and sail boat owners. It’s also where you will disembark from the Spirit of Tasmania, at Devonport.
For those with smaller fishing boats, the highland lakes may be your destination of choice and the home of, reportedly, the best fishing for wild brown trout in the country.
To plan your drive ‘n boat Tasmania tour, head to www.discovertasmania.com.au for info on places to stay and visit and other important details. Before heading off, ensure your trailer and vehicle have been serviced for safe and reliable travelling!
Getting into Trailer Boating
Tasmania is just one example of great places that trailer boat owners can visit to enjoy their boating. Trailer boats offer great flexibility to change your destination regularly and really get out and about to experience Australia’s great coastline and waterways.
To get into boat you’ll essentially need – a boat, a trailer, a suitable vehicle to tow and a boating licence. If you’ve never operated a boat before, undertaking boating courses and education is highly advisable.
To buy that boat, you’ll probably need a boat loan and with that, we can definitely assist. Jade Boat Loans offers loans for a wide range of boats and trailer boats are some of the most popular we finance. Our Secured Boat Loan is a versatile finance products which suits most boats and most boat buyers.
While we maintain a permanent policy of cheap interest rate boat loans, with lending rates at historic lows in general, we can offer even more attractive loans. Use our calculators to work up repayment estimates on some of the boats you’re considering or simply call and one of our consultants will provide you with a quick quote and an overview of the application process.
Tasmania has a lot to offer for a boating holiday, so get organised, get that boat loan, get that boat and start planning your adventure.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for a trailer boat loan quote.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.