Party Boats in Hobart

What to Ask Before Booking a Boat

A charter puts the group on the River Derwent estuary, the water the whole city grew up around. The choice comes down to size and style: a catered function boat at the city piers, a historic tall ship crewed by volunteers, or a small wooden ketch down on the Huon River and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

How the vessels compare:

Larger functions: a function vessel boarding at Murray Street Pier seats and feeds as many as 95, suited to a big birthday dinner on the river.
A taste of history: a two-masted square-rigger takes up to 36 on the Derwent for birthdays, anniversaries, kids' parties and work functions, with catering or BYO food.
Small and private: a restored sailing ketch on the Huon River and the Channel takes up to six on half or full-day charters for an anniversary or similar milestone.
Price: charters are quoted on date, duration, catering and numbers, so get a written quote that spells out each.

Weather decides a lot on the water here, so ask each operator how far ahead it makes the call and what the reschedule terms are. For milestone ideas, see anniversary parties and birthday parties.

A big birthday or work function suits the catered function boat, for its seating and room to move.
A celebration with a sense of history suits the tall ship and its volunteer crew.
A couple or a small family marking a milestone suits the ketch, with the day built around them.

Planning on board

Confirm the catering, the drinks rules and whether BYO food is allowed.
Ask about toilets, cover and warmth on board if the weather turns.
Pin down the boarding and return points, and arrange a coach or minibus to and from the pier.

Seasons on the river

The summer peak around Christmas and New Year brings crowds to the waterfront, so lock in pier dates well ahead.
Winter charters need warm, windproof gear, and the days are short.
Weekdays in the shoulder months are often easier to secure than summer Saturdays.

Everything You Need to Know About Boat Hire

How many guests fit on a party boat on the River Derwent?

The function vessel at Murray Street Pier takes as many as 95, and the tall ship takes up to 36.

Can we bring our own food on a tall ship charter?

The tall ship lists both BYO food and catering, so ask which suits your group and what the drinks arrangements are.

Is there a small sailing charter on the Huon River for a couple?

Yes. A restored wooden ketch runs half and full-day charters on the Huon River and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel for up to six people.

Can you hold a children's party out on the water?

The tall ship lists children's parties among its charters. Ask about age limits, life jackets and how the crew involves the kids.

What happens to a boat charter if the wind picks up?

Each operator makes its own weather call. Ask when that call is made and what the reschedule or refund terms are before you pay a deposit.

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