A working museum and school dedicated to Tasmania’s wooden boat heritage, offering guided tours, hands-on workshops, and the chance to see boatbuilding in action
Right on the banks of the Huon River in Franklin, the Wooden Boat Centre is a living museum and not-for-profit boatbuilding school where Tasmania’s maritime craft is kept alive. Visitors can step onto the workshop floor, chat with guides, and watch apprentices and students shaping Huon pine, celery top pine and other local timbers into beautiful working boats. The Centre exists to ensure traditional wooden boatbuilding remains a relevant part of contemporary maritime culture–and it welcomes both curious visitors and hands-on learners.
Tours operate in most weather as much of the experience is indoors, but dress for a riverside workshop. For courses, wear practical clothing and closed shoes. Book ahead for guided groups and training places, and check the site for current schedules, prices and availability.
Discover more attractions and activities near Boat Reflections
A rustic cider house, restaurant and apple museum inside a 1942 packing shed. Taste award-winning ciders, tour the on-site distillery, browse heritage apple displays and catch live music Friday nights–just up the road from Franklin.
Guided tours through Newdegate Cave’s otherworldly formations paired with a year-round 28°C thermal pool in a rainforest setting. An easy half-day adventure south of Franklin with short walks, BBQs and a cosy visitor centre.
High-thrill white water jet boating through the Huon River’s rapids and calm basins, paired with riverside café views. A bucket-list adventure just outside Huonville.
A remote, awe-inspiring loop walk through Tasmania’s ancient eucalypt forest, home to some of the tallest and largest blue gums on Earth. Expect mossy giants, fern-draped gullies, and a true sense of wilderness a short drive from the Huon Valley.
