Festival countdown

“The 2025 theme allows us to explore our connection with the Pacific like never before, bringing visitors face-to-face with historic vessels and remarkable people from across the ocean.

“We hope to create a festival experience that feels both grand in its spectacle and intimate in its sense of community.”

Highlights of the 2025 Pacific-themed program include the Pacific Seafarers Precinct presenting navigators, artists, curators, and maritime artisans who embody the ancient and ongoing traditions of the region, feature vessels such as the recently restored 1896 New Zealand built yacht Te Uira, one of the first racing yachts to make it to Australia, and the Australian debut of the Kumundar Gujo Project, a giant Japanese-inspired jungle gym that kids build themselves.

Festival favourites are back but with a Pacific twist. The ever-popular Wooden Boat Symposium will dive deep into stories of (mis)adventure and tackle hot-button issues, the Shipwrights Village and Noisy Boatyard will deliver demonstrations and workshops by master craftspeople, and the bustling Maritime Marketplace will offer unique wares.

The Little Sailors Village and Constitution Dock will engage young hearts and minds with activities for all ages, culminating in the thrilling Quick & Dirty Boatbuilding Challenge and Race.

CEO of Destination Southern Tasmania, Alex Heroys, said, “The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a highlight on the event calendar for both locals and visitors, significantly boosting Tasmania’s visitor economy and creating a sense of pride and celebration of our maritime roots.

“The festival is a testament to our community’s spirit and a thrilling showcase of our connections to the wider world.”

awbf2025.org.au