THE WOODEN BOAT DISCOVERY CENTREThe Wooden Boat Centre is located at Franklin, 48 kilometres south-west of Hobart on the banks of the Huon River. Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, the island state of Australia.
The Wooden Boat Discovery Centre will entice you into the fascinating world of traditional wooden boats, using interactive features, video presentations and static displays.
Learn about the history of boatbuilding and water transport. Marvel at the beauty of the local timbers – some of the finest boatbuilding materials in the world. Discover knees, breast-hooks, thwarts, tabernacles, stopwaters, carlins, keelsons, inwhales and more – what they are, and where they fit.
Examine tools and maritime artifacts: adzes, augurs, draw-knives, caulking irons, roving dollies and the rest. Drink in the atmosphere of the boatbuilding school workshops – the sounds of the activity, the smells of the timber and glues, the gleam of old and treasured tools, the satisfaction of old skills learned anew. Watch the various stages in the creation of real boats in precious timbers, from lofting to launching.
Walk by the quiet river, admire the boats that live here, and choose a keepsake from our gift shop.
Open weekdays from 10 am to 4.30 pm, weekends and public holidays 10.30 am to 4 pm.
