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The Wooden Boat Centre - Tasmania
4.7
360 reviewsAbout
Located on the banks of the Huon River in Franklin, the Wooden Boat Centre is a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditional craft of wooden boatbuilding.
Visitors are invited to step inside a working boatbuilding shed, where the sights, sounds and smells of timber and tools bring maritime heritage to life. Guided tours offer a rare opportunity to see skilled boatbuilders, students and apprentices at work, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Beyond tours, the centre offers a range of hands-on courses, from short introductory experiences to more in-depth programs, allowing participants to learn practical skills in a unique and immersive environment.
The Wooden Boat Centre plays an active role in sustaining Tasmania's maritime heritage by training apprentices, supporting volunteers, and engaging the wider community. Every visit contributes to keeping these skills alive for future generations.
Whether a visitor, a curious learner, or someone with a passion for craftsmanship, the Wooden Boat Centre offers an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of the Huon Valley.
What's Available
21 featuresQuality Tourism Accreditation
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Julia Clayton
Google review
We happily took a guided tour of the Centre and I'm glad we did. The passion and knowledge of our guide, Graham, was excellent and infectious. The Centre is staffed by volunteers, with the tour proceeds contributing to keeping the Centre and wooden boat building school going. You can enrol in one-day classes right up to a yearlong, fulltime course learning to build a wooden sailboard. We learned about the history of some boats, the timbers used (and age--800 years to 2000 years old--and scarcity of the trees from which the timbers are taken) as well as the techniques used to construct the boats - either Viking or Egyptian in origin. There are some beautiful examples on display, as well as being guided through the shed where students and shipwrights were busy at work - a calm and slowed lifestyle, using traditional techniques. The small gift shop has a range of clothing, timber products and books, as well as some Huon pine products like candles and room spray. A lovely morning was had, "messing about in boats". Would recommend, even if you're not a boatie or tradesperson, and supporting the Centre helps keep the skills going.
Lisa Kempf
Google review
What a surprise experience this was. Well worth paying for a tour by a volunteer to learn more about the trade, history of the industry and projects on the side. Thanks heaps Bryan for your time and knowledge. Loved the smell of all the woods.
julie mcmillan
Google review
Tour was very informative from knowlegable volunteer tour guide with lots of history and stories of the timber industry as well as the boat building.
Amy D
Google review
Do the tour you won’t regret it and might find yourself wanting to return and build your own boat. What an amazing place keeping tradition and craftsmanship alive.
Lesley Bryce
Google review
What a beautiful little place. If you're into all things marine, this is for you. All volunteer run and very reasonably priced. A great wat to fill in a few hours. The one hour tour seemed to go on forever, but I found a nice log to sit on outside to read a book while the rest of our group carried on.
Price range
From $6 To $16 per person
Get in touch
Where you'll be
3333 Huon Highway
Franklin TAS 7113