Hobart Ferry Services
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Hobart Ferry Services provide a major alternative public transport service for commuters and tourists in the city's of Hobart and Clarence, in Tasmania. With both cities stradling the Derwent River water transport provides a sensible, comfortable and fast way to commute across this major river. Metro Tasmania's bus routes are probably the more popular choice for commuters in Hobart, however since the earliest times of settlement in Hobart, river transport has been used to allow people to move around the city.
There are currently four operators that run ferries upon the Derwent River. They are “Captain Fell's Historic Ferries”, “ The Cruise Company”, “Hobart Cruises” and “Derwent River Cruises”.
Prior to the construction of the Hobart Bridge, and its replacement the Tasman Bridge, ferry services were far more important, and previously called at more locations.
Ferry services operate twice daily express river crossing services for commuters in morning and evening rush hour slots from Bellerive Quay to Sullivans Cove, and return. The trip takes approximately 25 minutes. The trip allows commuters from Clarence to arrive just a five minute walk from the CBD. These commuter ferries only operate from Monday to Friday, except for days when there are matches on at Bellerive Oval. The Bellerive Quay jetty provides an excellent transport method for visitors to Bellerive Oval for cricket and Australian football matches, as the jetty is a short 5 minute walk from the ground.
Other services also take passengers to Wrest Point Hotel Casino, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, and Battery Point. The Wrest Point Wanderer ferry operates daily shuttling back and forth between the Casino and Sullivan's Cove between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Captain Fell's Historic Ferries operates wooden ferries that do slow river cruises, with an emphasis placed upon enjoying the scenery, the wildlife of the river and city, and the historic "feel" of an old fashioned ferry service.
The Cruise Company operates two vessels, M.V. "Commodore" and M.V. "Derwent Explorer", which take passengers to visit the Cadbury's Chocolate Factory, and Moorilla Estate Winery. They also travel to the Casino. Longer ferry services take passengers to visit the D'entrecasteaux Channel and stop at Woodbridge and Kettering.
Hobart Cruises operate fast catermaran services whic show off the Derwent River and D'entrecasteaux Channel, and also provide lunch and dinner cruises.
Derwent River Cruises operate all around the river estuary, Bruny Island, Storm Bay, and also visit the Morrilla Estate.
Whilst not as organised and complex as Sydney's famous Harbour Ferry service, Hobart ferries provide a wonderful alternative transport method, as well as offering a unique view of the beauty of the Derwent River and the city of Hobart.
Following the construction of a State Government ferry at Opossum Bay in December 2006, calls were being made for a more organised and regular commuter ferry service similar to the one which operates in Sydney.
