The Wooden Boat Centre – Tasmania

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.