A historic ferry in Hobart, MV Emmalisa

Ferries in Hobart are a form of public transport in the city of Hobart, Tasmania, though they have not provided a major alternative public transport service for commuters and tourists in Hobart and other localities in and around the Derwent River in recent decades.

However, a ferry service beginning in 2021 between Bellerive and Brooke Street Pier[1] has resulted in a revival of ferry transport in Hobart, including long-term plans to expand the network.[2]

History

See also: List of Hobart ferries
The MV Cartela was built in Hobart in 1912

Since the earliest times of settlement in Hobart, river transport has been used to allow people to move around the city. 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. Following the reconstruction of a public jetty at Opossum Bay in December 2006, calls were made for a more organised and regular commuter ferry service.

Hobart has also had a long shipbuilding industry, which continues through Incat who have manufactured catamaran ferries for many cities, including Sydney's Emerald-class ferry.

Tasman Bridge disaster

Sydney ferry Kosciusko in Hobart following the 1975 collapse of the Tasman Bridge
Ferry "Matthew Brady", 1975

Following the Tasman Bridge disaster in 1975, services across the Derwent River were operated by Sullivans Cove Ferry Services (Owner Bob Clifford - Vessels Mathew Brady and James McCabe) and the Roche Brothers Pty. Ltd (Cartela) while the Public Transport Commission loaned the State Government the Sydney ferries Kosciusko and Lady Wakehurst (Kosciusko was soon sold to Hobart).[3][4]

Later ferries Included:

Sullivans Cove Ferry Services - Martin Cash

Wakatere (hovercraft)

Trial Service

In May 2018, it was announced that the State Government would introduce legislation to allow Metro Tasmania to introduce a service from Bellerive to Sullivans Cove.[5] However in March 2021 the Roche Brothers who also run the Maria Island ferry service, the Port Arthur Historic Site ferry and Mona ferries were selected as the preferred proponent of a trial service between Bellerive and Brooke Street Pier in Sullivans Cove.[6][7][8] Derwent Ferries a subsidiary of the Roche Brothers' Navigator Group was later selected as the operator.[8]

Current services

Commencing 9 August 2021, the first year of the Derwent River ferry trial provided 15 crossings of the River Derwent each weekday (excluding public holidays) operated by Derwent Ferries between the City and Bellerive.[9] The service had capacity for 535 city bound and 321 Bellerive bound passengers per day. One ferry can hold 107 passengers as well as 15 bicycle spots.

Travel was free for Greencard holders and those travelling with a bicycle or e-scooter until the 8 August 2022 when fares were introduced for these passengers for the second year of the trial. A one-way trip takes approximately 15 minutes, with the ferry starting the weekday at Bellerive and departing 8 times there from 6:20 am as the first time and 5:30 pm as the last (40-minute intervals), before returning from the CBD at 5:50 pm to Bellerive.[10] Starting on the 29 October 2022 services were extended to Saturday and 130,000 passengers were reported to have taken the ferry by this date.[11]

There are a number of operators that run ferries upon the Derwent River out of Hobart which include Hobart Historic Cruises (Spirit of Hobart), MONA (Mona Roma 1 or MR1 and Freya or MR2), Navigators (Peppermint Bay II and Peppermint Bay 1 or MR0) and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. The majority of these services are for tourism related purposes.

Ena (MR-1) ferry by Incat at Brooke Street Pier. Since 2021, commuter ferries operate on the other side, including former MR-0 MV Excella.

Short services include Derwent Harbour cruise, Moorilla Estate, Iron Pot, Bruny Island and Storm Bay

Longer ferry services take passengers to visit the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and stop at Woodbridge and Kettering.

Jet Boat services operate out of Hobart, New Norfolk and Huonville.

Future services

In 2022 three new locations were planned in Sandy Bay, Lindisfarne and Wilkinsons Point after the Australian Federal government provided $20 million for the new terminals.[12] The masterplan released in November 2023 planned for six new locations in Regatta Point, Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, Howrah Point, Lindisfarne and Kingston Beach.[2]

Other ferry services in Southern Tasmania

Ferry Services operate out of

References

  1. ^ "Derwent River ferry trial – Transport Services". www.transport.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b Balen, Clancy (14 November 2023). "Hobart ferry master plan reveals six proposed sites for new terminals — including Kingston, Sandy Bay and Lindisfarne". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  3. ^ New terminals for ferries on three weeks Canberra Times 11 January 1975 page 1
  4. ^ When Hobart's bridge fell down Afloat Magazine December 2010
  5. ^ Metro Tasmania to run passenger ferries in Hobart under Government plan ABC News 18 May 2018
  6. ^ "Derwent ferry a step closer". Tasmanian Government. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  7. ^ "Derwent Ferry sea trials begin". Tasmanian Government. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  8. ^ a b Oong, Susan (9 August 2021). "All you need to know about Hobart's new passenger ferry service". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  9. ^ "Timetable". Derwent Ferries. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  10. ^ "Welcome Aboard – Year 2". Derwent Ferries. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Derwent ferry comes to Saturdays". Tasmanian Government. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  12. ^ "More Ferries Coming To The Derwent River". Pulse Hobart. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.

Ferries of Tasmania edition 2 Tim Kingston

Further reading

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