The festival is a celebration of Australia's maritime heritage and also showcases Tasmania's rich history of food and wines. It has a major economic benefit to the island state of Tasmania, with accommodation fully booked during the event.

AWBF is open only to boats constructed from timber*, and is widely regarded as the largest event of its type in the southern hemisphere. Indeed, it may be the world's largest boat festival open to wooden boats only.^[3]

The first Australian Wooden Boat Festival was held in 1994 (180 boats).

• 2005 – 40,000 visitors (450 boats)
• 2011 – 160,000 visitors (550 boats)
• 2013 – 200,000 visitors (550 boats)
• 2015 – 200,000+ visitors (550 boats)
• 2017 – 200,000+ visitors (550 boats)
• 2019 - 220,000+ visitors (550 boats)

The 2021 festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and was deferred to 2023.^[4]

• 2023 – 200,000+ visitors - meaning approx. 60,000 people (500 boats, of larger sizes)

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) of 2023 was a celebrated maritime event that showcased the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and enduring allure of wooden boats. Held in Hobart, Tasmania, this edition of the festival brought together enthusiasts, artisans, historians, and maritime aficionados from across the globe to immerse themselves in a maritime extravaganza.

The AWBF 2023 was a vibrant tapestry of experiences, featuring a diverse array of activities, exhibitions, and performances that captured the essence of wooden boat culture. From meticulously crafted traditional vessels to contemporary creations, the festival's waters came alive with a spectacular display of maritime craftsmanship and innovation.

Wooden boat enthusiasts and curious visitors alike were treated to a multitude of engaging offerings. The festival grounds were adorned with a colorful mosaic of vessels, each bearing its own unique history and story. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with skilled artisans, boat builders, and experts who shared their insights into the intricate art of wooden boat construction.

Beyond the boats, the AWBF 2023 offered a symphony of cultural events, workshops, and educational sessions that celebrated maritime traditions and explored the intersection of history and modernity. Demonstrations of traditional techniques, lively performances, and informative talks transported attendees into the heart of the maritime world.

The AWBF 2023 also hosted the Wooden Boat Symposium, a platform that brought together thought leaders, researchers, and enthusiasts to discuss the future of boat building, sustainability, and forestry practices. This symposium provided a forum for exchanging ideas and insights that are crucial for the continued evolution of wooden boat craftsmanship.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival grounds transformed into a mesmerizing arena of lights and celebrations. Nighttime events, performances, and cultural showcases illuminated the maritime spirit of camaraderie and unity.

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival of 2023 left an indelible mark on the maritime community, fostering connections, preserving traditions, and igniting a renewed passion for the timeless beauty of wooden boats. This edition of the festival stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of maritime heritage and the captivating allure that draws people to the water's edge.

• List of festivals in Australia
• Brisbane International Boat Show

• Official website

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