Hobart Sightseeing Cruise: Iron Pot Lighthouse & Betsey Island
Australia's oldest lighthouse sits at the mouth of Storm Bay, the same water where Sydney to Hobart yachts make their final push.
A 2.5-hour boat cruise from Hobart down the Derwent River to Iron Pot Lighthouse and Betsey Island, with a local guide and a maximum of 12-14 people per departure. The route passes Mount Wellington, the Shot Tower and Hope Beach, and includes time exploring sea caves and watching for seabirds around Betsey Island. Your guide shares the maritime history (early shipwrecks, settlers and sailors) as the boat moves through Hobart's waterways and into Storm Bay.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hobart sightseeing cruise and lighthouse visit
- Meet guide at Hobart office
- Walk to Franklin Wharf jetty
- Begin 2.5 hour Derwent River cruise
- See Mt Wellington, Shot Tower, Wrest Point Casino
- Cruise to Iron Pot Lighthouse
- Travel to Storm Bay
- Circumnavigate Betsey Island and explore sea caves
- Search for sea birds
What’s included
- Local guide sharing maritime history and stories of shipwrecks and early settlers.
- 2.5-hour boat cruise down the Derwent River to Iron Pot Lighthouse and Betsey Island.
- views of Mount Wellington, the Shot Tower and Hope Beach.
- time exploring sea caves and watching for seabirds around Betsey Island.
Times
- Every day 10:00 14:00
Before you book
Operated by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts at the Hobart office, where your guide meets you and walks to Franklin Wharf jetty to board. The 2.5-hour cruise explores the Derwent River's landmarks: Mount Wellington rises above the city, Wrest Point Casino marks the waterfront, and the Shot Tower stands as a relic of colonial industry. You'll cruise past Hope Beach and head downriver toward Iron Pot, Australia's oldest lighthouse, which marks the entrance to Storm Bay. This is the same stretch of water where Sydney to Hobart yachts complete their offshore race.
The boat circumnavigates Betsey Island, where you search the water for seabirds and explore the sea caves carved into its shoreline. A local guide narrates throughout, drawing on stories of early shipwrecks, the settlers and sailors who shaped Tasmania's coast, and the maritime life that still defines the region. The small group, capped at 12-14 people, means the guide can adjust the pace and answer questions without rushing through the stops.
The boat has 12 forward-facing seats and 2 rear-facing bench seats, so sightlines vary depending on where you sit. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour operates in all weather, so bring a jacket and layers. The river and bay can be exposed depending on conditions. Public transport reaches the Hobart office, so you don't need a car to get to the jetty.
Is this one for you?The tour departs from Franklin Wharf jetty in central Hobart, reachable by public transport, so you don't need a car or hotel pickup to join. Book it as a standalone morning or afternoon and move on to the rest of your day. The small group of 12-14 people and the local guide's knowledge of maritime history make it worth choosing over a larger commercial cruise if you want to hear the stories behind the landmarks rather than just see them pass.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 16 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is Iron Pot Lighthouse and why does it matter on this cruise?
Iron Pot is Australia's oldest lighthouse, standing at the mouth of Storm Bay where the Derwent River meets open water. It marks the point where the cruise transitions from Hobart's sheltered waterways to the same bay where Sydney to Hobart yachts finish their offshore race, making it both a historical landmark and a gateway to deeper maritime history.
What will I see around Betsey Island?
Betsey Island has sea caves carved into its shoreline that the boat explores as it circumnavigates the island. You'll watch for seabirds in the water and around the rocks. The island is a habitat for a variety of species that your guide can help you spot.
Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit or have mobility concerns?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You board at Franklin Wharf jetty and spend 2.5 hours seated on the boat, so the main requirement is comfort with being on the water. There are no walks or climbs involved in the itinerary itself.
Can I get to the jetty without a car?
Yes. Public transportation options are available near the Hobart office and Franklin Wharf jetty, so you can reach the departure point without driving or arranging a car.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, as the river and bay can be exposed depending on wind and conditions on the day.
Hobart Sightseeing Cruise: Iron Pot Lighthouse & Betsey Island
2h 30m · EN
from AU$ 150 per person
≈ US$ 107 in your currency
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