Hobart: Derwent River Cruise & Iron Pot Lighthouse Small Group

Summary

Derwent river cruise from hobart with iron pot lighthouse and betsey island

You’ll board a small boat in Hobart for a close-up Derwent River cruise with just 12 people, led by a local guide who shares stories about lighthouses and old shipwrecks. Watch Mount Wellington slide past, circle Betsey Island’s wild cliffs, and listen for seabirds as you drift near Iron Pot Lighthouse — all with salty air in your lungs and time to just look around.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide just by the Hobart waterfront — she had this wind-tangled hair and a way of talking that made you want to ask questions. The boat was smaller than I pictured, but honestly, that made it feel more like we were sneaking out on some local adventure. As we pulled away from Franklin Wharf, the city faded behind us pretty quick. You could smell salt and something faintly metallic, maybe from the old docks. The water was choppy in places but not enough to spill anyone’s tea (someone actually brought a thermos — smart move).

I didn’t expect to see Mount Wellington looking so huge from the river — it sort of looms over everything, especially with clouds snagging on the top. Our guide pointed out the Shot Tower (I’d never even heard of it) and told this wild story about shipwrecks near Hope Beach. The wind picked up as we neared Iron Pot Lighthouse; you could hear gulls yelling over each other and, for a second, nothing else. She said it’s Australia’s oldest lighthouse — I tried to imagine being stuck out there on stormy nights. Not for me, honestly.

We circled Betsey Island and slowed down to look for sea birds — someone spotted what they swore was an albatross but I’m still not convinced. The cliffs around there are sharp and weirdly red in places, and there’s this echo when you pass by the sea caves that makes everyone go quiet for a minute. It felt like we were further away from Hobart than we really were, which is probably why I keep thinking about that stretch of water whenever things get too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the Hobart sightseeing cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where does the Derwent River cruise depart from?

The tour departs from Franklin Wharf in Hobart.

Is pickup included for the Hobart cruise?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at the Hobart office near Franklin Wharf.

What landmarks are seen on the Derwent River cruise?

You’ll see Mount Wellington, Shot Tower, Hope Beach, Iron Pot Lighthouse, Storm Bay, and Betsey Island.

How many people are on each boat tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people per tour.

Are infants allowed on the cruise?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local guide at the Hobart office before walking together to Franklin Wharf jetty. The small-group boat cruise covers all navigation along Derwent River to Iron Pot Lighthouse and Betsey Island — just bring yourself (and maybe a jacket), everything else is sorted by your crew.