Hobart: Derwent River Historic Cruise with Lunch or Dinner

Summary

Derwent River sights, local stories & relaxed cruising from Hobart

You’ll hear real stories from locals as you cruise past Hobart’s landmarks and under Tasman Bridge, with options for lunch or dinner onboard. Watch rowers glide by Rose Bay and catch glimpses of historic homes along Montagu Bay. It’s relaxed, unhurried — perfect if you want to see another side of Hobart without rushing anywhere.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the boat engine hummed against the old wooden pier — not loud, but steady, like someone clearing their throat before a story. We boarded the Spirit of Hobart just after lunch, and our guide (I think his name was Mark?) greeted everyone with that dry Tasmanian humor. The river looked almost metallic in the afternoon light, and you could smell salt and eucalyptus drifting together. I grabbed a seat by the window because I didn’t want to miss anything — you know how it is when you’re somewhere new.

We set off upriver past the Botanical Gardens, which honestly looked more like a wild painting than a garden from out on the water. Mark pointed out Government House — apparently some governor still lives there, though we only saw a flash of white walls between trees. Passing under the Tasman Bridge felt weirdly thrilling; I ducked my head even though there was plenty of space (old habits). There were rowers on Rose Bay waving at us, and for some reason that small moment stuck with me more than any big landmark.

If you do the lunch cruise (like we did), they serve up something simple but good — I had fish that tasted fresh enough to make me wonder if it’d been caught that morning. The commentary wasn’t scripted or stuffy; Mark just told stories about growing up near Montagu Bay or how Battery Point used to be all shipyards. He laughed when he mixed up dates and said “Don’t quote me on that!” which made everyone relax a bit. On the way back, someone pointed out dolphins in the distance — maybe? Or maybe just wishful thinking after a glass of wine.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm by the end. The city looked softer from out there, almost like it belonged to someone else for a while. If you’re thinking about a day trip on the Derwent River from Hobart, I’d say do it for those small moments — not just for what’s on any brochure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Derwent River harbour cruise tour

• Board the Spirit of Hobart vessel
• Travel north up the river
• Pass Botanical Gardens and Government House
• Go under Tasman Bridge
• Cross river to Rose Bay
• Return from Montagu Bay
• Travel south around the bay
• Pass Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and Casino
• Cross to eastern shore towards Bellerive Bluff
• Return from Kangaroo Bay
• Disembark at Hobart

Top questions

How long is the Derwent River harbour cruise?

The standard morning and afternoon cruises are 1 hour each; lunch cruises last 1.5 hours; dinner cruises are 2 hours.

Is food included on this Hobart river cruise?

Lunch is included on the lunch cruise (not for kids under 5); dinner includes a 3-course meal if minimum numbers are met; refreshments can be purchased on other cruises.

Does this Derwent River cruise include live commentary?

Yes, all cruises feature live commentary from local crew members onboard.

Where does the cruise depart from in Hobart?

The cruise departs from central Hobart’s waterfront area (exact pier provided after booking).

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; guests make their own way to the departure point.

Are drinks included in the price?

Dinner cruises include one complimentary drink; other drinks can be purchased separately onboard.

Is this cruise suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and accessible for prams; meals are not included for infants under 5 years old.

What happens if there aren’t enough people booked for dinner?

A minimum of 8 passengers is required for dinner cruises to run; check availability before booking.

What’s included

Your day trip along the Derwent River includes your chosen cruise duration (from 1 hour up to 2 hours), live commentary by local crew sharing stories as you pass landmarks like Tasman Bridge and Battery Point, plus either a light lunch or three-course dinner depending on your booking. One complimentary drink comes with dinner cruises; additional refreshments are available to purchase onboard before returning to Hobart’s waterfront.