Hobart & Tasmania Yacht Charter

Tasmania is the lone island state of Australia. This heart-shaped island paradise located South of Australia is awash with lush greenery and verdant valleys, quaint villages and unspoiled coastline. Considered as one of the most mountainous land mass worldwide, Tasmania presents a jagged and rough profile. The Tasmanian landscape is dominated by prehistoric dolorite rock formations; a clear indication of its connection with the Antarctica several million years ago.

Freycinet - Photo by Hugh Stewart - Credit to Tourism Australia

The Tasmanian climate is generally mild with moderate rainfall. Within a 300km radius to the islands, the sea currents and wind conditions can create a perfect setting for a luxury yacht charters however further out to sea the weather conditions can change dramatically as the ‘Roaring Forty’ drives the coolest breeze to the island and creates some of the most challenging sailing conditions in Australia. Along the western coast of the island, the annual average rainfall is about 3 metres and on the east coast, the annual average rainfall is not more than 20 centimetres. Hobart, which is the capital city of Tasmania, is the second driest urban center in all of Australia and serves as a good staging point for your Tasmania yacht charter holiday.

Hobart Waterfront - Credit to Tourism Tasmania - Photo by Richard Eastwood

Australia Yacht Charter Holiday in Tasmania

Tourists and yacht charterers consider Tasmania as a special holiday destination, off the beaten track. This island state boasts of a treasure trove of some of the most amazing natural and historical attractions. The wildlife in the island is truly unique and exotic and much of it cannot be found elsewhere. The island’s verdant wilderness can be compared to rugged Amazon as well as the northern regions of Canada.

Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, and the nearest point along the coast of the mainland is about 240 kilometers from the island. Nearly half of the island is declared protected area by the World Heritage and consists of several national reserves and parks. Tasmania is not a crowded yacht charter destination and its population is below 500,000. The island’s rustic villages and quaint towns are scattered over an area that is about the size of West Virginia. The state of Tasmania does not have a huge permanent yacht charter fleet however there are occasional superyachts and luxury yachts that visit the area.

Photo 1: Barnbougle Lost Farm Golf Course - Tasmania - Credit to Links Golf Tasmania - Courtesy of Tourism Australia; Photo 2: Freycinet  - Tasmania - Photo by hugh Stewart - credit to Tourism Australia; Photo 3: Freycinet Tasmania - Wineglass Bay Beach Mt Graham and Mt Freycinet - Photo by Ian Butterworth - Credit to Tourism Australia;

Important Destinations and Popular Attractions in Tasmania

Hobart, the capital waterfront city of Tasmania off the southeast coast of Australia, is sailing yacht charter territory. What makes Tasmania a great for sailing yacht charter vacations? Apart from the natural beauty (and breeze) the beauty of Tasmania is in its size. You can actually experience, quite a bit, without venturing too far. A yacht charter up the east coast, from Hobart, is special. The coastline is rugged and untamed. The scenery in Tasmania is diverse and interesting with several majestic lakes, fields of lavender, lush green mountain ranges towering over sheltered sandy bays and unspoiled rugged coastline.  The natural attractions of the island consist of dense forest areas, verdant farmlands, diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, urban centers and modern towns.

Experience a bit of Australian history and sail into Port Arthur, a day sail from the Hobart waterfront. Port Arthur is an old convict settlement, preserved with its jail’s, ruins and even a couple of friendly ghosts. Port Arthur is a prominent feature in the history of the 18th century British convict system, along with Botany Bay and Lord Howe Island. There is a jetty in a small basin, totally protected in all weather conditions and in the middle of this historic site. The island is now inhabited with modern life, and they’ve developed a simple network of tourist infrastructure, with the focus remaining on authenticity.

Photo 1: Historic Buildings - Port Arthur - Tasmania - Credit to Tourism Australia; Photo 2: Joseph Chromy Wines - Ultimate Winery Experience Australia - Photo courtesy of Tourism Austrlia credit to Joseph Chromy Wines Pty Ltd; Photo 3: Joseph Chromy Wines in Tasmania - Credit to Joseph Chromy Wines PTY Ltd;

The sheltered anchorages around Coles Bay are superb for sailing yacht charters. The bay is located on the northern end of the Freycinet National Park and protected from the open sea providing great calm water sailing. Coles Bay is literally teeming with marine life. You’re just about guaranteed to spot seals and dolphins and there’s always the possibility of a fish or crayfish, for the dinner table. Nearby Wineglass Bay was voted as one of the top 10 Beaches in the World by a US Magazine together with Friendly Beaches being rated by Getaway (Channel 9) as one of the top 10 beaches in Australia– surprised? Get used to it because Tasmania is full of delightful surprises.

Devonport is located in the northern section of the island and serves as the access point of ferry services, luxury yachts and superyachts from the mainland. The city is also a popular staging point of yacht charterers who are exploring the important destinations and popular attractions in the island of Tasmania.

What else can be said about a yacht charter in Hobart? Hobart is home to one of the greatest sailing yacht races in the world. The Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race (sometimes referred to as the 'Bluewater Classic' in the Australian media) begins on Boxing Day, in Sydney. The race distance is approximately 630 nautical miles (1,170 km) and is widely considered to be one of the most difficult yacht races in the world. Three to four days after departing Sydney, Hobart’s heart is alive with the adrenaline of those who’ve faced danger, and come out alive. Thousands of sailors, families and friends come to Tasmania to experience and welcome those brave enough to challenge the Bass Strait. Today the Sydney to Hobart is becoming more and more commercialized. Fortunately, there are still plenty of salty old seadogs (Cliff) willing to pick up a sailing charter and match their skills against the best.

The types of yacht charter available in Tasmania include motor, sailing, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, and even the occasional luxury yacht charter.

Tasmania is almost a little country unto itself. Steeped in history and beauty with old fashioned hospitality, a sailing yacht charter in Tasmania will certainly be an interesting affair.

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Below is a selection of Hobart and Tasmania charter yachts - for more information and additional yachts contact our brokers here.