Photo credit: Alex Nicholson

Living Maritime History

HERITAGE TREASURES

Step back in time and explore the Festival’s rich maritime heritage. Discover finely crafted model boats and boats in bottles, try your hand at knot tying and traditional rope work, and experience the sights and sounds of the Vintage Steam Village. Heritage diving comes to life alongside the pearling lugger Torres Pearl, with interactive demonstrations exploring the equipment, techniques and working life of divers from the pearling era.

Together, these displays and activities offer a fascinating glimpse into maritime skills, stories and traditions from another time. Browse the schedule below to see what’s on.

INFORMATION

Waterside Pavilion & Town Hall

Victoria & Watermans Dock

IN COLLABORATION WITH

In collaboration with the City of Hobart, TasPorts, International Guild of Knot Tyers, the Hobart Vintage Machinery Society and members of the Historical Diving Society in Tasmania.

BROWSE ACTIVITIES

Dates
Times
Entry
  • Free Entry (4)
Locations
Free Entry

Model Boats & Ships in Bottles

Marvel at finely crafted model boats and ships in bottles, celebrating the precision and artistry of maritime makers.
Free Entry

Vintage Steam Village

Hear whistles blow and engines rumble as the Hobart Vintage Machinery Society brings historic steam machinery to life, recalling the power behind working boats of the past.
Free Entry

Historical Diving Demonstrations

Watch hard-hat divers suit up in authentic early 1900s gear and take to the water, bringing to life the skill and hardship of commercial diving beside the Torres Pearl lugger. Presented by members of the Historical Diving Society.
Free Entry
Take Part, Watch

Knots & Ropework

See traditional knotwork and rope-making brought to life by the International Guild of Knot Tyers and local artisans.