
We are really excited to be part of the Australian Wooden Boat Festival again 2027 an I hope you are excited too. We are lucky enough to be able to offer some different options for viewing and enjoying the many on water events and boats in luxurious comfort aboard our own 1948 Historic Tasmanian Motor Cruiser, LaDrone.
La Drone was built in 1948 on the Tamar River, Launceston, Tasmania as a private vessel for cruising up and down the river. She is a 38ft motor cruiser and has lived her whole life in Tasmania, being restored to be a commercial vessel 25-30 years ago. She is a special little historic vessel worthy of being published in the book 'Those that Survive'.
Built traditionally and with carvel planking she is made up of Celery Top pine and boasts a magnificent 1950's décor and blackwood fit out that takes you back in time and makes you feel right at home the moment you step aboard.
She is in commercial survey and is able to carry 12 passengers, with a draft of 0.9m and a spacious, luxurious and comfortable all weather fully enclosed cabin and open aft deck all make her perfect for intimate cruises up the Huon River.
We are very excited to be bringing this fine example of a Tasmanian wooden boat to the festival and have on offer what we believe will be the most comfortable and best catered for way to see the events and festival from on the water.

Departs: 0820, 05 Feb 27 from Kettering Public Jetty
Arrives: 1400 In Hobart
Duration: Approx 7 hours
Cost: $360
Adults only cruise
Take a step back in time and enjoy the excitement of cruising alongside the many Tall ships and hundreds of stunning wooden boats attending the festival. There really is a buzz in the air as we kick off the festival in style.
Departing Kettering at approximately 0815-0830, you will cruise up the scenic D'Entrecasteaux channel enjoying a delicious morning tea accompanied by plunger coffee or pot brewed tea, arriving at Blinking Billy by 1200 for the start of the parade.
This is where you will enjoy a lunch platter of Huon Valley Produced delights as we weave in and out of the stunning and unique wooden vessels that are participating in the festival.
It's one thing to see the boats tied up at the dock, but seeing them up close under full sail, cruising through the water is something unforgettable.
We are a licenced vessel and will have available for purchase aboard, locally produced wine, cider and beer as well as some non-alcoholic options as well.
To get to Kettering a bus will be available from Hobart to Kettering on the morning, included with your booking(further details on exactly where and when this departs Hobart will be relayed as we find out more, just know that it is definitely happening and included.)
Arrival time back in Hobart will be around 1400 at our berth.

Departs: 06, 07 and 08 Feb 2027 at 1000
Returns: 1130
Duration: Approx 1.5 hours
Cost: $135
Kids($65) and infants($35) welcome
See the morning's on water events in style, including the Derwent Class Friends Rally and race starts for the 'Derwent World Championships'
(Click book now, for more details of the on water events)
Includes: A snack of Crackers and Huon Valley produced Tapenade and sweet Paste. Lucuston Apple juice available for purchase aboard.

Departs: 06 and 07 Feb 2027 at 1415
Returns: 1545-1600
Duration: Approx 1.5 hours
Cost: $135
Kids($65) and infants($35) welcome
See the afternoon's on water events in style, including the 'Lady Nelson Safety Demonstration', 'Ketch Review' and the finishes of the 'Derwent World Championships' races.
(Click book now, for more details of the on water events)
Includes: A snack of Crackers and Huon Valley produced Tapenade and sweet Paste. Huon Valley produced wine, cider or beer available for sale aboard.(also includes non-alcoholic options)

Departs: 06 Feb 23 at 1745
Returns: 1945
Duration: Approx 2 hours
Cost: $175
Adults only cruise
Head out for a special, relaxed evening on the water enjoying a nice local wine or beer and delicious grazing board, while taking in sights of the bridge, mount wellington, casino and maybe a tall ship or two.
Includes: A grazing board of Huon Valley produce, with Bruny island Cheese, Tassal smoked Salmon, sweet paste, Tapenade, sliced apples and crackers.
Huon Valley produced wine, cider or beer available for sale aboard.(also includes non-alcoholic options)

Departs: 7 Feb 27 at 1945
Returns: 2145
Duration: Approx 2 hours
Cost: $175
Adults only Cruise
With the moon close to new, you will be watching the Fire works amongst the Tall Ships, a very unique sight in this day and age. This cruise will take you out on the Harbour to watch the Fire Works from on the water.
Includes: A grazing board of Huon Valley produce, with Bruny island Cheese, Tassal smoked Salmon, sweet paste, Tapenade, sliced apples and crackers.
Huon Valley produced wine, cider or beer available for sale aboard.(also includes non-alcoholic options)

Departs: 8 Feb 27 at 1600
Returns: 1800
Duration: Approx 2 hours
Cost: $135
Kids($65) and infants($35) welcome
The last of the scheduled on water events, and the perfect way to conclude your festival experience. This cruise will take you out on the Harbour to be part of the Admirals sail from on the water. Cruise past the regatta ground amongst all the other vessels, as they say goodbye to another great festival and head off home.
Includes: A snack of Crackers and Huon Valley produced Tapenade and sweet Paste.
Huon Valley produced wine, cider or beer available for sale aboard.(also includes non-alcoholic options)

Approximate Schedule: Leg 1, 4 Feb 27, Heriots Point to Kettering departing approx 1100, arriving approx 1530-1600.
Leg 2, 9 Feb 27 Hobart to Kettering, departing 0830, arriving approx 1130
Leg 3, 9 Feb 27 Hobart to Kettering, departing 1230, arriving approx 1630-1700
Duration for each leg: Approx 3-6 hours dependant on current and wind.
Cost: $75/Leg, $125 if you do both legs on the 9th Feb.
Something we haven't had on offer before is the opportunity to do the trip from our base in the Huon Valley, Heriots Point Vineyard, to Kettering on the way to the festival and from Hobart to Kettering to Heriots Point on the way back.
We need to do the trip anyway, so we are keeping the cost low, but that also means your lunch will be BYO/purchased at Kettering and logistics for yourselves is up to you to arrange.
We will provide some snacks and water on the trip, but if you want more to eat, please BYO food.
Huon Valley produced wine, cider or beer will be available for sale aboard.(also includes non-alcoholic options)
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Sorry for the pop-up. But, I thought you might be interested in a free guide to what I think is a perfect weekend visit to the Huon Valley. Designed specifically for people that would also like a cruise on La Drone.
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