Spirit of Hobart to sail to New Norfolk

Hobart Historic Cruises has revealed the passenger boat, the "Spirit of Hobart", will make its first-ever full Derwent River run from Hobart to New Norfolk on Wednesday, September 16 2026.
The cruise, which can seat up to sixty passengers, will leave Murray Street Pier at 9.30 am and then travel the river beneath three bridges before arriving in New Norfolk, where those onboard can then explore what the historic town offers.
After floating the idea for interest online earlier this week, the idea received a good response, with the company quickly confirming the milestone trial event will take place in September.
The unique full-day river experience will take approximately 7 hours to complete and costs from $110, including morning tea with handmade biscuits, a one-course lunch, and afternoon tea with handmade scones.
Captain of the Spirit of Hobart Peter O’May who has been operating vessels out of Hobart for over fifty years said "the trip would be run as a trial, with organisers to consider making it a regular offering depending on demand".
“It’s somewhere the boat hasn’t been before which will be a milestone in itself, and I haven’t been up there for probably 25 years now".
"A lot of people have, of course, never been underneath the Bridgewater Bridge, so it’s quite an opportunity to do that.”
Since the removal of the old Bridgewater Bridge, several larger boats have been seen cruising, anchored or moored up on the Derwent River through to New Norfolk.
With the return of the New Norfolk Regatta in February 2027, just after the 2027 Australian Wooden Boat Festival, the opportunity for larger boats and people to travel, stay, and experience more of New Norfolk and The Derwent Valley has never been better.
Bookings for the Spirit of Hobart's inaugural river run are limited but available online through Hobart Historic Cruises or by calling 03 6200 9074.