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Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hobart, Australia
High interest
Booked 2 times today.
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· geoffrey_B ·
Feb 2026
Fun trip on a beautiful day. 2 M waves & wind made it wilder. Sam was a great tour guide - very pleasant, calm and informative. We saw acrobatic dolphins jumping in the air, and wallabies at another beach. A little bonus adventure as he herded some kayakers in distress back to shore.
· Kevin_M ·
Apr 2026
Knowledgeable guide, and a comfortable boat. Fascinating! Depending on the weather, it can be very bumpy, and wrap up well if you want to take photos from the decks.

Overview

Take a Hobart sightseeing cruise to admire coastal scenery and learn about the maritime history of Tasmania’s capital city. As you travel along the River Derwent to Betsey Island and Iron Pot Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, you’ll enjoy sights like Hope Beach, Mt Wellington and Shot Tower. Listen to stories from your guide about life on the sea, from shipwrecks to settlers, on this small-group tour limited to 12 people.
  • 2.5-hour Hobart cruise on the River Derwent and into Storm Bay
  • Learn about Hobart's maritime history from a knowledgeable guide
  • Cruise past Iron Pot, one of Australia's oldest lighthouses
  • Snap photos of Hobart and towering Mt Wellington from the water
  • Travel along the final leg of the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
  • Look for the white-bellied sea eagle and other seabirds as you circumnavigate Betsey Island
  • Small-group tour limited to 12 ensures a more personalized experience

What's Included

  • Cruise
  • Local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
    Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

    Meet at our booking office, Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf, Hobart (near lifting bridge).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Your cruise starts at Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, where you’ll hop aboard your motorboat, a custom-built vessel with leather seats and an enclosed cabin with large windows to take in the views. Then set off down the River Derwent, passing by landmarks like Battery Point, Wrest Point Casino and 160-foot-tall (49-meter) Shot Tower.

When you reach the mouth of the Derwent, take a look at Iron Pot Lighthouse, which stands on a small rock island, guarding the entrance to Storm Bay. Constructed in 1832 after several shipwrecks on these waters, the lighthouse is one of Australia’s most historic. Listen to tales from your guide about Hobart’s early settlers, including lighthouse keepers and their families, and hear about the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, in which the lighthouse is the final turn.

Then head into Storm Bay toward uninhabited Betsey Island, where white-bellied sea eagles and other marine birds live, and enjoy a view of Hope Beach, a secluded stretch of coastline whose offshore winds and large breaks make it a popular surf spot. As you move closer, you’ll feel the swelling surge of the ocean before turning around to cruise back to Hobart, watching for marine life along the shore.
1

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Iron Pot Cruises (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • A maximum of 12-14 people per tour
  • There are 12 forward facing seats and 2 rear facing bench seats
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Yvonne_H
Our captain, Hamish, was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. He got us in close to the interesting places along the way, and allowed extra time to see the dolphins. This tour was a highlight of our holiday. I would highly recommend it.

Reviews

4.9
based on 193 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Knowledgeable guide, and...

Kevin_M, Apr 2026
Knowledgeable guide, and a comfortable boat. Fascinating! Depending on the weather, it can be very bumpy, and wrap up well if you want to take photos from the decks.

Thomas was fantastic,...

Andrew_S, Mar 2026
Thomas was fantastic, knowledgable, informative, fun and a good all round expert guide. Oh and the weather was perfect

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Dear Andrew Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear you had such a great experience out on the water with us. Thomas will be thrilled to hear your kind words — his knowledge and enthusiasm really help bring the experience to life. And it sounds like you were lucky enough to enjoy it all in perfect weather too! Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back on board again soon! Cheers Melinda

Well worth it

Susan_A, Mar 2026
Although the weather left a little to be desired it was still a very good trip well worth it. Would recommend

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Dear Susan Thank you for your review. We're glad you still enjoyed the Iron Pot Cruise despite the weather not being at its best. It's great to hear you found the trip worthwhile, and we really appreciate the recommendation. We hope to welcome you back on the water again in the future. Cheers Melinda

Terrific informative cruise

Carole_H, Feb 2026
Very worthwhile cruise with great scenery and interesting information regarding wildlife, geology & historical facts Very helpful crew

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing your review. We’re delighted to hear you found the cruise informative and worthwhile, and enjoyed the scenery along with the wildlife, geology and historical insights. It’s lovely to know our crew were helpful throughout the experience. Thanks again for travelling with us! Cheers Melinda

Rollicking good time!

geoffrey_B, Feb 2026
Fun trip on a beautiful day. 2 M waves & wind made it wilder. Sam was a great tour guide - very pleasant, calm and informative. We saw acrobatic dolphins jumping in the air, and wallabies at another beach. A little bonus adventure as he herded some kayakers in distress back to shore.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Geoffrey Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing such a fun review. We’re delighted to hear you had a rollicking day on the water, enjoyed the wildlife sightings, and appreciated Sam’s calm, informative guiding. The bonus rescue really does show the care our crew take on the water. Thanks again for travelling with us — we’re so glad it was a memorable adventure! Cheers Melinda

Great tour

Gail_M, Jan 2026
The guys were great, very friendly and knowledgeable. Weather was so so but still had a good trip and photos.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Gail Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing your review. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the friendly, knowledgeable crew and still had a great trip despite the weather. We really appreciate you travelling with us and hope to welcome you back again! Cheers Melinda

This was a fantastic trip...

Barbara_M, Jan 2026
This was a fantastic trip. We went out to the light house and heard about the history of the area We were lucky enough to see a whale and it really was lots of fun

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Daer Barbara Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing your review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the history, the fun on the water — and how lucky to spot a whale too! We really appreciate you travelling with us and hope to welcome you back again. Cheers Melinda

Great cruise. Jordy was...

Kerrie_H, Jan 2026
Great cruise. Jordy was knowledgable and the information was interesting. Overall a good afternoon on the water.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Kerrie Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise and for sharing your review. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the cruise and found Jordy’s commentary knowledgeable and engaging. We appreciate you spending the afternoon on the water with us and hope to welcome you back again. Cheers Melinda

It was a great way to see...

Kahlia_P, Dec 2025
It was a great way to see parts of Hobart from the water, a lot of great details from the crew and Tassie as always serves beautiful scenery. Really enjoyed it and would recommend :)

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Kahlia Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing your review. We’re glad you enjoyed seeing Hobart from the water and found the crew’s commentary informative. We really appreciate the recommendation and are pleased you enjoyed the beautiful Tasmanian scenery! Cheers Melinda

Iron Pot cruise

Kathleen_B, Dec 2025
Fabulous cruise- friendly and knowledgable staff. Great way to explore the harbour and learn the history.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Dear Kathleen Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback. Cheers Melinda

What a perfect day!...

Ollie_Z, Dec 2025
What a perfect day! Weather was fantastic and we got see all the sights. Staff were exceptional, Jodie & Tom did a great job. Highly recommend Pennicott wilderness adventures.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Dear Ollie Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing such a wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the perfect weather, the sights and the experience overall. Jordie and Tom will be thrilled to receive your kind words. We really appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back on board again soon! Cheers Melinda

The Beauty and History at the Mouth of the Derwent - Iron Pot Lighthouse

Ray_R, Dec 2025
Great crew, beautiful destination, interesting and informative commentary all the way by enthusiastic, environmentally aware - Jordy and Luke.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Dear Ray Thank you so much for sharing your amazing feedback on your Iron Pot Cruises experience, we greatly appreciate it. Cheers Melinda

Amazing way to spend your...

Edinardo_F, Oct 2025
Amazing way to spend your morning! Stunning views and fresh sea air while basking in the sun. Tom was a great guide who shared lots of knowledge with the group. I can’t recommend this tour enough. It’s a wonderful way to get to know Hobart and its surroundings and be in awe of Tassie’s nature.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you for joining our Iron Pot Cruise and for sharing such a wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the stunning views, fresh sea air and sunshine — it’s a beautiful way to start the day. Tom will be thrilled to know his guiding added so much to your experience. We really appreciate your recommendation and are glad the cruise helped you get to know Hobart and its incredible coastline. Thanks again for travelling with us! Cheers Melinda

We saw long nosed fur seals

Matthew_B, Sep 2025
Get to see loads of wildlife and the captain was very knowledgeable when it came to the history of Hobart

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Dear Matthew Thank you so much for sharing your feedback from your Iron Pot Cruises experience. Cheers Melinda

Beautiful views of...

Susan_R, Sep 2025
Beautiful views of Tasmania from the water. The ride through the waves is exhilarating, matched by the interesting historical facts.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Dear Susan We are so glad to hear you loved your Iron Pot Cruises experience with us. Cheers Melinda

Wonderful

Jessica_L, Aug 2025
It was unreal and our tourist guide was the highlight of the trip. She was so informative and personal.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Dear Jessica We are so glad to hear you had a terrific Iron Pot Cruise. Cheers Melinda

It was a really great...

John_D, Aug 2025
It was a really great tour and our skipper on the Sea Dragon was amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Hobart.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Dear John We are so glad to hear you had a great Iron Pot Cruises experience. It is such a wonderful way to explore Hobart. Cheers Melinda

Derwent River Iron Pot Lighthouse

Rebecca_T, Aug 2025
What a wonderful introduction to Hobart. We are only here for a few days to get away. Sean our guide and captain was entertaining and knowledgeable about the areas he took us too. Lovely small group. Clean boat and blankets provided for cooler weather. Everyone in the office were lovely and helpful with some questions I had. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Dear Rebecca Thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback. Cheers Melinda

Excellent Tour

Yvonne_H, Jun 2025
Our captain, Hamish, was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. He got us in close to the interesting places along the way, and allowed extra time to see the dolphins. This tour was a highlight of our holiday. I would highly recommend it.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Dear Yvonne We are so glad you loved your Iron Pot Cruises experience. It is such a great way to experience Hobart. Cheers Melinda

Sam and Isabel were very...

Samantha_D, Jun 2025
Sam and Isabel were very knowledgeable and were able to answer all of the groups questions and gave us so much information. We got to see seals, lots of different birds and the birds catching their dinner, hearing all about the iron pot was so interesting as well.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Dear Samantha Thank you so much for sharing your terrific feedback. Cheers Melinda

Happy holiday

Mandy_H, Jun 2025
Sam was amazing about the history of all areas we went to. We saw the furry seals and a rare eagle which was amazing.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Dear Mandy Thank you so much for your amazing feedback. Cheers Melinda

Yes - recommended !

Rose_P, Apr 2025
Great experience and wonderful tour guide Mitch. He went to look for seals and found them. The tour was a good length and the places he took was great.

Response from Host, May 2025

Dear Rose We are so glad to hear you loved your Iron Pot Cruises experience. Cheers Melinda

Excellent to

Cathy_B, Mar 2025
Excellent tour, great commentary along the coast line and to the lighthouse. Weather can change quickly, so definitely make sure you bring something warm.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Dear Cathy Thanks much for your fabulous feedback. Cheers Melinda

Recommend doing this trip

Dale_F, Mar 2025
Great trip and the captain was very good. Really enjoyed learning about the river and the city Would do it again

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Hi Dale Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback. Cheers Melinda

Excellent tour of lighthouse

Pamela_B, Mar 2025
Perfect day and enjoyable commentary from Captain Huw. He certainly kept us entertained with his knowledge of history and the area around the harbour and lighthouse. I have booked with this company before and they are always excellent tours. We were very lucky with the weather and got to get up close to the lighthouse. Great photos.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Dear Pamela Thanks so much for sharing your amazing feedback. The Iron Pot Cruise is a fantastic way to get a different perspective of Hobart. Cheers Melinda

Great experience

Hugh_M, Mar 2025
An amazing short coastal trip with a very knowledgeable guide. As a local, I learnt things about out estuary that I never knew. Highly recommended

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Dear Hugh We are so glad to hear you loved your Iron Pot Cruises experience with us. Cheers Melinda

Great trip

Sandra_G, Feb 2025
Well worth doing. Very knowledgeable guides, excellent trip. We learnt so much about the Hobart area.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Dear Sandra We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your Iron Pot Cruises experience with us. It is a terrific way to get a different perspective on Hobart. Cheers Melinda

This was my favourite...

Sue_T, Feb 2025
This was my favourite trip in Hobart area. Our tour guide was very informative. We would definitely recommend

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Dear Sue We are so glad to hear you loved your Iron Pot Cruises experience. Cheers Melinda

Beautiful trip really...

GingeMcNeill, Jan 2025
Beautiful trip really interesting and a great way to see how beautiful Hobart is. Really friendly boat driver who was super knowledgeable. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thanks so much for your fabulous feedback. Cheers Melinda

Unexpected vessel change

Simon_R, Jan 2025
The boat that we had booked changed with little notice to a larger and enclosed boat, so the experience was completely different to what was expected.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Simon Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. The usual boat we use for the Iron Pot Cruise is a rigid inflatable boat enclosed on three sides and takes up to 14 guests. We did use our larger catamaran on the day you travelled which is also enclosed on three sides, has full walkaround capacity and has 50 seats. We managed to provide a couple of days' notice to guests to advise of the change in vessel but appreciate it is not the vessel you expected and booked originally. We do hope you still had a wonderful experience exploring the waterways of Hobart. Best Regards Melinda

From $109.41

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 28 days in advance.

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