Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hobart, Australia
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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 JourneysDock 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.
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 minutes • Admission 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
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
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 199 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Our captain and guide, Kate, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw seals, geological formations, the shot tower, lots of birds, caves, the tip of Bruny Island, Betsy Island and the Iron Pot Lighthouse. Kate's commentary was very informative and passionate.
We were supplied with blankets, as it was quite chilly, softdrinks available (included in the price) and a toilet available to use.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review, Linda! We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring the Derwent and its fascinating wildlife, coastline and history. Kate will be thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed their friendly, knowledgeable commentary. It’s great to know the blankets helped keep you comfortable too. Thank you for travelling with us!
Cheers
Melinda
Easy to book. What they described was what we got and more! Staff were great, friendly and informative and took a genuine interest in who they had aboard.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review, Chris! We’re delighted your Iron Pot Cruise exceeded expectations and that you found our crew friendly, informative and genuinely welcoming. It’s also great to hear the booking process was easy. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back again!
Cheers
Melinda
We had a wonderful experience. Our guide was Jordan and Bells. They were very knowledgeable and telling us the history of the stops we had. Our bonus was we got to watch the whales..Our 4 year old daughter was super happy. Definitely recommended.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted your family had such a great time on our Iron Pot Cruise. Seeing whales was certainly a special bonus, especially for your four-year-old! Jordan and Bells will be thrilled to hear you enjoyed their knowledge and commentary. Thank you for your recommendation!
Cheers
Melinda
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.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the cruise and found it both comfortable and fascinating. Our guides love sharing the stories of Hobart's waterways.
You’ve also given great advice—conditions can change so rugging up is always a good idea for those keen to spend time out on deck. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Cheers
Melinda
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
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
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
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
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. 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 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 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
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! 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
From $109.47
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse
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2 hours 30 minutes
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