Owners of wooden boats from across Australia and overseas are invited to help shape the 2027 Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF), with expressions of interest now open for boats afloat, boats ashore and model boats.
Credit: AWBF/Ben Cunningham
Returning to Hobart’s waterfront from 5–8 February 2027, AWBF is the largest celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere, welcoming around 400 wooden boats ranging from classic yachts, historic vessels and tall ships through to handcrafted models and boats in bottles.
The theme for the 2027 festival is Working Boats, shining a spotlight on the vessels that have played an important role in maritime life and industry.
Credit: AWBF/Heather Bird
AWBF Festival Director Paul Stephanus said the festival is keen to hear from owners of all types of wooden boats, whether they remain in active service or are now used for recreation, cruising or racing.
“Working boats carried people, cargo and livelihoods. They connected communities, supported industries and helped shape the places we know today,” he said.
“While Working Boats is our theme for 2027, we’re keen to hear from owners of all wooden boats. Many of the vessels we admire today have a working heritage, having begun life as fishing boats, ferries, pilot boats, work launches and trading vessels before finding a new life on the water.”
“Whether they’re still working, cruising, racing, retired from service or have never worked a day in their life, we’re looking for wooden boats with stories to tell and owners who want to share them with visitors.”
Credit: AWBF/Stu Gibson
An independent panel of judges assesses expressions of interest to curate a diverse fleet of boats afloat and ashore, alongside model boats and boats in bottles, representing the many stories, traditions and forms of craftsmanship found throughout the wooden boating community.
Displays ashore range from vessels exhibited along Hobart’s waterfront to carefully curated displays in heritage venues, including the popular City Hall Classic Dinghy Display, where beautifully restored dinghies are showcased with sails raised beneath the historic hall’s grand interior.
Credit: AWBF/Mark Chew Photography
AWBF Boat Manager Megan Stredwick said bringing hundreds of vessels together for the festival is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
“People see the finished picture, but behind the scenes it’s a bit like putting together a giant puzzle,” she said.
“Following the Parade of Sail opening event, hundreds of boats are berthed across the waterfront in one afternoon. It’s a remarkable choreography of boats, people and teamwork, and visitors often come to watch the process unfold.”
“It’s one of my favourite parts of the festival and not something you see every day.”
Credit: AWBF/Mark Chew Photography
Expressions of interest are now open and can be submitted via the AWBF website at awbf.org.au.
