Tasmania · Attraction
The Wooden Boat Centre
Living heritage of Huon timber craft
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Situated on the banks of the Huon River in the historic village of Franklin, the Wooden Boat Centre is a working boatbuilding shed and heritage attraction that keeps alive the tradition of crafting vessels from the valley's legendary Huon pine and other Tasmanian timbers. Volunteer guides lead visitors through a space where boats are genuinely under construction.
Guided tours run for around 40 minutes and take in boats at various stages of build and restoration, with guides explaining the properties of Huon pine, one of the slowest growing and most durable timbers on earth, and the methods passed down through generations of Tasmanian boatbuilders. Visitors short on time can pay a reduced fee and explore the display area self-guided, watching craftspeople at work from the viewing area.
The centre is community-owned and not-for-profit, which gives it an authenticity that larger attractions can lack. Franklin itself is worth a stroll, the main street retains much of its 19th-century character, and the Huon River foreshore is a pleasant spot to sit after the tour. Hands-on boatbuilding courses are available for those wanting a deeper experience.
Scenic views
Lookouts near The Wooden Boat Centre.
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