Ferries in Hobart

Ferries in Hobart are a form of public transport in the city of Hobart, Tasmania. Though for decades they had not provided a major alternative public transport service for commuters and tourists in Hobart across the Derwent River, a renewed ferry service began in 2021. This has resulted in a revival of ferry transport in Hobart, including long-term plans to expand the network.

Since the earliest times of settlement in Hobart, river transport has been used to allow people to move around the city. Prior to the construction of the Hobart Bridge, and its replacement the Tasman Bridge, ferry services were far more important, and previously called at more locations. Following the reconstruction of a public jetty at Opossum Bay in December 2006, calls were made for a more organised and regular commuter ferry service.

A vehicle ferry operated between the Hobart central business district and Bellerive until the Hobart Bridge opened in 1943. Passenger ferries continued until replaced by Metropolitan Transport Trust buses 1963.

In August 1978, P O'May commenced operating a Hobart to Bellerive service with two vessels. It ceased in August 1980. It recommenced in September 1981, ceasing again in November 2002.

Hobart has also had a long shipbuilding industry, which continues through Incat and Richardson Devine Marine who manufacture catamaran ferries.

Following the Tasman Bridge disaster in 1975, services across the Derwent River were operated by Sullivans Cove Ferry Services (owner Bob Clifford - vessels Mathew Brady and James McCabe) and Roche Brothers (Cartela) while the Public Transport Commission loaned the Sydney ferries Kosciusko and Lady Wakehurst.

Later ferries Included Sullivans Cove Ferry Services (Martin Cash) and Wakatere (hovercraft). The Tasmanian government purchased the passenger and vehicular ferry Man On from Hong Kong. It was converted to a passenger only vessel with a capacity of 900 and renamed Harry O'May.

In May 2018, it was announced that the State Government would introduce legislation to allow Metro Tasmania to introduce a service from Bellerive to Sullivans Cove. However in March 2021 the Roche Brothers who also run the Maria Island ferry service, the Port Arthur Historic Site ferry and MONA ferries were selected as the preferred proponent of a trial service between Bellerive and Brooke Street Pier in Sullivans Cove. Derwent Ferries a subsidiary of the Roche Brothers' Navigator Group was later selected as the operator.