8:59 PM Fri 2 Jan 2009 GMT
 | | 'Tutor at work while a student looks on in the Wooden Boat Centre workshop'
Fiona Harper
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Stepping into the workshop of the Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin, 40km south of Hobart, the sweet aroma of Huon pine permeates the air. Under construction is a Cloudy Bay 32, with ribs of Blue Gum and planking of Huon pine and Celery top pine. There are currently six students studying for their Diploma in Boat Building, with their course culminating in the launch around March 2009 with the launching of this lovingly hand crafted vessel, which is destined for Sydney.
 | Mist settles above the Kermandie Marina - Fiona Harper |
Bounded by the rugged craggy peaks of the Hartz Mountains National Park that tower over the orchards that once gave Tasmania its' 'apple isle' nickname, mist gently rises from the river and ascends the valleys. Deep into this stunning country is where crafty mariners will find the Wooden Boat Centre Marina. Leaving behind the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, head northwest into the Huon River. Port Cygnet is off to starboard and Kermandie River leads off to port.
 | Early morning on the Huon River - Fiona Harper |
Now this is where it gets interesting and local knowledge is definitely recommended to safely navigate further upstream. Dean is the workshop manager and can probably offer advice on current conditions. Shoal areas merge with mid-river islands, with the channel shifting regularly. It is well worth the challenge, and in fact the river is navigable for shallow draft vessels (again with local knowledge) all the way to Huonville.
 | Hard stand and haul out facilities will soon be upgraded at Kermandie Marina - Fiona Harper |
Outside the workshop where students from all walks of life toil, bobbing gently at its mooring, is an elegant motor sailor built by previous students. She sits in the Wooden Boat Centre Marina alongside other traditional looking craft. This region seems to attract classic timber vessels, though the odd plastic yacht has snuck in. Perhaps it is the location deep in southern Tasmania that encourages owners of sturdy, classically built craft. Positioned as it is, far up the Huon River, this is a Tasmanian waterway that few cruisers get to see.
 | Classic craft docked at the Wooden Boat Centre Marina - Fiona Harper |
But a stopover at the Wooden Boat Centre should be high on every mariner's list of places to visit. Visiting the workshop offers the unique opportunity to witness a vessel under construction using traditional methods that have changed little over the centuries. There is definitely an element of romanticism about the process. The adjacent marina has a similar antiquated charm that makes it quintessentially Tasmanian. From the timber jetties and pile moorings, to the mirror like calm of the Huon River graced with elegant craft gently making their way downstream, it's almost as if time has stood still.
| Hard stand and haul out facilities will soon be upgraded at Kermandie Marina - Fiona Harper |
Refreshingly, the berthing rates also reflect this old world charm. This has got to be the cheapest marina rates in the country. Casual berthing for a day will cost $15. There's no argument here about the waterline, deck or overall length of your vessel, that often occurs at big city marinas. It's $15 a day regardless of your size. Though the marina is limited to vessels up to 60 feet, and the 7 foot depth in the Huon River channel will deter anything larger anyway. Longer stays are priced at $55 per week and $180 per month.
 | Elegant lines are evident long before the vessel leaves the workshop - Fiona Harper |
In keeping with the style of marina, there are none of the bells and whistles included in more modern marinas. The ablution block is shared with the students (and often the public) at the Wooden Boat Centre. There's no swipe cards or keys to access the dock, and not all berths have water and power. But don't let that deter you. If you've made it this far into southern Tasmania, I suspect you are already quite self-sufficient anyway.
 | Kermandie Hotel open for breakfast lunch and dinner 7 days - Fiona Harper |
The highly acclaimed Kermandie Hotel at Port Huon is about 10 mins drive to the south, and here you'll find excellent pub food 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Continue south down the Huon Highway to Geeveston, where you'll find services like supermarkets, take away shops, bakery, chemist, hardware store etc. There is a bus service that frequents this road, with regular services running between Dover and Hobart. Fuel is available at Oyster Cove, with the Oyster Cove Marina selling diesel and unleaded petrol. There is also a rigger located here who stocks very limited chandlery items.
 | Dinghies at the dock - Fiona Harper |
For a Complete Guide to marinas visit the Australian Marinas Guide www.marinasguide.com.au
Essentials:
Wooden Boat Centre Marina
LAT 43?07S LONG 146?59E
Huon Highway Franklin
Tasmania 7116
Ph 03 6266 3586 Fax 03 6264 1031
Events
Taste of the Huon Festival 8-9 March 2009
Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta 10-12 April 2009
Don't miss the launching of the Cloudy Bay 32 around March/April 2009. Contact the Wooden Boat Centre for exact dates
by Fiona Harper
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Mount Wellington, TAS
