The City of Hobart is making it easier for people to enjoy shopping in the city this festive season, with additional Derwent River ferry services and a convenient Park and Ride option, returning to the City, from 8 December to 24 December.
Expanded Ferry Services
Eleven extra weekday crossings will operate between Bellerive and the Hobart waterfront, giving shoppers more flexibility on when and how they travel into the city and allowing for stress free travel throughout the day.
This includes two new later services at 6.10 pm and 7 pm, as well as an additional return journey at 6:30, which will allow people to stay longer after work and finish their shopping without worrying about parking.
City of Hobart Transport Committee Chair Cr Ryan Posselt said the initiative is designed to support local businesses and ease congestion in the lead-up to Christmas.
The expanded ferry timetable is funded by the City of Hobart and supported with in-kind assistance from the Tasmanian Government. It aligns with the City's Transport Strategy and aims to bring more people into the city, support local businesses, and reduce pressure on busy carparks.
Park and Ride - Regatta Grounds
For those driving into the city, the City of Hobart's Park and Ride service offers a convenient alternative. Park your car at the Regatta Grounds and catch the free shuttle bus to and from the city or waterfront, operating Monday to Saturday from 8 December to 24 December.
- Car park hours: 9.15 am to 6.00 pm
- Shuttle bus hours: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
- Gates open 15 minutes before the first shuttle and close 30 minutes after the last service.
For full ferry timetable details and Park and Ride information.
Quotes to be attributed to City of Hobart Transport Committee Chair Cr Ryan Posselt:
"Catching the ferry is a scenic, stress-free way to travel into the city.
"By making it easier and more enjoyable for people to get into the city, we're encouraging shoppers to spend more time here and support local retailers.
"This is a win for businesses, a win for shoppers, and a win for the city.
"It means you can avoid the hassle of finding or paying for a park or worrying about overstaying and getting a ticket and even enjoy a coffee or a beer or glass of bubbles on your journey.
"These extra services will make it easier for people to shop and enjoy everything Hobart has to offer this Christmas."
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Transport Minister Kerry Vincent:
"The festive cheer is building, and now Tasmanians can take advantage of these extra smooth sailings across the Derwent.
"By making it more accessible, it's encouraging Tasmanians to make the run across the Derwent into town, to enjoy the shopping and what the Hobart CBD has to offer.
"This is great for business, great for city foot traffic and great for commuters looking to take advantage of everything on offer this Christmas.
"I want to congratulate the Hobart City Council for this initiative, their partnership in this with the Tasmanian Government will deliver increased foot traffic and more transport options during the busiest trading period of the year."
