Historic Tasmanian riverboat Cartela lying derelict on the banks of the Huon River — symbol of Tasmania’s river heritage and revival of the Derwent

 

 

The Revival of River Life – Reopening the Derwent to New Norfolk

 

For more than a century, the Derwent River was the main artery of southern Tasmania — carrying traders, travellers and steamers between Hobart and the inland township of New Norfolk.
Now, almost 80 years after the river route was closed beyond Bridgewater, the waterway is open once again — reconnecting New Norfolk, The Woodbridge Tasmania, and the wider Derwent Valley with Hobart by river.


A River with a Proud History

 

In the early 1800s, New Norfolk thrived as Tasmania’s inland port. Sailing ships came up the Derwent on the top of the tide and dropped anchor directly in front of what is now The Woodbridge Tasmania.
Steamers such as the Cartela and the Togo carried passengers, timber, hops and wool between Hobart and the valley. The annual New Norfolk Regatta drew thousands of spectators who travelled upriver by boat for a day of sport and festivity along the esplanade.

That river connection — the heartbeat of the Derwent Valley — defined New Norfolk’s identity for generations.


The 1946 Bridgewater Bridge – When the River Fell Silent

 

The Lift-Span Era

 

In 1946, the construction of the Bridgewater Bridge introduced Tasmania’s first lift-span bridge. While a triumph of post-war engineering, its central lift mechanism effectively closed the river to regular boat traffic beyond Bridgewater.

For decades, the Derwent above the bridge became a quiet backwater. Commercial barges disappeared, ferries ceased, and New Norfolk’s vibrant river life faded into memory.


The New Bridgewater Bridge Opens the River Once Again

 

 A Milestone for Marine Access

 

On 2 June 2025, the new high-level Bridgewater Bridge officially opened to traffic — Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project. With a fixed span and generous marine clearance, the new bridge removes the navigational barrier that had blocked the Derwent since 1946.

As demolition crews now remove the old bridge, uninterrupted access to New Norfolk by river is finally being restored. For the first time in nearly 80 years, vessels will once again be able to travel the full length of the Derwent — right up to The Woodbridge’s doorstep.


The River Revival – Regatta, Esplanade and Ferry Plans

 

The reopening of the river is already sparking new initiatives:

  • A revitalised New Norfolk Regatta — a volunteer committee has formed to bring back this celebrated event, last held decades ago, with the first new regatta planned for 2026.

  • Esplanade Redevelopment — plans are underway for upgrading the riverfront, creating moorings, picnic spaces and walking paths that reconnect locals and visitors with the Derwent.

  • Riverboat Experiences — a private initiative is in planning to re-establish a ferry and sightseeing service between Hobart and New Norfolk, expected to commence Stage 1 operations in 2026.

These efforts will re-energise New Norfolk as Tasmania’s premier riverside destination — a place where heritage, nature and community meet on the water.


The Cartela – A Symbol of Tasmania’s River Heritage

 

Lying quietly on the banks of the Huon River is the Cartela, one of Tasmania’s most iconic riverboats. Built in 1912, she once carried passengers and cargo all along the Derwent — including to New Norfolk.

After years of neglect, the Cartela is now being restored by maritime heritage enthusiasts. Her revival mirrors that of the river itself — a fitting symbol of Tasmania’s renewed connection to its waterways.


The Future Flows Again

 

For The Woodbridge Tasmania, this renaissance is deeply personal. Our historic 1825 mansion was built when the Derwent was the region’s lifeline, and the river once again becomes part of daily life.

As ferry services, regatta festivities and waterfront developments unfold over the coming years, The Woodbridge will once again welcome travellers arriving — quite literally — by river.

Stay tuned as we chronicle the journey of the Derwent’s revival here on our website.

Keep in touch

 

Follow The Woodbridge Tasmania on our News & Stories page or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the Regatta, ferry services and riverfront redevelopment.