Derwent taxi opens river of opportunity in luring tourists out of Hobart
A FERRY service to New Norfolk will launch today in bid to lure tourists out of Hobart.
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A FERRY service to New Norfolk will launch today in bid to lure tourists out of Hobart.
Operator Rod Howard has converted his water taxi business to capitalise on growth in the tourism sector.
The Hobart Ferry Service will run day tours from the city and has been started with support from the Derwent Valley Council and regional tourism body Destination Southern Tasmania.
Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Ben Targett said the new venture was an example of the work being done to encourage tourists to visit regional areas.
"Rod joined our organisation as a member and we looked at ways to help develop his business," Mr Targett said.
"He had the capacity and need to diversify and we knew about the need [to] bring some of the prosperity Hobart has enjoyed [in terms of the number of tourists] into the regions."
Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans predicted the service would reach its maximum 24-person capacity within the next three months.
"It's one of the nicest rivers in Tasmania and probably one the most under-utilised opportunities for tourism," he said.
The New Norfolk business community has arranged for a small bus to transport ferry passengers from the ferry into the main street, where they can spend a few hours exploring the town's historic sites, antique shops and cafes.
The journey back will include a stop at MONA for people who want to extend their outing.
Mr Howard said he converted his water taxi business after struggling to secure commuters for his Hobart to Lindisfarne run.
"Hopefully it will turn my business around," he said.
"There isn't a boat experience up in New Norfolk, since the jet boat ceased a couple of years ago, and we hope to fill that hole."
To start, the ferry will run Wednesday to Friday and on Sunday, with plans to extend the number of days.
Tickets cost $55 for adults and $170 for families.
hannah.martin@news.com.au
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