Changes

A ferry service began in 1814, a toll bridge at New Norfolk opened in 1841. For many years a vehicular pontoon bridge spanned the river in Hobart before the multi-lane Tasman Bridge was opened in 1964. In 1975 a bulk ore carrier, the ''“Lake Illawarra”'' collided with one of the pylons and part of the bridge collapsed, killing 12 and causing major disruption to access to the Eastern Shore. A replacement bridge was completed two years later and a “supplementary” bridge some 2 km up river was completed shortly after.

A ferry service began in 1814, a toll bridge at New Norfolk opened in 1841. For many years a vehicular pontoon bridge spanned the river in Hobart before the multi-lane Tasman Bridge was opened in 1964. In 1975 a bulk ore carrier, the ''“Lake Illawarra”'' collided with one of the pylons and part of the bridge collapsed, killing 12 and causing major disruption to access to the Eastern Shore. A replacement bridge was completed two years later and a “supplementary” bridge some 2 km up river was completed shortly after.

Since 1945, the Derwent  near “Constitution Dock” in central Hobart has seen the finish of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race, one of the longest and most difficult bluewater races in the world.  A little upriver the Hobart Regatta is held; the oldest event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from 1967, when the south of the state was being devastated by bushfires, it has occurred every year since 1838.

Since 1945, the Derwent  near “Constitution Dock” in central Hobart has seen the finish of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race, one of the longest and most difficult bluewater races in the world.  A little upriver the Hobart Regatta is held; the oldest event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from 1967, when the south of the state was being devastated by bushfires, it has occurred every year since 1838. Until the late 1960s, the river beside the Regatta grounds was the site of Hobart terminal for the seaplane air-link with the Australian mainland.

Part of the river, between Hobart and New Norfolk, at a point where the road and rail links to the north of the state cross the river. at the appropriately named Bridgewater, is the natural habitat of a rare colony of black swans.

Part of the river, between Hobart and New Norfolk, at a point where the road and rail links to the north of the state cross the river - at the appropriately named Bridgewater - is the natural habitat of a rare colony of black swans.