Located in the harbourside area of Hobart at Sullivans Cove, Constitution Dock is most famous for being the rallying point of the annual Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. From the end of December through to the first week of January every year, Constitution Dock is party central for all the competing yachts that berth in this colourful marina.
After Christmas each year, the dock is evacuated to make way for the conclusion of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which is one of the best-known and most gruelling blue water ocean classics. Hundreds of people line the marina and Sullivans Cove to cheer and welcome the race participants. The event coincides with Hobart's Taste of Tasmania Festival.
The rock-walled marina making up Constitution Dock has an opening for boats with pedestrian access around the site, and is lined with heritage buildings that date back over a century. Nearby Hunter Street is where the British colonial ships used to drop their anchors. A reminder of the trading history of the historic port of Hobart is the 'SV May Queen', Australia's oldest sail trading vessel, which is moored in Constitution Dock and dates back to the mid-1800s. Volunteers are usually on hand on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm to show visitors around the vessel, which is one of only four such wooden ships from this era still afloat in the world.
A popular pasttime to indulge in when wandering around Constitution Dock is sampling the fresh fish and chips from one of several floating punts and devouring them at the busy waterfront area. At the northern end you'll also find a fish market and restaurants to enjoy the day's catch. To visit Constitution Dock from the city centre, from Franklin Square it's a 10-minute walk down Elizabeth Street, left onto Collins Street and right onto Argyle Street.
