Denison Canal transit bookings
The Denison Canal can be transited between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, but you need to book.
There will be construction work on the Denison Canal Bridge from August 2024 to October 2024. Please visit the project page for more information here.
Vessels using the canal
Vessels can keep using the canal during the construction period, however only three openings are permitted per day so that staff working from the water are kept safe and can plan their work effectively.
The three daily scheduled opening times are:
As normal, bookings are still required to transit through the canal.
To book, please call the Canal Superintendent on 6253 5113.
Road users
Please allow up to 30 minutes extra travel time during the scheduled canal openings. This allows the bridge to be raised so boats can travel through.
If there is no vessel transit booking for that timeslot, then traffic will flow as normal.
Please keep to posted speed limits and always follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page in case we need to update the community about delays: https://www.facebook.com/roadsTAS/
To book a passage during normal operating times:
Q. Why have I been asked to slow down and wait?
A. When the canal is busy the Superintendent may ask you to slow down and wait for another vessel travelling in the same direction to join you so you can transit together. This improves efficiency and reduces interruptions to vehicle traffic on the bridge. You will be asked to transit through the canal together in a line keeping as close as safely possible.
Q. Can I get weather and tidal information from the Superintendent?
A. The Superintendent is often asked what the weather and tidal conditions at the canal are during the booking call. Information provided by the Superintendent is to be used as a guide only and all mariners need to research their own information associated with the safe transit of the canal.
Q. Can I claim if there’s an accident while transiting the canal?
A. All mariners transit the Denison Canal at their own risk.
Q. Is there a charge?
A. There are no fees required for the transit of the canal.
Q. Is there anything I need to watch out for in the canal?
A. Mariners need to be aware of strong currents inside the canal.
Q. What if I can’t reach the Superintendent
A. If your initial call to the Superintendent goes unanswered, please call back after 10 minutes as there may be a vessel transiting during your initial call.
The Superintendent can be contacted on:
Telephone: (03) 6253 5113
VHF Ch16 Call Sign "Denison Canal"
After hours for emergency only phone 1300 139 933