Embrace the cold winter months in Tassie
Longer nights give way to weird and wonderful connections in Tasmania.
Tourism Tasmania is inviting inquisitive Australian travellers to dive in and embrace the cold.
Their impressive events calendar is headlined by the return of Dark Mofo in June, but there is something for everyone.
The diverse experiences includes opportunities to sample quintessentially Tasmanian farm-to-table cuisine as well as award-winning whiskies and wines — and experience starlit skies and fabulous light projections.
Here are a few ideas from Tourism Tasmania to whet your appetite.
Festivals
Where: Hobart
When: June 5-15 + June 21
Tasmania’s midwinter solstice festival will return with a full program of art, performance and music after a year’s hiatus, featuring Dark Mofo rituals Winter Feast, the Ogoh-Ogoh, Night Mass and the Nude Solstice Swim. Full festival program to be released on April 4.
Where: Hobart
When: June 27-July 6
Celebrating 20 years, this celebration of song brings together any and all who can hold a tune. Over 10 days, join renowned performers, workshops, and participatory events, spanning modern and vintage musical styles.
Where: Hobart
When: August 12-19
Science and art share the stage and stalls at Beaker Street. In its ninth iteration, the festival’s program will challenge and inspire, over a weekend of conversation, experimentation and culture. Program to be released.
Culinary Creations
Where: Lebrina, Tasmania, Fork it Farm
When: May 3, August 9
All-inclusive takes on a new meaning at this paddock-to-plate dining experience. In the crisp winter air, prepare for a degustation journey, as you savour every part of the pig, alongside a pairing of premium Tasmanian sips.
Where: Eastford Creek Vineyard
When: June 21
In the depths of midwinter, Eastford Creek’s Burning of the Vines will warm the senses, celebrating the rebirth of the vines. Enjoy food, flames, wine and live music.
Where: Tasmania
When: August 2-10
The ultimate winter warmer. Across the State, join over 40 distilleries as they put their best nips forward, over several events. Culminating in the Tasmanian Spirit Showcase on Saturday, August 9, raise a glass to this award-winning industry.
Where: Bridport
When: August 3
A tribute to Tasmania’s maritime history, mark the start of the scallop season with a feast of fresh seafood, local wines, and enjoy thought-provoking entertainment.
Where: Latrobe
When: August 10
When the supermarket aisles just won’t cut it, head to the banks of the Mersey River. Savour small-batch, artisanal chocolates as you discover the richness of Tasmania’s affinity for cocoa.
Where: Birchs Bay, Grandvewe Sheep Cheesery
When: August 16-17, August 23-24
Don’t let the cold bring you down. For those feeling blue, a blend of blue cheese, brews and the blues is the perfect cure-all over two weekends, just south of Hobart.
Sunlight, starlit skies and light-based art
Where: Northwest Tasmania
When: May 1-August 31
Nestled within the wild northwest, Tasmania’s western townships will welcome visitors overnight, with the recently announced Illuminate. Queenstown, Strahan, Wynyard, Penguin and King Island will be taken over by immersive light projections this off season, rewarding those who brave the night’s cold.
Where: 78 Burgess Street, Bicheno
When: June 28-July 19
Each night at 6pm, hold off the darkness under Bicheno’s family-friendly light show, before exploring the east coast’s friendly bistros and bars.
Where: Northwest Tasmania
When: July 1-31
Don’t let the shut gate fool you. Head behind the scenes and explore private properties across Wynyard and Table Cape, sampling regional delicacies over long-table lunches, participating in creative workshops, and listening to Moonlight Stories at Table Cape Lighthouse.
Where: Nubeena
When: July 11-13
Across the Tasman Peninsula, celebrate people and place with Nubeena locals, over light-based art, food and music. Full program to be released early June.
Christmas in July Extravaganza
Where: Ben Lomond Base When: July 12
For those who can’t quite make it to the South (or North) Pole, a trip 30 minutes out of Launceston will reveal a snow-capped paradise. Around the fire, sample drops from local breweries and vineyards, grab a bite from local vendors, and enjoy festive workshops that will cheer up any grinch.
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