Winter in Tasmania is a time to explore, indulge and revel in the island’s unique beauty and culture. From intimate and exhilarating wildlife encounters and silently cruising Cataract Gorge, to celebrating the humble scallop or enjoying music deep underground, Tasmania’s Off Season is awash with events to warm the soul, ignite inspiration, feed the belly and fuel your senses. Here’s our guide to the events we’re most excited about this year.
Hobart
Up to 2000 brave souls converge on Sandy Bay’s Long Beach every year to mark the winter solstice with an invigorating dip in the frigid waters. Accompanied by rhythmic drumming, fire pots and flares, caution (and towels) are thrown to the wind as participants wearing nothing but red swim caps hurtle towards the waters. A ritual to remember.
There’s something magical and other-worldly about Antarctica. For four days this August, the Australian Antarctic Festival celebrates the world’s coldest and driest continent with exhibitions, open days and entertainment. Meet the scientists, technicians, cooks and crew that work on the ground in Antarctica, and discover more about our southernmost neighbour.
Stargazing at Old Bishop’s Quarters
This is luxury accommodation meets glamping near Hobart’s CBD and the historic Salamanca precinct. At Monty’s Hideaway you sleep under the stars in the comfort of an architecturally designed shipping container with underfloor heating and a private deck. The purpose-built tiny home has a retractable roof providing a full view of the sky at the press of a button.
Lavender Goat Farm – Yoga in a Lavender Field
Find serenity as you downward dog surrounded by rows of lavender at Lavender Goat Farm in Petcheys Bay. These guided yoga sessions just 50 minutes south of Hobart will make you feel alive and limber en plein air, a perfect way to warm up in the crisp winter air. After your session enjoy a herbal tea by the fire pits overlooking the Huon River, take a stroll through the organic farm, and explore the sustainable living products in the store.
If you even slightly consider yourself a dog person, don’t hesitate to join this day out. A spirited pack of Siberian huskies will guide you through the temperate forest just south of Hobart. Led by an energetic team of rescued and rehomed dogs, you’ll try out dry sledding on purpose-built sleds through native bush and past babbling brooks set to a chilly winter climate that makes this an experience not to be missed. Your session will include a meet and greet with these beautiful animals, and refreshments by the roaring campfire.
Launceston and north
The opening of the scallop season is a big deal in the coastal town of Bridport on Tasmania’s north-east coast, and for good reason. With a rich fishing and maritime history, the town comes alive on August 4 to indulge in seafood and other fare. There will be live music, chef demonstrations, kids entertainment, pie judging and the iconic scallop splitters challenge.
Stillwater Night With an Author
Stillwater restaurant’s beloved event returns this year for another evening of literary delights and seasonal feasting. A celebrated author will be in conversation at one of Tasmania’s most awarded restaurants while guests enjoy a three-course meal and drinks. If you want to extend the evening, book a stay at one of the seven uniquely appointed rooms at Stillwater Seven. Author announcement to be made soon.
Tamar River Cruises – Whispers on Lady Launceston
Just moments from the centre of Launceston, Cataract Gorge stretches for five kilometres of forested river reserve. The Lady Launceston, built for this journey, is a 1890s replica watercraft (modernised with an electric motor) that lets you soak up the winter in this 65-million-year-old gorge during the 50-minute cruise, complete with that crisp winter air. Choose between seats in the modern lounge or on the 360-degree viewing deck, and embrace the surroundings while trying to spot birds and wildlife on the river’s edge.
Clover Hill Wines – Vine Pruning Masterclass
During winter grape vines lay dormant, but for those working behind the scenes it is one of the busiest times of year. Clover Hill Wines, in Australia’s premium sparkling wine region, invites guests to the vineyard for a hands-on masterclass dedicated to setting up the vine for success in the following year’s harvest. With secateurs in hand, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard while playing an integral part in the cycle of wine making. Once it’s tools down, delve into Clover Hill’s sparkling wine portfolio with a tasting masterclass and cheese platter in the picturesque location.
North-west
Communion Brewing Co Boilermaker Feast
For the uninitiated, the union of beer and whisky in a single tasting experience is known as a boilermaker. The buzzing Communion Brewing Co elevates this drink into an event that combines top notch brewing with regional whiskies and seasonal food. Book a seat at the long-table feast, where you’ll be treated to curated boilermaker pairings, brewery-grain-fed pork spit roast, fire-cooked meals and local produce. Tasmanian duo Whisky Waffle will MC the event with its signature chatter.
Ever fancied yourself as a truffle hunter? Try it out with this immersive two-night experience at Truffledore. Winter is when black truffles ripen and are ready for harvest, and you’re invited to join owners Timo and Ino (along with their three truffle dogs) on a farm tour and dog meet and greet before you set out to unearth the truffles. You’ll get a hands-on understanding of how to assess whether a truffle is ripe, how to clean and grade your find, and how to make it shine with a delicious truffle dinner. After a long day on the land (followed by a pinot or two by the fireplace) rest your weary head in one of Truffledore’s on-farm bed and breakfast cottages.
Gunns Plains Caves – Music in the Caves
Gunns Plains Caves were created by an underground river and have an accessible 275-metre chamber. Across four special dates this Off Season, Music in the Caves descends into the depths to add music from local elder Charlie on the didgeridoo to this enchanting underground experience. Look out for giant lobster, platypus and glow-worms as you explore the limestone formations. The experience runs at 2.30 and 3.30pm on Sunday May 19, Sunday June 16, Sunday July 21 and Sunday August 18 and bookings are essential.
East Coast
Piermont Retreat Winter's Bounty
Piermont Retreat restaurant is in a 180-year-old homestead. It works closely with local farmers, fishers and regional winemakers to deliver a seasonally inspired bounty that showcases the region’s diversity of flavours. Every Saturday night during Off Season there are feasts inspired by the earth, sea and fire, with produce coming from both land and sea and the evening being topped off with mulled wine by the fire. When you’re suitably full, rug up and take a stroll along the beach under a moon-lit sky, or stay close and dance by the fire.
Embodied Living – Enter the Cocoon
The slow, moody pace of winter is the ideal time to embrace self-reflection and self-care with Embodied Living’s Enter the Cocoon retreats. Book in for two hours of uninterrupted you time on the wild Tasmanian east coast for a deep-tissue massage in the wild landscape, with the ocean at your door.
East Coast Natureworld – Wombat Walkabout
Set in 150 acres of natural coastal bushlands and lagoons, East Coast Natureworld encourages you to encounter and connect with wombats. Get up close with these adorable and cheeky rescue wombats in a unique experience. You’ll learn about wombat conservation efforts and capture memorable moments with these photogenic marsupials. And you can contribute to Natureworld’s conservation efforts as well, with the option to make a donation at the end of your visit.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. Embrace the Off Season and explore more wild, weird and wonderful experiences in Tasmania this winter..
