5 ways to spend summer in Tasmania
Longer days, vibrant festivities, wild coastlines and plenty of reasons to stay out late. We may be a little biased, but we think summer is one of the best times to visit our island state. From warm days that stretch into the evening and swims in clear waters to events filled with feasting, drinking and live music, here are five ways to make the most of summer down south.
1. Spend a day (or eight) at Taste of Summer
No Tasmanian summer is complete without a visit to the Taste. From 27 December to 3 January, we're celebrating the best in Tasmanian food, drink and culture on the Hobart waterfront.
Across eight days, more than 85 food and drink vendors bring the island's produce and hospitality together, from freshly shucked oysters to sparkling wine in the exclusive VIP Yacht Club.
Discover some of Tasmania's most celebrated chefs and restaurants, artisan producers, award-winning wines, ciders, spirits and craft beers. A stacked program of live music and entertainment runs throughout, making Taste an effortless spot to spend an afternoon grazing before dancing as the sun sets over the waterfront.
For New Year's Eve, we're throwing a space cowboy-themed party, with The Potbelleez and Muma Megs, Furnace & The Fundamentals and fireworks over the Derwent. Cowboy boots, glitter and a little celestial flair is very much encouraged.
2. Savour art, markets and summer events
In Summer, Hobart's cultural calendar comes to life. Spend a morning wandering Salamanca Market, where local makers, growers and artists fill the historic sandstone precinct, then take your time exploring the nearby galleries, independent shops and waterfront. One of them is the Salamanca Arts Centre. Made up of seven connected warehouses, it’s a unique place to check out art studios, unique retailers and the gallery.
If you’re here during Taste, cheer on as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race makes its way towards its finish line along the River Derwent. For a front-row seat, the festival is an ideal spot to watch the harbour come alive before settling in for good food, drinks and live music. A sail past the Taste crowd is a race tradition.
Check out Discover Tasmania to see a calendar of exhibitions, performances, workshops and festivities unfolding across the summer.
3. Eat and drink your way around the island
Tasmania's food and drink scene extends well beyond the festival grounds. Summer is a great time to visit cool-climate vineyards, seek out local produce and discover the people making the most of what's grown, caught and crafted here.
If you discover a new favourite at Taste, why not visit them at home? Make a day of a tour and tasting at historic Cascade Brewery, settle in for a rustic lunch at Willie Smith's Apple Shed in the Huon Valley, or head north to Derwent Estate Wines in Granton for a cellar-door tasting and a meal at the Shed Restaurant.
4. Get out into nature
Summer is a good excuse to spend more time outside in Tasmania. Follow the coastline to the white-sand beaches of the East Coast, explore Bruny Island’s rugged shores or take in the dramatic sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. If you’re staying in Hobart, Long Beach in Sandy Bay is an easy spot for a morning swim, a picnic by the water or a sunset stroll.
For a different perspective, head up Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Walking tracks wind through the mountain’s distinctive landscapes, while the summit offers sweeping views across Hobart, the Derwent and the countryside beyond. It’s often cooler up there than in the city, so bring an extra layer.
5. Road-trip around the state
If you're travelling to Tasmania for Taste, consider giving yourself a few extra days to explore beyond the waterfront.
The island is well suited to a road trip without an overly ambitious itinerary. Further afield, you'll find coastal walks, cool-climate vineyards, small towns worth exploring and landscapes that change dramatically over a short drive. For ideas on things to see and do around the state, explore Discover Tasmania and download their app, which makes for a handy personalised travel guide.
Make the most of your trip
Whether you're coming for Taste, planning a few days in the city or setting off on a longer road trip, summer is a good time to discover more of Tasmania at your own pace.
Start planning with Tourism Tasmania, find arrival information through Hobart Airport and get your tickets to Taste here.
See you on the waterfront!
