Due to its geographical location, Tasmania has a proud maritime history. From early Dutch explorers to the first pioneers, sail boats have been transporting people and goods to the Apple Isle for hundreds of years. From 10 – 13 February 2017, boat enthusiasts and history lovers will have the chance to celebrate this important heritage at the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival held on the Hobart waterfront. Admission is free.

Mt Wellington (Kunanyi) view over Hobart

Waterfront Entertainment

A lively attraction at any time of the year, Tasmania’s working waterfront becomes a hive of excitement and entertainment during the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival. On Friday afternoon, the festival opens with the spectacular Parade of Sail where you can find great spots to view the flotilla along the Derwent.

As befits a festival set on the water, there will be lots of hotly contested boating competitions. Rowing and yacht races in different classes take place over the weekend with Australian and international teams participating.

Over the four days, you can indulge in superb local foods and beverages with Tasmania’s famous seafood being a major feature of many menus. Lively performances from dozens of poets, singers, orchestras, circus performers and actors can be seen in various venues around the precinct. Take a cruise, clamber aboard a tall ship or even sail model boats.

Wooden Boat Festival Hobart

International Presence

Part of the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival’s appeal is simply the chance to listen to craftspeople and boat owners who truly relish sharing their knowledge and stories. Many exhibitors and symposium presenters come from overseas, including places such as Indonesia.

The 2017 festival will also have special displays and presentations from Dutch devotees. There will be an exhibition outlining Abel Tasman’s journey to Tasmania’s west coast in 1642 and the amazing seafaring feats of the Dutch East India Company. Visitors will be able to view a collection of small Dutch sailing vessels called tjotters which hail from times when waterways were the main means of transport. Incredibly, a team of Dutch shipwrights plan to arrive just before Christmas to start construction of a six-metre sailboat and launch it at the festival.

Hobart Town

Hobart is a city which has come of age. One of Australia’s most picturesque capitals, it has become a hub of culture and cosmopolitan sophistication. Book your accommodation early so that you can participate in this colourful festival and explore the myriad of delights that Hobart has to offer.

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If you are seeking a bushwalking adventure with a touch of comfort, the newly-opened Three Capes track which starts at the Port Arthur historic site in Tasmania is ideal. A high-quality track with stylish huts staffed by rangers along the way has already established this 46 kilometre trek as one of Tasmania’s iconic walks. With only 48 people allowed to depart each day, book well ahead for this amazing hike through spectacular wilderness.

Stunning coastal views

Launching Into Adventure

The fee for this four-day trek includes a one-hour launch trip from Port Arthur to Denman’s Cove from which you walk to the first hut. At the end of your trip, a shuttle bus will transfer you from Fortescue Bay back to Port Arthur. The three architect-designed huts along the track have fully-equipped kitchens, deck chairs, board games and even phone charging stations. Comfortable beds are available in either four- or eight-bed dorm rooms.

Three Capes Huts

Travelling Light

The great advantage of the huts is that you do not need to be weighed down with camping gear meaning that even those who are only moderately fit can complete this walk. Of course, instead of carrying tents and stoves, many travellers choose to fill their packs with bottles of wine and luxury cheeses instead. Whilst the huts are well-equipped, you do need to bring your own food.

Most travellers find that a 10kg pack which contains food, a sleeping bag and extra clothes is sufficient. Your longest trek will be a 17 kilometre round trip to Cape Pillar. For this day trip, you will be able to leave your backpack at Munro hut and simply carry food and water.

Incredible Scenery

The Three Capes Track offers the chance to walk through a variety of terrains and view the wildlife which thrives in this pristine environment. You will hike through coastal heath, beech forest, eucalypt woodland, rainforest and swamplands with boardwalks and gravel tracks to ease your way. You will also skirt along the edge of cliffs, climb some peaks and walk through windswept valleys.

Cape Huay

One of the trip highlights occurs on day three when the walk to Cape Pillar affords magical views of isolated Tasman Island which is surrounded by cliffs rising directly out of the sea. You will also see the jaw-dropping 300 metre high ocean cliffs which are the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.

You may encounter friends such as echidnas, quolls and wombats, dolphins and seals along the way. An outstanding array of birds such as currawongs, sea eagles, albatrosses, parrots and honeyeaters inhabit the area.

Encounters on the Edge

The Three Capes Track has been designed as a work of art. Travellers who book this walk are given the “Encounters on the Edge” storybook. Hikers are encouraged to sit on artistic seats along the way and savour the matching tale in the book. It might be a convict story, a revelation about the geology of the area or even information about the wildlife. Many hikers find that this gives them an emotional connection to the environment and encourages them to enjoy the journey rather than focussing on the destination.

Massive Coastal Cliffs, Three Capes

Unique Experience

Three Capes Track provides a unique, wonderful way to experience Tasmania’s south-west coast. It is recommended that travellers spend at least one night in Port Arthur after the trek to enjoy the other historic and natural attractions in the region.

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It’s party time in Tasmania’s north from 10-13 November 2016 as the Launceston Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival (BOFA) takes over the Inveresk Precinct. Regardless of your preferences, everyone will find something to appreciate at this friendly, unpretentious celebration of Australian and international films. Documentaries, arthouse and fringe films are scheduled alongside more traditional genres. You will even have the chance to see highly-acclaimed productions that fail to make it to mainstream cinemas. Plan to buy your tickets early.

This year’s program includes 39 feature films and dozens of high-quality entries from short film contests conducted by BOFA throughout the year. Filmgoers can expect an international flavour with six of the best films from Cannes being screened. Graduation  from Romania which won best director and The Salesman from Iran which won best screenplay are just two of the emotionally-stirring highlights. Australian films are honoured at BOFA with an eclectic range of acclaimed features including the coming of age comedy Girl Asleep which won Best Film prize at CinefestOz in Western Australia. This is a perfect choice for those seeking lighter fare.

Those who prefer a touch of glamour can attend the red carpet opening night party at Tramsheds. A more laid-back atmosphere can be found at the Festival Lounge on Friday and Saturday evenings. Festival goers can pull up a beanbag, relish the great outdoors and listen to music as food vans provide all manner of delicious local produce, including fabulous vegetarian options, along with coffee, beer, wine and cider. If all that food leaves you craving for more, be sure to check out the amazing range of food and wine inspired films that form one of the themes at this year’s BOFA.

Most feature films are preceded by a short film from the BOFA contests. However, you can support up and coming filmmakers by attending sessions which are dedicated to the best of these entries. If you fancy yourself as a budding director, filmmaking masterclasses will be conducted throughout the weekend. Amateur film critics are well catered for as most screenings will be followed by a robust discussion panel led by film makers and experts.

Launceston’s Breath of Fresh Air Festival provides a timely reason to visit at this time of year with blooming gardens and mild weather. There is a great range of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets with easy access to BOFA. Come and enjoy beautiful Launceston this November and participate in the exciting, fun-filled atmosphere that accompanies this wonderful festival.

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Latrobe’s Chocolate Winterfest will be held on 13 August 2017 in the small town of Latrobe, north west Tasmania. It will come alive with its 14th annual Chocolate Winterfest. This is the perfect occasion for those with a “sweet tooth” to indulge their love of edible gold. With more than 30 events taking place in various venues around town, everyone will find something to enjoy.

This festival was originally inspired by the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory which was established in 1989 by Belgian immigrant, Igor Van Gerwin. A tradition began of using only the purest ingredients from Tasmania and specialty, slave-free cocoa beans from Peru. Therefore, you will be able to sample some of the finest chocolates in the world at this celebration. Imagine cakes, fudge, truffles, pralines and, of course, delicious hot chocolate to chase away the winter shivers. Truly brave souls may choose to try a mouth-watering ice cream.

Local businesses have come up with a variety of creative ways to pay homage to all things cocoa. There will be chocolate sculptures, wearable chocolate art and even living chocolate statues on display. Once these creations have stirred your taste buds, you can browse the wicked delights at the chocolate stalls.

This festival aims to be hands on with a variety of activities and competitions in which to participate. If you fancy yourself as a chocolate cake decorator, chocolate dessert creator or master of latte art, you will have the chance to demonstrate your skills. Those with less confidence can attend classes to learn more about cooking with chocolate or join chocolate with wine tasting sessions. If you feel that you’ve overindulged, a running competition might just be the answer.

The festival begins in style on Saturday night with attendees encouraged to take part in a lantern parade. Make your own lantern and join the procession. After the parade, you can look at the lantern display and buy food from various stalls.  On Sunday, Chocolate Winterfest proper takes place amid a carnival atmosphere. There will even be dancers, musicians and poets expressing their adoration of chocolate through the performing arts.

Winter is a glorious time to visit Tasmania and the riverside heritage town of Latrobe shines at its finest during Chocolate Winterfest. Easily accessible from places such as Burnie, Launceston or Cradle Mountain, this is one local festival you won’t want to miss during your visit to northern Tasmania. Indulge, be entertained, participate and have the time of your life at Chocolate Winterfest.

Accommodation nearby in northen Tasmania

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The Devonport Jazz Festival has been warming up the winter blues in spectacular fashion for the past thirteen years. This event showcases the very best Australian musicians in all jazz genres. From gospel to gypsy, Dixieland to funk – all tastes are catered for. A vibrant mix of workshops, wining, dining, dance, art and film complement the dozens of live musical performances held at venues across the city.

From the 28 – 31 July, concert halls, cafés, restaurants, vineyards, pubs and clubs will host over 200 performers. You can attend formal concerts at Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre, enjoy jazz with a breakfast buffet or groove the night away to dulcet tones at a stylish club. From early morning to late evening, you will be spoilt for choice over the four days of the festival.

This year the headliner is the incomparable Emma Pask who will perform at the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre on 29 July. At just sixteen years old, she was a vocalist for James Morrison and has since gone on to sing in such prestigious company as the BBC Concert Orchestra. Renowned for her sophisticated phrasing, this is indeed a coup for the festival.

For a more laid-back experience, the Tapas Lounge Bar will host ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Josh Pyke on 28 July.  A regular on the triple j hottest 100 list, his contemporary stylings will be the perfect accompaniment for a casual night out. The comfortable couches are likely to be claimed quickly, so arrive early.

Tributes to the greats will be a feature of this year’s festival. The Peter Locke Trio are regarded as smooth master musicians who perform seamlessly. Audiences can expect their salute to Nat King Cole, led by virtuoso jazz pianist Peter,   to be truly inspiring. The music of American jazz great Jim Hall who died in 2013 will be explored by the Nick Parish Trio. A Tasmanian local, Nick Parish is well known for his excellence and enthusiasm on guitar. Therefore, he is the perfect musician to capture the expressive qualities of this lauded jazz guitarist and composer.

A winter holiday in Tasmania is the perfect way to enjoy its natural wonders without the crowds. It is also the time of year when Tasmanians showcase many of their best cultural and arts events. Music lovers who plan their trip around the lively Devonport Jazz Festival will not be disappointed. Book early as many events are in high demand.

Accommodation nearby…..

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The picturesque Huon Valley lies forty-five minutes from Hobart. Famous for its wines and apple ciders, a tour through this region is usually quite a sedate affair. The Willie Smith Apple Shed is a popular cidery and restaurant in the area which attracts many visitors with its tipples and fine food. Each July, however; you could be forgiven for thinking that madness had descended as people engage in acts such as burning effigies, banging  pots and pans and singing to the orchard’s apple trees. Fortunately, this is all part of the Huon Valley Mid Winter fest which takes place from 15 – 17 July 2016.

This “madness” is all part of the ancient European tradition of wassailing. The ceremony was designed to wake fruit trees from their winter sleep and ensure a plentiful autumn harvest. Families would carry a wassailing bowl full of cider down to the orchard just before dark along with pans, kettles, whistles and anything else that made a lot of noise. Each tree would be visited with various chants and songs being performed. In some areas, participants carried flaming torches and burnt a bush or human effigy. The Huon Valley Mid-Winter fest aims to recreate some aspects of this ceremony on the Friday night with the “Burning Man” being a major attraction.

The excitement of the wassailing continues throughout the weekend with an amazing line-up of entertainers for people of all ages. Woolfzingers Cider Show Alley is a send-up of medieval sideshows with some weird and wonderful characters. Be tempted (or not) by strange potions, suspicious food offerings and some caged human exhibits. It’s all in good fun and adds to the olde worlde atmosphere.

This year, the musical and storytelling talent is unsurpassable. Musically, you can enjoy jazz, soul, punk, folk and even zydeco. Craicpot with their energetic renditions of Irish and Australian songs and gypsy band Guerilla Zingari are two unmissable acts this year. The weekend also includes the lost art of storytelling with some “creative” versions of Grimm’s Fairy Tales being presented. The local storytellers will keep you transfixed with their magical ability to weave words and hold your attention. The inaugural storytelling slam on Saturday night promises to be a highlight.

It would be impossible to visit this fertile area of the world without indulging in some of its culinary delights. Mexican street food, pizza, vegetarian burgers and hand-crafted chocolates will only be the  start of your gourmet journey. With specialty coffee to wake you up and Tasmania’s best wines, craft beers and ciders to keep you mellow, you will definitely be sated.

The Huon Valley is visually spectacular at this time of year. Take a day trip from Hobart and enjoy the offerings of the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest. Buses also run from Hobart throughout the weekend if you don’t wish to drive. This is  definitely an event to mark on your calendar.

Click here to view accommodation in Hobart and southern Tasmania

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Hobart’s Festival of Voices is Australia’s premier festival to honour the role vocalists play in the musical sphere. Thousands of choral singers and vocalists raise the winter skies in this unique celebration of the power of song. This is truly a family festival with over 100 events held between 30 June – 17 July. With many free performances on offer, this is an excellent time to schedule Hobart into your holiday plans.

In order to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the festival, head to Hobart’s city centre at lunchtime. Pop-up performances from various choirs will be heard filling spaces from cafés to laneways and even ferries. This should whet your appetite for the Bonfire and Big Sing at Salamanca Place on 8 July. This flagship event unites the entire community to sing with one voice, creating a massive choir to fill the night air. For a more subdued experience, Wrest Point’s Birdcage Bar will have talented local performers reinterpreting the works of songwriting greats such as Stevie Wonder each evening from 1 – 9 July.

A special aspect of this festival is the opportunity to attend reasonably-priced workshops and short courses conducted by the performers themselves. Gospel music enthusiasts can attend a ten-day boot camp or five-day workshop. Those seeking a less intense experience might choose to spend a morning with the Modern Maori Quartet on 9 July. Men who are just a little hesitant can join the Spooky Men’s Chorale in preparation for The Big Sing. Free workshops such as that held by the Choir of High Hopes on 6 July are also available. Book classes early as some have limited spaces.

Some of Australia’s internationally-acclaimed singers will hold concerts during the festival. There are contemporary trail-blazing artists such as Ngaire or more traditional performers such as the UTAS singers from the University of Tasmania conservatorium. Fabulous entertainment such as the Cabaret Showcase and The Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir exemplify the breadth of music on offer. Some concerts will also take place in Launceston and other towns on the east coast, so do check the schedule if you are visiting these areas.

Tasmania is rightly famous for its natural wonders; however, you now have the chance to combine your sightseeing with one of Australia’s most inspiring and interactive festivals. Loosen up those vocal chords and browse the Festival of Voices program in order to plan a holiday to remember.

Accommodation in Hobart and southern Tasmania

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As dawn breaks on Hobart during Dark Mofo, voices broadcast from 450 loudspeakers atop city buildings will gently wake the city from its slumber.

When the sun goes down each day, a helicopter strapped with a tsunami alert public address system will augment the chorus from the buildings to rally the city’s denizens to celebrate the night.

The city-wide alarm system will ring in the arrival and departure of light each day as part of Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival.

A cultural celebration of the winter solstice, this festival explores dark and gothic aspects of the arts. With thousands of people from all over the world in attendance, this is definitely Australia’s most exciting contemporary arts event.

Held in a variety of venues, expect to be mesmerised by experimental art, music, dance, films, plays and food.

Food lovers should not miss the bacchanalian Winter Feast which takes place on Hobart’s waterfront over four days. A giant fire pit, fresh Tasmanian produce and creative collaborations from Australia’s best chefs will have you salivating at every turn. The centrepiece will be gourmet flame-grilled street food at affordable prices.

This two-week interlude of visual and artistic splendour culminates in a nude solstice swim at Long Beach. If you don’t feel brave enough to participate, the rest of Tasmania with its warm hospitality and natural beauty awaits. If you are visiting Hobart in June, be sure to check the Dark Mofo schedule and see for yourself why this young festival is creating so much buzz.

Hurry to book your bed for this great event – check out our accommodation options right here

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From sprawling eclectic markets in the cities to weekly farmers’ markets in the countryside, you are guaranteed to find perfect souvenirs and gifts.

Mixed Market Madness

The beautiful waterfront setting of Hobart’s Salamanca Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings. For those in Launceston, the Boardmills Market is held on Saturday mornings on a 3.5 hectare historic property. In the north, locals and tourists alike head to the Penguin Market on Sundays for a fabulous day out.

Salamanca Market, Hobart

These are the three largest mixed markets, giving you the chance to see the full variety of products that Tasmania has to offer. Wander through the festive atmosphere with buskers and other entertainment on hand. Cheese, wine, woodwork, jewellery, paintings and hand-made clothing are just some of the items for you to admire and covet.

Foodies’ Delight

Tasmania’s pristine environment is renowned for producing unsurpassed food and wine. Visit a farmers’ market to sample these taste sensations for yourself.

Farm Gate: This is the place where Hobartians head for Sunday brunch. You will find everything from locally-roasted coffee beans to organic pork to sourdough donuts at this colourful market.

Cradle Coast: Held on Saturday mornings in Ulverstone, you will find produce that is unavailable elsewhere. Buffalo, raw unfiltered honey, giant leeks and burdock are some of the more unusual items on offer.

Burnie: Find cheap, fresh produce at this market held in the showgrounds on Saturday mornings. As the first farmers’ market in Tasmania, you can expect to find great quality and knowledgeable vendors.

Art and Design

Tasmania has many great community markets which showcase the work of artists, artisans and designers.

MONA: Quality artworks and unusual entertainment can be found at the Museum of Old and New Art near Hobart on Sundays throughout summer. Expect dance offs and other quirky events to keep you enthralled.

MONA, Hobart

Kingston Beach: South of Hobart, the Kingston Beach hall is the focal point for this hand-made market which is particularly famous for stalls featuring local artists, craftspeople and designers. This is a great family day out on the second Sunday of every month.

Latrobe: Come on Sundays to explore this quaint village with its historic buildings and chocolate factory, fifteen minutes from Devonport. Enjoy the great community atmosphere at the street market with stalls that showcase local artworks and antiques.

Spoilt For Choice

While you are exploring the Apple Isle, keep your eyes open for the dozens of local markets that happen every week. Your accommodation hosts will be more than willing to share their knowledge about nearby markets that suit your interests. There is no better way to meet the locals and fully appreciate the quality of products that are truly “Made in Tasmania”.

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Surrounded by ocean and blessed with an extensive network of rivers and lake systems, Tasmania is an angler’s paradise. Whether you seek the thrill of big game fishing, or simply wish to enjoy the tranquility, Tasmania provides every type of fishing experience. Before you begin, make sure you obtain the correct recreational fishing licenses and check for any seasonal restrictions. Here are some of the best places to catch some fishing action during your Tasmanian holiday.

Equipment Hire

Whilst you will have plenty of success with shore and jetty fishing, serious anglers should consider hiring a 4WD for their holiday. Alternatively there is always the option of bringing your gear aboard “Spirit of Tasmania”. This will allow you to reach more remote spots and definitely give you an advantage when aiming to catch prized specimens. If you are new to trout fishing, there are many guides to help you learn the special techniques needed for success. For deep ocean and big game fishing, it is best to join a professional charter. The friendly hosts at your accommodation will certainly help you with advice about the best local angling spots and equipment hire.

Red Tag Trout guides

Relaxing Rivers

Apart from the much-coveted trout, Tasmania’s rivers are well known for flathead, salmon, flounder, barracouta, pike, whiting, bream, cod, mackerel, trevally and mullet. The Derwent River runs more than 200 kilometres from Lake St. Clair in the central highlands, through Hobart and out to the Tasman Sea. This river and its tributaries offer abundant fishing opportunities.  In the Hobart area, Sandy Bay provides excellent shore fishing. For a premier fishing experience, the Tyenna River, a tributary of the Derwent has the highest fish population in Tasmania with many of the prime spots only accessible by boat. The best bream fishing in Australia is to be found along Tasmania’s east coast rivers. Apart from the Derwent, you can explore the Little Swanport, Swan, Scamander, Ansons, and Musselroe Rivers.

Great Lakes

Trout fisheries usually operate between August and June. Lure, bait and fly fishing can be used successfully. Arthurs Lake, which is easily accessible from Launceston, Hobart and Devonport, offers the best brown trout fishing in Tasmania. Four Springs Lake, a mere twenty minutes from Launceston, provides ample opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout. Near Queenstown, Lake Burbury has plenty of brown and rainbow trout that weigh over a kilogram.

Twin Lakes Tasmania

Big Game

Those who enjoy the thrill of ocean fishing will appreciate the challenges provided by Tasmania’s coastal waters. The continental shelf is close to shore meaning that water depths over 100 metres can be found near the inshore. Trolling around the cliffs near Pirates Bay, Tasman Peninsula and Pedra Branca will usually produce some impressive game fish with this area holding eight world records for southern bluefin tuna. Be forewarned that the best specimens are usually found in choppy seas. The township of St. Helens also provides a world class game fishing area with yellowfin and bluefin peaking in size during March and April. The estuaries and lakes around St. Helens also make this an ideal year-round fishing spot.

Fishing boats Hobart

Plan Ahead

Whatever the season, you will find angling opportunities in Tasmania’s rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Plan ahead and allow a few extra days for fishing. You’ll definitely have plenty of tales and a photograph or two to show when you return home.

Let Innkeepers Tasmania unlock Tasmania’s fishing secrets for you. Contact our local consultants on 1300 130 269 or click here

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