Hobart braces for big chill as Beaker Street science festival heads to deep south
Science lovers will get a bigger slice of polar life at next month’s Beaker Street Festival, after organisers announced a bonus week of activities at its Antarctic-themed precinct, Hobartica.
Tasmania
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Tasmanian science lovers can get a bigger bite of the polar south at next month’s Beaker Street Festival, after organisers announced an extra week of activities at their Antarctic-themed precinct, Hobartica.
Described as Tasmania’s Antarctic playground – and positioned on the waterfront at Mawson’s Place – Hobartica will blend science, art, and late-night musical entertainment during a fortnight of chilled-out celebrations that begin on World Krill Day on 12 August.
Festival founder and executive director, Dr Margo Adler, said visitors could catch nightly talks, chat with subzero tractor drivers, or sip an Antarctic cocktail in an atmosphere featuring polar footage and soundscapes.
“Hobartica is a polar outpost, right here in Hobart,” Ms Adler said,
“We’re inviting the public to connect with Antarctica in exciting new ways, through two weeks of immersive Antarctic programming.
“We are extending the Hobartica program due to overwhelming demand, with 40 new events, and an extra week of our Polar Plunge and sauna sessions.
“It all starts with a really fun party at the Waterside Pavilion where there will be krill cocktails, a krill cover band, and prizes for the best krill costume.
“The Australian Antarctic Division is even bringing in their krill tank.”
The 2025 edition of Hobartica will feature four new domed, pop-up venues that will host experimental artworks, a series of live celestial concerts,
Dr Adler said that to mark the 50-year anniversary of Australian women being first included in Antarctic expeditions, Hobartica would host a nightly series of powerful presentations by female Antarctic adventurers.
The Beaker Street Festival, which runs from 12 August to 19 August, is supported by the Tasmanian government, City of Hobart, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the Australian government as part of National Science Week.
Originally published as Hobart braces for big chill as Beaker Street science festival heads to deep south
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