Return of Dark Mofo ‘game-changing’ for Tasmania’s visitor economy: Tourism chief

The resurrection of Dark Mofo is upon us, with hordes of interstate visitors this week set to flood into Hobart – and when they touch down they’ll receive a unique welcome. The Dark Mofo event guide>>>

Ogoh-ogoh: The Procession, Dark Mofo 2023. Picture: Dark Mofo

Hordes of interstate visitors will pour into Hobart this week for the long-awaited return of Dark Mofo as the state’s tourism industry braces for its biggest winter in two years.

After taking a break in 2023, Tasmania’s most celebrated festival will once again send a sea of red surging over Hobart, transforming the city into a pagan paradise replete with globally recognised music acts and arresting works of public art.

While Dark Mofo doesn’t officially kick off until Thursday, the state capital is already buzzing with anticipation.

A special illuminated sign has been installed at Hobart Airport to welcome mainland and international visitors to the island and prepare them for the revelry and ruckus that awaits them here.

Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite said “the excitement in the air is palpable” ahead of the festival opening.

“Banners are flying around the city, everyone is putting up their lights to paint the town red, and, with the sign lighting up at Hobart Airport, we’re getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors,” he said.

Chris Twite, artistic director of Dark Mofo. Picture: Linda Higginson

“This year is already shaping up to be on par with 2023, our last full festival, and we can’t wait to kick off two weeks of art, music, ritual, and late-night revelry at Dark Mofo.”

In order to keep up with soaring demand, Qantas and Jetstar have worked with Hobart Airport to add 14 extra return flights from Melbourne and Sydney over the course of the festival, amounting to an additional 5238 seats.

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said flights to Hobart were “the second-hottest ticket in town, closely behind Dark Mofo”.

Norris Carter, CEO of Hobart Airport. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“[Dark Mofo] hasn’t even started yet, and it’s already proving a great success,” he said.

“Events like [this] are the reason why Hobart Airport is investing $200m in expanding our terminal, to deliver more space, more choice and more jobs for Tasmanians.”

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said the resurrection of Dark Mofo would be “game-changing” for the state’s visitor economy.

“Not only does an event like this trigger interstate visitors to travel to Tasmania, staying in our accommodation, frequenting our cafes and eateries and spending in our economy – it also gets Tasmanians out and about moving around the city as well,” she said.

CEO of Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, Amy Hills. Picture: Linda Higginson

“The fact that 40,000 tickets were sold within the first 48 hours of going on sale, and 70 per cent of Night Mass tickets went to interstate visitors means the flow-on effect of the entire festival can only be significant.

“And what’s also really important this year is that we’re seeing events and activations in the North and North-West, meaning those communities can share in the Dark Mofo experience.”

Dark Mofo begins on Thursday, June 5 and runs until Sunday, June 15, with the iconic Nude Solstice Swim to be held on June 21.

Tickets are available at tickets.darkmofo.net.au

Crash Body– Paula Garcia: Saturday June 7, 6–8pm, Regatta Grounds. Free

Night Mass: God ComplexFriday June 6, Saturday June 7, Friday June 13, Saturday June 14, 10pm-4am, undisclosed location. SOLD OUT

Void – Joshua Serafin

Thursday June 5, Friday June 6, Saturday June 7, Sunday June 8, 7pm-7.40pm, Theatre Royal. SOLD OUT

Beth Gibbons

Thursday June 5, 6pm-7.10pm, 9pm-10.10pm, Odeon. $119-$129

Hymns to the Dead Wednesday June 11, 7pm-10.45pm, Odeon. $99-$109

Winter Feast Thursday June 5 – Sunday June 8, Thursday June 12 – Sunday, June 15, 4-11pm, PW1. $10-$20, free on the second Sunday, season or weekly passes available from $50

Dark Park Thursday June 5 – Sunday June 8, Thursday June 12 – Sunday June 15, 4pm-10pm, Macquarie Point. Free

Nude Solstice Swim Saturday June 21, 7.42am, Long Beach Sandy Bay

Originally published as Return of Dark Mofo ‘game-changing’ for Tasmania’s visitor economy: Tourism chief