Maybe you’d like to spend your summer days relaxing in a floating sauna or picking cheerful blooms at a local flower farm? Maybe you’re keen to get fit, start a new hobby or tear downhill on mountainbike trails? Or maybe you’d like to enjoy some alfresco theatre or eat and drink your way around the state’s famous summer food festivals? Whatever your style, you’re bound to find some inspiration in this mega list of events and activities guaranteed to get you excited for summer.

TASTE OF SUMMER

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer returns to Princes Wharf No. 1 – promising to be “an extraordinary celebration” of our island’s “produce, people, music and culture”. There will be more than 70 food and drink stalls and live performances from 40 Tasmanian artists at the event, which opens at noon every day from December 28 to January 4. Single-day tickets start from $15 for adults (children under-16 are free) or $27 for a family (two adults and up to three children).

A Taste pass covering the full eight days (except the New Year’s Eve evening session) is $40 per adult. Australian rock legends Hoodoo Gurus will perform at the New Year’s Eve event from 6pm-1.30am, along with all-female rock cover band VIXXIN and DJ Hugo Bladel. Tickets are $88 adults, $30.85 children (age six and under are free). tasteofsummer.com.au

ON TAP

In the state’s north, beer lovers can welcome 2025 at Launceston BeerFest at Royal Park, on New Year’s Eve.

Gates open from 4pm, with beer, cider, cocktails, wine and food on offer, along with live music headlined by Sneaky Sound System, comedy (headlined by Brett Blake), masterclasses, and fireworks at 9.30pm and midnight. beerfestivals.com.au

SUMMER BLOOMS

Bright summer days are made even brighter with colourful pops of flowers.

It’s the time of year when Tasmania’s parks and gardens are brimming with beauty, but flower farms are also becoming a popular summer hangout for many Tasmanians. Flower enthusiasts will flock to Snug’s Earthenry Flower Farm, with various open days, guided tours, pick-your-own sessions and workshops, including everything from flower crown making and flower arranging to seed starting and establishing a flower garden of your own. There’s a Floral Christmas Table Workshop on December 14 and a Summer Flower Picking session on December 17 – check Facebook for all upcoming events.

Meanwhile florist Lisa Kingston runs a small hillside flower farm at Woodbridge and offers a range of small group workshops throughout the year, including a flower drying workshop on January 26 from 1.30pm-3pm. The session includes a brief history of the property, a chat about summer flower varieties for drying, a farm walk, a harvest of suitable fresh flowers that you will dry yourself, a look at the farm’s drying room, drying techniques and flower care – and you’ll take home a big bucket of flowers to dry. No prior floristry experience needed. Everything is supplied, including afternoon tea. $155 per person.

And of course Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens look spectacular over summer, with Abundance on the Quay’s food van serving up coffees and snacks while the cafe and restaurant redevelopment is under way. Valhalla ice creams are available to purchase from The Hub, where you can also pick up a free activity card to entertain the kids.

GET FRUITY

Berries are the taste of summer in Tasmania and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking – and eating – some of the world’s freshest produce.

Visit Littlewood Berry Farm at Richmond to pick strawberries, meet resident sheep, relax on the grass with a picnic and indulge in fruity ice cream (opening hours are subject to change, check Facebook before visiting. The Littlewood sunflower field is worth visiting and usually opens in February). The Westerway Raspberry Farm shop is open seven days a week, 9am-5pm during summer. Check Facebook for picking updates. Old Beach Berries offers pick-your-own blueberries from January to March while Iron Creek Bay (just past Sorell) will have cherries mid-December to mid-January, with the property’s orchards also growing apricots, apples, pears and plums. There’s also a cafe and a playground, as well as alpacas, sheep and ponies. Other berry hotspots across the state include Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Turners Beach Berry Patch, Kate’s Berry Farm and Hillwood Berries.

GET FIT

Try yoga, archery, qigong, dance, tennis and stand-up paddleboarding for free as part of the City of Hobart’s Healthy Hobart program which runs until early April.

Designed for all ages and abilities, the program encourages participants to get moving, make meaningful connections and have fun. Indoor and outdoor sessions. Bookings are required for some activities. hobartcity.com.au/healthyhobart

SUMMER SAUNA

Combine relaxation with time outdoors at Sauna Boat Tasmania at Kettering – feel stress melt away as you immerse yourself in the calming warmth of the Scandinavian-inspired sauna, followed by an optional refreshing plunge into the invigorating waters of Little Oyster Cove. Prices from $55 an hour. saunaboattasmania.com.au

There’s also Kuuma Nature Sauna at Margate Marina, where you can enjoy private or communal wood-fired sauna sessions for up to eight people as you cruise Tasmania’s waterways. Prices from $70 for 90 minutes. kuuma.com.au Another new wood-fired sauna experience is at Swan River Sanctuary, near Swansea swanriversanctuary.com.au

SUMMER SPIRITS

Cool off with a refreshing cocktail on a hot summer’s day, crafted from some of Tassie’s best spirits. More than 100 Tasmanian gins will be showcased at Ginuary at Princes Wharf No. 1 with three sessions across January 18 and 19. Tickets from $75 (ginuaryhobart.com.au). If you can’t wait until January for your cocktail fix visit Society Salamanca and try the ever-changing range of Christmas cocktails, with names like The Pavlova, The Candy Cane and Gingerbread Man. societysalamanca.com. The Telegraph Hotel is serving three limited-edition summer cocktails on the rooftop – the Bees Knees is a sweet and tangy honey delight; Clover Club is a refreshing berry-infused classic; and Pimms Cup is vibrant and zesty – there’s also a DJ every Friday and Saturday during summer from 8pm-11pm.

The newly renovated Mures Upper Deck has a new Kelp Bar, serving delicious seafood plates, desserts, and cocktails with names like New Squid on the Block and Dirty Roe-tini.

Open 11am-10.30pm.

Of course you can still enjoy Tassie spirits from the comfort of home, with distillers including McHenry Distillery, Bridport Distilling Co, Sandy Gray, Darby-Norris, Impression Bay Distillery and Brocken Spectre all producing a dedicated Summer Gin. Hellfire Bluff Distillery’s Summer Floral Gin features brown boronia flower, sarsaparilla root, Tasmanian leatherwood honey and mountain pepper berries and is best enjoyed “neat over ice of with quality soda … garnished with citrus, juniper berries and edible flowers’’. Or, create your own summer gin, at a Forty Spotted Gin Bar gin blending experience, $99 per person.

ON STAGE

Summer is the perfect time for alfresco theatre, with two productions at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens this summer. Big Monkey’s Alice in Wonderland runs from December 31 until January 19. $30 adults, $22 concession, $15 children (under 4s are free). bigmonkey.com.au Meanwhile John X presents Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in the evenings between January 11 and February 1. $55 adults, $45 concession, $40 children 12 and under. theatreroyal.com.au

Cygnet Folk Festival returns to the Huon Valley from January 10-12 with a huge line-up of international, interstate and local acts. Day and weekend tickets available. cygnetfolkfestival.org

The Clarence Jazz Festival is a celebration of live music from February 19-23. Full program announced soon at clarenceartsandevents.net

Tones and I will perform at MyState Bank Arena on December 7 (tickets from $86.65 ticketmaster.com.au), Rufus Wainwright will perform at the Odeon on January 12 (tickets are $89, odeontheatre.com.au), the Vengaboys will perform 90s Mania at Wrest Point on January 23 (tickets $109.90, wrestpoint.com.au), while Suzi Quatro will also perform at Wrest Point on January 25 (tickets $99).

There’s no Mona Foma this year but you can still head to the Museum of Old and New Art and enjoy a summer picnic on the lawns with live music Friday to Monday, from 10am-5pm.

MORE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Killing Heidi, Birds of Tokyo, Jebediah, Amy Shark and Pete Murray will headline Festivale, a three-day alfresco celebration showcasing Tasmanian food, beverages and entertainment in Launceston’s City Park.

The event runs from Friday, January 31 from 4pm-11pm; Saturday, February 1, from 11am-11pm; to Sunday, February 2, from 11am-4pm. The program includes masterclasses (guest chef is Manu Feildel) plus comedy from headliners including Mel Buttle, Nath Valvo, Dave Thornton and Nat’s What I Reckon. Tickets from $28. festivale.com.au

Empire of the Sun, The Kooks , Oliver Tree and Aurora will headline a massive line-up at Party in the Paddock, a four-day music/camping festival at Quercus Park in the state’s north from February 6-9. Single day passes from $169.35, or a four-day camping and festival pass is $458.50. partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au

Celebrate Tasmania’s garlic harvest at Koonya Garlic Festival on the Tasman Peninsula on Saturday, February 22, with food, drinks, live music and talks by chefs and gardening gurus.

Take a step back in time and visit the historic village of Evandale for The Evandale Village Fair & National Penny Farthing Championships on Saturday, February 15, 10am-4pm.

DINING OUT

Check out one of Hobart’s newest eateries, Hampden Bar & Bistro. Located in historic Battery Point, the European-style bistro offers a sophisticated yet contemporary atmosphere where Tassie produce takes centre stage.

There’s a Biji Dining pop-up at Swansea’s Waterloo Inn during summer, while Richmond’s Tolpuddle Vineyard will launch a new tasting room on December 6. Hopfield’s Brewery at Margate recently opened a bar, restaurant and beer garden. Also check out Leatherwood Bar & Kitchen, at Hobart’s newest hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton in Macquarie St.

SCULPTURE TRAIL

Take a bush stroll and enjoy a 2km trail dotted with more than 30 artworks as part of the Art Farm Birchs Bay sculpture trail.

New exhibits have recently been added as part of the 2024 Sculpture Prize and will remain in place until February 2025. Family-friendly and dog-friendly, the trail opens daily, 9am-5pm. $5 per person, $10 per family. artfarmbirchsbay.com.au

ON THE WATER

Heritage Sailing Tasmania offers regular sailings on Rhona H, a traditional tall ship (rhonah.com.au), tickets for a two-hour sail are $70 adults, $30 kids (16 and under).

WOODEN BOATS

Be part of the largest celebration of wooden boats in the Southern Hemisphere at The Australian Wooden Boat Festival which will attract about 60,000 people to Hobart’s waterfront from February 7-10. awbf2025.org.au

WINE

Vineyards from across Tasmania will showcase their finest drops along with plenty of music and food at The Tasmanian Wine Festival at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens on February 8 and 9. Tickets from $27. taswinefest.com.au

Meanwhile the 2025 Southern Open Vineyards Weekend runs from February 28 until March 2, with more than 40 vineyards opening doors to guests who embark on a self-guided journey through Tassie’s iconic wine regions. openvineyards.wine

MARKETS

Make the most of the warm weather and explore some of Tassie’s markets. Hobart may be famous for Saturday’s Salamanca Market (8.30am-3pm), but don’t forget the Hobart Twilight Market at Sandy Bay’s Long Beach on December 6 and 13, from 4.30pm-9pm (hobarttwilightmarket.com.au). The market is at Brooke St Pier on December 20 and 27, January 24 and 31 and February 21 and 28. Bream Creek Farmers Market will hold a Christmas market on Sunday, December 1, from 9am-1pm. For more seasonal produce check out Hobart’s Farm Gate Market (Sunday 8.30am-1pm), Launceston’s Harvest Market (Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm) or The Tasmanian Produce Market, at Kangaroo Bay (Saturday, 9am-1pm).

Street Eats @ Franko offers food, music and fun at Franklin Square every Friday night until the end of April, 4.30pm-9pm.

Regular markets are held in Tassie towns including at Campania, Richmond, Franklin, Judbury, Collinsvale, Pontville, New Norfolk, South Arm, Cygnet and Sorell. Visit Markets Tasmania on Facebook for details.

SPORTING ACTION

The Hobart International brings world-class tennis action to Tasmania from January 4-11, kicking off with a family fun weekend featuring 18 free matches and plenty of activities for kids. Gates open at 10am, with on-court action from 11am each day. Ticketed matches start on January 6, with the full line-up to be announced in December. hobartinternational.com.au

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the world’s toughest ocean races and 112 boats will tackle the 628 nautical mile course this year. The race begins at 1pm on Boxing Day in Sydney and Hobart’s Constitution Dock is a popular spot to watch boats cross the finish line a couple of days later.

For a less-crowded vantage point consider watching the flotilla from Blinking Billy Point at Sandy Bay, Rosny Hill Lookout or Kangaroo Bluff.

The 187th Royal Hobart Regatta (February 8-10) will provide three days of activity on the River Derwent at Queens Domain (royalhobartregatta.com). There will be more action on the water at the Sandy Bay Regatta on January 27 at Long Beach from 8am. sandybayregatta.com.au

Cricket fans can enjoy plenty of Big Bash matches – the Hobart Hurricanes play five games at Bellerive’s Ninja Stadium taking on Perth Scorchers on December 21 at 4pm, Sydney Sixers on January 1 at 4pm, Adelaide Strikers on January 5 at 7.15pm, Sydney Thunder on January 10 at 7.15pm and Melbourne Renegades on January 14 at 7.30pm. Tickets from $30 adults, $10 juniors, $60 per family. hobarthurricanes.com.au

The Tasmania JackJumpers play at MyState Bank Arena on December 5, 25 and 29, as well as January 5, 10, 12, 30 and February 8. Tickets are scarce, but keep an eye on Ticketek about 72 hours before tip-off when extra tickets drop. tasmaniajackjumpers.com.au

Horseracing enthusiasts can enjoy a packed summer carnival featuring the Devonport Cup (January 8), Hobart Cup (February 9) and Launceston Cup (February 6). goracingtasmania.com.au

ON SCREEN

Moana 2, Mufasa, Paddington in Peru, Sonic 3 and Captain America: Brave New World are among the summer blockbusters coming to cinemas in December and January.

Alison Lester’s book Magic Beach is also being brought to life on the big screen, while icked, Gladiator II and The Lord of The Rings: The War of the Rohirrim are also likely to attract plenty of summer viewers.

ON FOOT

Summer is a great time to enjoy the trails around Hobart.

Find inspiration at parks.tas.gov.au/things-to-do/60-great-short-walks, greaterhobarttrails.com.au, tastrails.com or Waterfalls Tasmania on Facebook.

SUMMER WHEELS

Summer is the perfect time for thrillseekers to hit Tassie’s world-class mountain bike trails, with St Helens, Blue Tier, George Town and Penguin’s Dial Range among the hotspots. Closer to home, kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a great place to explore on two wheels, along with Meehan Range on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

Some of the world’s best mountainbikers will be drawn to the state from February 7-8, as the Red Bull Hardline event is held at Maydena Bike Park. Spectator tickets start from $20. If something less fast-paced is more your style, check out Pedal Buggies Tasmania at Ulverstone.

A 30-40 minute hire starts from $15 for a single buggy, $25 for a double or $30 for a family. pedalbuggiestasmania.com.au

ICE CREAM

Valhalla’s newest flavours are Toffee Apple and Black Forest, which you can try over summer at stockists including Richmond Sweets & Treats,Mures Lower Deck and Berties ice creamery in Moonah – the perfect stopover if you’re riding along the Intercity Cycleway with kids.

Or visit the Van Diemens Land Creamery punt at Constitution Dock (they also have a shop at Elizabeth Town in the North West of the state) for Christmas flavours and fruity summer varieties – there are Happy Hour specials on Tuesdays and Fridays, 4pm-6pm.

FISH AND CHIPS

Sitting by the water on a sunny summer’s day, breathing in the sea air while enjoying a delicious feed of fresh fish and chips is one of the great pleasures of summer.

Hobart’s fish punts are an obvious choice as well as nearby Fish Frenzy, Kraken in North Hobart or The Cornelian Bay Boathouse.

But if you’re planning a day trip consider Doo-lishus at Eaglehawk Neck Blowhole, on the Tasman Peninsula, Dunalley Seaside Market, Beach Bums at Dodges Ferry, Aqua Grill Cafe at Franklin, Triabunna’s The Fish Van, and Bicheno’s Lobster Shack.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Fireworks displays are on at 9.30pm and midnight. Watch from afar (Mt Nelson Lookout, Rosny Hill Lookout, Nutgrove Beach, Blinking Billy Point, Kangaroo Bay, Knocklofty Reserve, Hobart Regatta Grounds or Princes Park are all good vantage points away from the city centre) or get to the heart of the action with dinner/drinks on Hobart’s Waterfront.

Book a table at waterfront pubs and restaurants including Customs House Hotel, The Den, The Stock Market, The Telegraph Hotel, Irish Murphy’s or Billy’s Burgers or splash out on an all-inclusive event at venues like Franklin Wharf Restaurant and Bar, where Paul Foreman is the newly-appointed executive chef.

Revellers are encouraged to “dress up, bring your dancing shoes and ring in 2025 in style” at a cocktail event at Frogmore Creek Wine Bar in Hunter St, where there will be a DJ, canapes, sweet treats and plenty of drinks from 8pm-12.30am. Cost is $250 per person (all inclusive) or $135 per person (cash bar). frogmorecreek.com.au

Earlybirds can enjoy dinner and drinks at sister restaurants Aloft and Maria, both located at Brooke St Pier, with sittings for a five-course set menu with paired wines ($350 per person) starting between 5.30pm-7pm. But the action really starts from 10.30pm when Maria – one of

Hobart’s newest and hottest eateries – transports New Year’s Eve partygoers to Mykonos, “recreating the vibes of the most lively island in the Aegean” with late-night gyros and potato cakes (done the Maria/Aloft way), a DJ, cocktails, and floor-to-ceiling views of the midnight fireworks. Tickets are just $12 (including a drink on arrival). restaurantmaria.com.au

Waterline lounge bar and eatery at Brooke St Pier is offering a four-course meal with a four-hour drinks package, from 8pm-12.30am, for $225 per person. waterlinebrookestpier.com.au

You can dazzle and dance the night away with a Glitter and Gold themed celebration at Wrest Point. There will be live music, photo booths and discounted House of Arras sparkling, with dinner bookings available at The Point Revolving Restaurant, Longhorn Smokehouse or Boardwalk Bistro. wrestpoint.com.au

At Tesoro Italian Restaurant, in the Movenpick Hotel, diners can choose from an al a cart or Chef’s Road Trip menu on New Year’s Eve – a specially curated menu showcasing bold Italian flavours with a Tasmanian twist, for $95 per person.

The newly-reopened Mures Upper Deck is offering a five-course degustation menu with a four-hour beverage package from 8.15pm. $275 per person.

For something less formal, check out Street Eats @ Franko’s very first New Year’s Eve night market. The free, family-friendly event will feature a six-hour music program promising to “keep you groovin” in the countdown to 2025, as well as plenty of food and drink vendors at Franklin Square from 4pm-11pm.

At In The Hanging Garden in Hobart’s CBD, DJs will be “curating the perfect dancefloor celebrations” to welcome the start of a new year between 8pm and 2am. Tickets are $20 online, $25 on the door or free before 8pm. inthehanginggarden.com.au

Meanwhile, T42 has an “electrifying” New Year’s Eve Fiesta planned with Afrobeat and Amapiano dance music from Encamped, bringing in the New Year with cocktails and great views of the fireworks from 10.30pm until late. Tickets are $43. •