Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean your Tasmanian adventure has to stop! In fact, from incredible cultural experiences to stunning natural environments, you’ll find plenty to see you through these long winter months.
Read on for your ultimate guide on the best seven things to do in Hobart this winter!
Get out in the snow!
Do you want to build a snowman? There’s no better place to be than Tassie!
You don’t even have to travel far to enjoy it! Just head over to nearby kunyani (Mount Wellington) for a fun day of snow play or to take one of the many scenic walks that remain open during the season.
If you’re looking for even more activities, why not make a day of it? Mount Mawson is less than two hours from Hobart and offers an excellent spot for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.
Cosy up at the theatre
When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to see a live show! Luckily, the city’s lively arts and culture scene means there’s something for everyone this winter!
If you’re in need of a laugh, get a ticket to a show at The Clubhouse, which holds regular monthly shows from both local and touring comedians.
The Theatre Royal also has a great calendar of upcoming events, including comedy, musicals, live music, talks and performances. While you’re there, don’t forget to take in the amazing architecture of the theatre itself, which is over 185 years old!
Check out Aurora Australis
You don’t need to go all the way to Scandinavia to see the natural spectacle of the aurora. In fact, you can enjoy its southern counterpart, Aurora Australis, from right here in Hobart!
Don’t miss your chance to see this breathtaking array of swirling lights in the night sky! There are plenty of great viewing spots all around the city, including Mount Nelson, kunyani, Rosny Hill, Seven Mile Beach and Taroona Beach.
Rug up, bring a blanket and a picnic, and take in the most amazing natural light show the world has to offer!
Enjoy the world-class markets
On a chilly day, there are few things nicer than strolling around a market with a warm drink in your hand. Lucky for you, Hobart has plenty of fantastic local markets to explore!
A trip to the famous Salamanca Markets, open every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm, is not to be missed. Here, you’ll find lots of artisan goods, delicious food and handmade treasures, which is sure to give you hours of plenty as you browse the many stalls.
If you’re looking for fresh, seasonal produce, you’ll also want to check out the Farm Gate Market, which is open on Sundays.
Alternatively, head along to the Hobart Twilight Market on Brooke Street Pier, open on select Fridays, to explore the handmade foods, artisanal drinks and arts, crafts and homewares from Tasmanian creators.
Celebrate at Festa Junina
In need of something to scare away the winter blues? Get along to Simple Cider on July 23 for their annual Mid-Winter Brazilian Folk Festival, Festa Junina!
This event is celebrated across June and July in Brazil to mark the harvest and the return of the rains. Now, you can take part in the celebration right here in Hobart!
Along with Brazilian folk music and dancing, you can sample some fresh traditional food from a range of stalls and wash it all down with a tasty drink!
Learn something new at the Beaker Street Festival
If you love science, art, or any combination of the two, the Beaker Street Festival is for you! One of the best winter festivals in Hobart, this runs from April 4 to 13 and features talks, photography, events, food and drink and much more!
In particular, don’t miss out on the Beaker Street Crawl, and make sure you drop by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on August 4 or 5 to enjoy all the fascinating interactive experiences of the Festival Hub.
Warm up at the thermal springs
When the cold sets in, there’s nothing quite like a trip to a hot spring. Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are located just an hour and a half from Hobart, which makes it one of the best options for a relaxing, restorative day trip!
In addition to a warming dip in the thermal swimming pool, make sure you don’t miss your chance to take a cave tour! Get a first-hand look at amazing stalactites, stalagmites and columns, and learn about the incredible ecosystem of this ancient cave network.
