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Summer in Tasmania – What’s On In The Apple Isle

As summer begins heating up in Tasmania, an array of events are set to ignite the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike to help them find their air in Tassie. From December through February, the island will play host to a series of exciting festivals and events that celebrate arts, cinema, wine, music and culture, promising an unforgettable experience for everyone. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s coming up on the Apple Isle this summer season.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023 – Hobart, Tasmania – 26 December – 1 January: The annual Sydney to Hobart race kicks off again this Boxing Day, as one of the world’s most anticipated ocean races. Every year, competitors sprint out of Sydney Harbour to battle their way to Hobart, navigating across 630 nautical miles of open ocean. At the finish line at the city’s waterfront, get in on the action and celebrate the winners of this iconic event.

Taste of Summer – Hobart, Tasmania – 27 December – 1 January and 4 January – 6 January: A delight for all foodies, the biggest and best food festival that Tasmania has to offer is back this summer. This year, Taste of Summer will host a beautiful weekend with plenty of delicious discoveries to fill your plate and glasses. So come and join in on the fun at Hobart’s waterfront.

Ginuary – Hobart, Tasmania – 14 – 15 January: With the heat comes a thirst for something fresh for the palette. Enter the Gin-uary Hobart Gin Festival, back this summer to celebrate the amazing Tasmanian gin industry. As the birthplace of modern day distilling, Tassie is running its fourth year of Gin-uary, spotlighting distillers of all sizes for the opportunity to show off their unique flavours nationally. The festival will serve up a delicious variety of food vendors alongside bartenders slinging cocktails and Gin-uary G&Ts.

Festival of King Island – King Island, Tasmania – 3 – 4 February: Overlooking the picturesque Currie Harbour, the Festival of King Island brings music of all genres  together, from blues, country, rock, pop and so much more. FOKI is where the artists and the music-lovers come together to celebrate their passion for music and have fun while doing it. What’s more, get ready to feast on the island’s beautiful produce; delicious cheese, beef and seafood or if you fancy getting out on the water, the island is also home to some great surf and diving. A fun and relaxed festival, it’s the perfect summer weekend for the family.

Festivale – Launceston, Tasmania – 3 – 5 February: Home to a three day celebration of summer, Launceston’s Festivale is the event to be at. Held in the iconic City Park, the outdoor event attracts around 30,000 patrons annually, having established itself as a multicultural street party since 1988, celebrating the best there is to sip on with a variety of cool climate wines, beers and spirits at your fingertips. A family and friends fun affair, watch some comedy on Friday by local artists or even watch a celebrity guest and incredible Tasmanian chefs in action, as they toss, slice and stir up some of the best dishes you’ll taste. You won’t want to miss this weekend full of tasty experiences.

Pangaea – Buckland, Tasmania – 3 – 6 February: Prepare for an all inclusive experience as you go on a festive camping adventure in south-east lutruwita/Tasmania. Pangea looks to help locals and visitors discover their creativity whilst celebrating and sharing knowledge through music, the arts and culture, uniting in a sustainable future for all of us. A unique festival, where you will embark on a journey of what it means to live sustainably through performances, workshops, music and activities held around a carefully designed festival site. You will be enveloped in a world of acrobats, eclectic sound, rich storytelling and a playground of discovery.

Ironman 70.3 Tasmania – Hobart, Tasmania – 5 February: This summer, the beautiful Hobart will play host to its’ annual Ironman. The mammoth event provides a playing field like no other, with Oceania’s first-ever completely indoor transition next to the historic Salamanca. From start to finish, the Ironman is in the perfect spot, the heart of the city full of great places to stay and play all within walking distance. The event will start with a swim in the famous pier of River Derwent, followed by a biking course through the city’s historic ports down to Cornelian Bay.

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