TASMANIA’S TASTE OF SUMMER

Welcome to summer in Tasmania

Tasmanians love a party at any time of year, but the arrival of warmer weather heralds a unique, sizzling summer celebration set against the backdrop of a sparkling sea.

As temperatures rise and vivid blue skies are bathed in sunshine, Southern Tasmania’s outdoor bars, restaurants and wineries flow with guests. The beaches – though still refreshingly cool – become far more swimmable, and the festival calendar kicks into full swing.

As the longer days and balmier nights lure revellers outdoors, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race surges home in late December at Sullivans Cove. This coincides with Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, a week-long food and wine festival on the beautiful Hobart waterfront. The program for this signature foodie event is accompanied by a soundtrack of vibrant entertainment, including New Year’s Eve fireworks and live performances from the likes of Australian icon Daryl Braithwaite. Sailors and landlubbers alike hunger for a taste of Tasmania, and all are welcome here, so expect an eclectic crowd.

The extensive list of summertime celebrations continues – with other major events including the artistic Mona Foma, and the Wooden Boat Festival. The south is packed with revelry, but be sure to check out festivals across all corners of the island.

Summer is the busiest time in Tasmania, so book well ahead to secure car hire and accommodation.

Listen on for a tantalising rundown of a foodie lover’s paradise at Tasmania’s Taste of Summer.

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer

Fun, colour, sunshine and sizzling hot food reign supreme at the mega gastronomic event, Tasmania’s Taste of Summer.

This iconic week-long food and wine festival serves up creative cuisine, distinctive drinks and first-class entertainment from a long shed on the waterfront known as Princes Wharf I. The outdoor section of the festival, at adjoining Castray Esplanade, features a lawn dotted with brightly coloured beanbags scattered beneath strings of vividly coloured decorations fluttering in the breeze. This is an ideal space for families to enjoy the dappled sunlight beneath Salamanca’s large, shady trees. Seats are also available near the outdoor stage, which showcases a rotating program of live music from across Tasmania and Australia – including jazzy local bands, up-and-coming indie artists, and classic rock performers.

Inside the Princes Wharf I shed, multicoloured depictions of bees, flowers and other summery symbols create a kaleidoscope of colour across the ceiling. Booths below invite you on a tasting journey of the island’s freshest and finest flavours, with seafood, berries, boutique beverages, and street food sure to satisfy your appetite.

Sit and enjoy your chosen fare indoors, or head back outside to Castray Esplanade to indulge in tasty treats in the summer sunshine. Alternatively, head towards the waterfront, where you’ll find a huge cluster of outdoor tables shaded by umbrellas beside the shimmering harbour.

Boats that have raced along 628 nautical miles in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race fill the docks during this festive period, with mega masts towering overhead. Irrespective of whether they arrive in time for the New Year's Eve fireworks, all finishers are greeted by the revellers at Tasmania's Taste of Summer. A sail past the gathered crowd is part of race tradition.

Let sweet songs and boisterous laughter serenade your senses – and enjoy delicious cuisine courtesy of Tasmania’s finest producers.

Drinks of Distinction

Tipples, juices and dairy treats abound – come and explore delectable drinks from Tasmania’s dedicated producers.

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer is where a community of like-minded, passionate Tassie producers gathers to celebrate the island’s fresh and premium produce. Stallholders and producers are often inspired by one another at this joyous end-of-year event.

Get started with some boutique Tasmanian beverages. Line up for a multi-award-winning cider made from local pears, cherries, raspberries or apples at Frank’s Cider (and if your name happens to be Frank, you can cut the waiting time and head straight to the front of the queue). Perhaps you’re more of a craft beer connoisseur? In this case, Shambles Brewery has you covered with its fresh and citrusy Afternoon Delight Summer Ale.

Embrace the island spirit with locally made liquors to keep you cool in the heat. Sample Grove Cherry gin from Waverly Distillery, putting Tasmania’s premium summer cherries to good use. Frozen espresso martinis from 7K Distillery will keep you energised, while Lawrenny Whisky and Gin will serve up its prized, complex single malt whisky.

And it wouldn’t be a Tasmanian festival without wine – sip and savour Clover Hill Wines’ premium sparkling Cuvee Rosé or Vintage Brut, Derwent Estate’s Pinot Gris or Riesling, or some Mill Block Pinot Noir from Barringwood.

There’s an equally refreshing range of non-alcoholic drinks available, like Gillespie’s Ginger Beer, cold juices from Tasmanian Juice Press and Endangered Distilling Co, and spritzes, sodas and mocktails from Punch & Ladle.

There’s an abundance of drinks to discover, but be sure to save room for grilled seafood, berry ice cream, and other delicious victuals. Listen on for a quick guide on what to eat.

Fresh Flavours and Creative Cuisine

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer is renowned for many things – entertainment, sunny skies and dazzling sea views – but it’s most loved for its delectable nosh.

From street food to seafood, ice cream to crepes: sample and discover dishes from around the world here on Hobart’s waterfront.

Flavourful favourites include Chilean empanadas from Cantina Latina, crispy battered fungi from Festival Tempura Mushrooms, and traditional paella from Kiltro Street Food. Take your tastebuds on a global adventure with crispy tofu bao at Luna Chan and traditional sub-Saharan cuisine from Queen Sheeba Injera Catering.

Take your pick of shellfish galore. Bruny Island Oysters has a stall of freshly shucked goodies, from the natural to the Kilpatrick, and a cheeky Bloody Mary option featuring Cape Grim 666 Vodka. Tasmanian Oyster Co. will unveil its Jon’s Reserve range of extra-plump, ultra-premium bivalves at the festival.

More fresh ocean fare reels you in at the Tasmanian Gourmet Seafoods stall. Ever had Lobster Mousse? Sample some of this creamy cuisine here by the harbour, or savour delicious local scallops and squid.

This island is blessed with abundant and lush dairy country. Sample decadent and experimental European-style cheeses at La Cantara Artisan Cheeses, including the Smokey Cow with its paprika and ground pepper rind, or the Café con Leche coffee rubbed cheese.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Satisfy your sugar craving at a variety of decadent sweet stalls. Crepes from MIAM French Crepes and Crepe Haus go down a treat, as do frozen goods from Canopy Ice Cream and Silver Spoon Ice Cream. This festival conveniently coincides with the ripening of the island’s berry crops, so desserts featuring these fresh, quality ingredients are always popular.

Take advantage of the ridiculous volume of seriously mouth-watering food at your fingertips. Explore. Discover. Indulge. Whatever you do, don’t hold back!

Accessibility

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer takes place on Hobart’s picturesque waterfront. The site is an easy five-minute walk from the city centre. Just follow roads like Campbell, Argyle, Elizabeth and Murray Streets in a south-easterly direction until you arrive at the seaside, then wander towards Salamanca until you reach Princes Wharf 1. The main site entrance will be on Morrison Street, opposite the Parliament House Gardens.

Accessible parking will be provided at Abel Tasman car park in the Salamanca area. Dog guides are welcome at this event.

The waterfront is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with wide foot and bike paths, slow traffic and right of way given to pedestrians on a network of zebra crossings. Traffic lights in this area have audio-tactile controls.

You can also access the waterfront via a range of public and private transport options. The main metro bus mall in Hobart is a few blocks up Elizabeth Street, near Franklin Square. Macquarie, Davey and Campbell Streets have bus stops close to the harbour, including Hobart Interchange – which is Stop D2 on Macquarie Street.

The indoor portion of the festival may be packed with people during peak times, so be prepared for possible crowds.

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer will run day and night from 27th December to 2nd January annually. Day passes can be purchased for a very reasonable price, or season passes are an economical option for those eager to savour the flavours for a little longer. Splash out on a New Year’s ticket if you want to enjoy the premium entertainment, including famous live music headliners and two dazzling firework shows at 9.30pm and midnight.