Tasmania’s Off Season crackles to life every May–August. The season's festivals and events turn winter into something worth getting out of bed for.
Snap up an exclusive Off Season offer: a whisky tour warming you from the inside out, a luxury spa stay package, truffles on truffles, or a nature experience that’ll remind you cold air isn't all bad.
Solstice in the Square invites you to explore the balance between darkness and light.
In George Town's Regent Square, enjoy a whimsical evening of fireside warmth, live music, delicious food, and mulled wine. Celebrate connection and renewal, embracing the quiet magic and mystery of winter's longest night in Northern Tasmania. Bring the family!
Saturday 27 June 2026 - Saturday 25 July 2026 (Daily) Bicheno
Switching it on in the Off-Season
Bicheno will once again play host to a free event — Bicheno Beams.
Fresh from winning Gold at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, Bicheno Beams is a family-friendly celebration of light, offering yet another exciting reason to visit our must-stay destination.
Each evening, spectacular music accompanies powerful beams of light shining into the night sky, creating a memorable experience for all ages.
Every night at 6:30pm
Show length: approximately 15 minutes
Bicheno Beams is fast becoming an unmissable annual event, drawing locals and visitors together to celebrate the place they love.
You'll be welcomed by a friendly team of local volunteers who will guide you to the viewing area.
Come for two nights and enjoy two different, alternating shows.
Dark Mofo's infamous Nude Solstice Swim returns for 2026.
With an increased capacity, the event will take place at Long Beach at sunrise on Monday 22 June, welcoming back the light after the longest night.
Entry is free and via registration only. Visit the website for details.
Friday 19 June 2026 - Sunday 28 June 2026 (Annual) Strahan
The West Coast of Tasmania comes alive this winter with Light Up the West - a celebration of the winter solstice and the wild, wonderful spirit of the region. The West will glow with events, workshops, markets, lightshows and festivals.
From long table dinners and live music to markets, winter swims and immersive light installations, the West Coast brings together raw landscapes, creativity and community for a winter experience like no other.
Light Up the West celebrates the magic, grit and warmth of Tasmania's West Coast - shining bright during the darkest days of the year. Live like a West Coaster.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Noir Noir – A Night of Pinot Noir, Whisky & Stargazing
Embrace the magic of the longest night of the year at Noir Noir, an exclusive Winter Solstice celebration hosted by Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse.
Held at the Tamar Ridge cellar door, this one-night-only event invites guests to sip, savour, and stargaze under the brilliance of Tasmania's winter sky.
Be among the first to taste Tamar Ridge's new release wines and Turner Stillhouse's groundbreaking new whiskies.
Gather around roaring fire pits, enjoy a curated selection of local produce, and journey through the stars with local astronomer Chris Arkless, who will guide a celestial exploration of the southern skies.
Noir Noir is a celebration of Tasmania's finest craftsmanship, natural beauty, and the cosmic wonder of the Winter Solstice — not to be missed
Friday 5 June 2026 - Sunday 14 June 2026 (Annual) St Helens
A winter arts festival held over the June long weekend in the north east region of Tasmania. The premier attraction is the annual Bay of Fires Art Prize. Some 30 odd finalists are selected by world renowned judges for the Gala Opening of the Exhibition on Friday night. Have a front row seat when the winner of $20,000 is announced. The exhibition is open to the public until 14th June.
Supporting the Art Prize at this Winter Arts Festival are:
Youth Art Prize: The future of East Coast art is in good hands. Check out their talent.
New this year: Sand Sculpture Workshop & Competition. Teams are given a master class in sand sculpture by award-winning sculptor Peter Redmond. They are mentored through the creation of their own sand sculpture. Prizes awarded for the best
Secret People, Secret Places: Invites you to step into the homes and studios of local artists. Purchase a piece directly from the artist for that blank wall in your house.
Artisans On Show. A niche & eclectic display of artisans and their wares. All for sale
Dawn Dash N Splash. Binalong Bay Beach hosts brave souls for a swim and splash to greet the dawn. Bathing costumes are optional, but bathing caps are not!
And there are many other niche events happening around the area. Something for everyone.
Join in for Dark Dip, a floating, wood-fired sauna ritual on Hobart's waterfront during Dark Mofo in June 2026.
Suspended between fire and icy water, and surrounded by crisp Tasmanian air, this winter experience invites you to move slowly, breathe deeply, and surrender to the elements.
90-minute sessions (6–10 & 23–28 June) offer extra time to immerse yourself more deeply in the rhythm of heat and cold. Feel the steady crackle of the sauna melt away tension before stepping into the on-board ice bath, with space to linger, soften, and fully embrace the stillness of winter on the harbour.
60-minute sessions (11–22 June) guide you through a focused sauna and ice bath ritual, allowing you to reconnect, reset, and emerge restored.
Dark Dip is an invitation to pause beyond the everyday — to step into the contrast, embrace the season, and become a winter person.
What to Expect:
Sauna: Surrender to the expert heat of our wood-fired sauna, designed to melt away tension and rejuvenate your spirit.
Ice Bath: Take the on-board plunge and feel the icy waters awaken you. For a gentler option, our shower bucket provides an invigorating alternative.
Guided Rituals: The Kuuma Sauna Masters will ensure a memorable experience, helping you navigate the journey of fire and ice.
In partnership with the Strahan Solstice weekend, their winter 'Solstice Cruise' returns for the third year. Join them for an evening of food, drink and entertainment aboard Harbour Master II to celebrate making it halfway through the coldest season. More details to follow.
When the night is longest, we run. A truly Tasmanian winter adventure, the Knockers Solstice Trail Run takes you through native bushland, with spectacular views of the glowing lights of Hobart below.
Explore Hobart's trails by headtorch in this midwinter run, which kicks of the 2026 Kunanyi Trail Series.
You'll feel the cold, still air in your skin. Watch for wallabies, bandicoots and owls, coming out to feed.
Just a few minutes from Hobart's CBD, Knocklofty Reserve is nestled in the foothills of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington and is home to hundreds of plants and wildlife – many of them rare and threatened.
The Kunanyi Trail Series is made up of 4 different trail running events from June-November, offering shorter and longer distances. Be competitive if you want, or simply have fun with friends and family. There are free BBQs, and games for the kids at our Event hubs, and while you run, kids can also be dropped off at our Bush Play drop-off service, run by Free to Be. BushPlay and Learning.
Friday 12 June 2026 - Saturday 20 June 2026 Hobart
Hop aboard the legendary Tassie tall ship, Lady Nelson, for a magical and hauntingly beautiful two-hour evening sail as they fully embrace the spirit of Dark Mofo.
Prepare for a symphony of "Oohs" and "Aahs" as the ship transforms into a dazzling RED marvel, and glides across Hobart's scenic harbour with the spectacle of the festival lights glowing as our backdrop!
Get hands-on by hauling a line, steering the ship, or simply lounging and soaking in the Tall Ship experience.
Cosy up with heartwarming soups and tasty sips, or bring your own feast and drinks!
Enjoy lively performances from local talents guaranteed to get you clapping and swaying!
Saturday 21 June 2025 - Saturday 20 June 2026 Saint Marys
Entry by donation at the gate
Join them in St Marys Recreation Ground (next to the St Marys Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre, Harefield Rd,St Marys)
12-4pm Lantern making workshop - come and join us to make a lantern for the parade
4 Gates Open
4- 7:30pm Event Open
Bonfire
Lantern Parade
Fire Sculpture
Live Music
Food & Mulled Wine for sale
Friday 29 May 2026 - Sunday 7 June 2026 (Every 2 years) Launceston
Fungi The Festival is a Northern Tasmanian celebration of mushrooms, creativity and connection, held across Tasmania from May 30th to June 7th.
Bringing together food lovers, nature enthusiasts, artists and curious minds, the festival showcases the diverse and fascinating world of fungi through a rich program of events. Discover guided forest walks, foraging experiences, hands-on workshops, talks, exhibitions and film screenings that explore the ecological, cultural and culinary significance of fungi.
Taste your way through Tasmania's vibrant food scene with fungi-inspired menus, local produce and unique dining experiences. Meet growers, makers and experts, explore mushroom farms and uncover the vital role fungi play in healthy ecosystems.
Events take place across multiple regions, offering opportunities to connect with Tasmania's landscapes, communities and creative spaces. Whether you're new to fungi or already fascinated, the program is designed to be accessible, engaging and inspiring.
Fungi The Festival invites you to slow down, look closer and experience the hidden networks that support life on Earth. It's a chance to learn, connect and celebrate one of nature's most extraordinary kingdoms in a distinctly Tasmanian way.
Plan your journey, follow the trail of events and experience a festival that blends nature, food, science and creativity.
Don your woolly socks and subscribe to the Off Season newsletter to be the first to know about Tasmania’s winter festivals, experiences and special deals.
Got a burning Off Season question? Quench your curiosity and put your mind at ease with the FAQs below.
Tasmania’s Off Season runs from May–August every year, during the cooler winter months. The Off Season is a wake-up call from hibernation for visitors and locals alike. Winter stirs up one-of-a-kind events like Dark Mofo, and winter-only offers – expect bespoke picnics by the fire and hot-tub indulgence at your accommodation, limited-edition feasts and curated drink tours, starry night experiences and wellness workshops.
Off Season offers are special winter experiences created by Tasmanian tourism operators to showcase what makes travel during Tasmania's colder months so rewarding. Offers aren’t just standard discounts – think winter-exclusive packages, accommodation with thoughtful extras like late check-out for those cold-weather sleep ins, seasonal menu items, hands-on experiences and creative collaborations between businesses.
Browse this year’s Off Season offers where you can filter by interest, region and travel dates to find your ideal Tasmanian winter experience.
Getting to Tasmania is easy in any season. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly direct to Hobart and Launceston from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with some airlines also flying from other Australian states and territories. Flights into Devonport and Burnie (Wynyard) also operate, and from Melbourne you can fly to King Island and Flinders Island.
If you want to bring your own vehicle, take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry between Geelong and Devonport. The twin ships depart both ports nightly and arrive at their destination the following morning (day sailings only available September–April).
Travelling to Tasmania during the Off Season (May–August) benefits both you and the communities you visit. Winter travel supports local Tasmanian businesses to operate all year-round, helping sustain jobs and strengthen the local economy during quieter months. It's also a more sustainable way to travel in Tasmania – with fewer visitors, there's less pressure on infrastructure, natural attractions and local communities, making it a naturally ecofriendly approach to travel in Tasmania.
For you, the Off Season means a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds at popular attractions, better availability at accommodation and restaurants, and the chance to connect more meaningfully with locals.
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