The Off Season

Courtesy of Lusy Productions

Explore Tasmania This Off Season

Tasmania embraces its colder months like no other Australian state. Down here, flinty winter’s days spent exploring whisky distilleries and isolated islands are followed by nights in soul-warming restaurants, bars and cabins, going large on some of the country’s best produce. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, here’s how to celebrate all that the island state’s Off Season has to offer, from long lunches in old red-brick seaside motels to cutting-edge festivals and cosy off-grid hideaways.

The Young Couple Building a Community With Organic Gardening

Food & DrinkWhen a couple from Western Australia relocated to Tasmania in midwinter, they found a community already waiting for them. Now their thriving market garden is growing and delivering diverse vegetables from all around the world throughout the year. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, the founders of Broom and Brine explain the appeal of colourful plant history and sharing that knowledge with their members and the public.

Sculptor Pete Mattila Fuses Tasmania’s Industrial History With Its Ancient Geological Past

Art & DesignIn his Battery Point studio, where the River Derwent is almost at his front door, Pete Mattila combines innovation with tradition. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we take a visit to Mattila's studio.

Steam Dreams at a Tiny Beachside Sauna This Off Season

Art & DesignSaunas can sometimes be almost like a religious experience so it’s fitting that, on Sundays, those in the know make a pilgrimage to Randalls Bay, a 55-kilometre drive south of Hobart, to take one of only five coveted spots at Elsewhere Sauna. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we take a peek inside the black box trailer that houses the mobile sauna.

Tasmania’s Peaceful Landscape Makes Work That Much Sweeter for Laura McCusker

Art & DesignTasmania’s natural beauty and sweeping landscape is a magnet for so many people – Laura McCusker being one of them. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we find out how McCusker has embraced her passion for timber projects even more on the Apple Isle, thanks in no small part to Tasmanian oak.

These Breathtaking Landscapes Aren’t What They Seem

Art & DesignRosie Hastie’s landscape photographs are pristine. Her process is precise. But the beauty contained in these frames is entirely constructed – and comes with a warning about the future. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, the Hobart-based artist talks us through her process.

Huddle Round the Fire Pit With Chef-Made Meals at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat

TravelGleaming white sand, azure water and lichen-encrusted granite boulders make a compelling case for visiting Tasmania’s spectacular north-east coast. Pair that with an understated glamping experience that’s all about mingling with other guests and you have a true destination. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we go behind the scenes at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat.

The Top Sydney Chef Who’s Fallen for Tassie’s Farming Potential

Food & DrinkFor restaurateur Peter Gilmore, Tasmania is not just a romantic notion, but a tangible reality. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we find out how Gilmore lives off the land and enjoys the simple pleasures of life.

The Swiss Winemaker Who Said “I Do” to Tasmania (and a Tasmanian)

Food & DrinkAfter learning the art of winemaking in Switzerland, Matthias Utzinger was dissatisfied with the options for his trade in Europe. So he began scouting out different countries and soon fell in love – both with his future wife and her home state of Tasmania. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, the co-founder of Utzinger Wines shares how the Tamar Valley made him feel right at home.

First Nations History, Bright Furniture and Experimental Art: Explore The Vibrant Gallery Scene During Tasmania’s Off Season

Art & DesignDespite its small population, Tasmania boasts a thriving, multidisciplinary art community that embraces both local and international work. The state’s remote location, stunning landscape and Tasmanian Aboriginal history lights the spark of artists, makers and creators. If you’re looking to explore the state’s creative and independent art community, we’ve picked out some of our favourite galleries for you to nurture your creative side, stir the soul and get inspired.

Rolling Hills, Country Lanes and Pinot Noir in the Tamar Valley: Tasmania’s Top-end Wine Region

Food & DrinkUnder crisp skies, on the banks of the kanamaluka / River Tamar at the top of Tasmania, the Tamar Valley is home to more than 30 vineyards and might just be producing some of Australia’s best winemakers. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we explore what gives this region its vibrant character, and why the Off Season is the perfect time to see it for yourself.

Kayaks, Shell Coves, Degustation Dinners and Hot Tubs: Three Awe-Inspiring Winter Hikes in Tasmania

ActiveWith its remote location, picturesque landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, winter in Tasmania is a magical time to enjoy some of the state’s most celebrated trails. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, here’s a guide to three of the best hikes to help you disappear into nature, luxury and cosy winter nights.

A Rugged, Wilderness Road Trip Through Tasmania's West Coast to Embrace the Off Season

TravelTasmania's west coast is a remote wilderness with a rich history unlike anywhere in the world. Remote, intoxicating and home to wilderness ghost towns. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we look at the best spots for you to get immersed in this unique and untamed area of our southernmost state, as well as idyllic places to stay and eat on your scenic tour of the west.

Mulled Wine, Artisan Workshops and Black Truffles: Discover What to Eat and Drink During Tasmania’s Off Season in 2023

Food & DrinkIf food isn’t the deciding factor in a holiday destination, it certainly should be a close second. Tasmania produces some of the most exciting and diverse food in the country, making it a must-visit destination for those who enjoy the tastier things in life. The Off Season is a chance to gather around an open fire, in a farmhouse kitchen or inspired restaurant. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we’ve rounded up five of the standout ways to experience Tasmanian food and drink, from hands-on classes to foraging and kitchen tours.

Wild Revelry: The Must-Visit Winter Festivals in Tasmania

EntertainmentTasmania doesn’t just tolerate the darker, colder months – it celebrates them. As the days get shorter, the island state really comes to life with a plethora of invigorating and electrifying winter festivals. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, here are some of the winter months’ most exciting festivals.

Festival of Voices 2023

EntertainmentThe annual communal singing event returns to Tasmania in July for the annual celebration of voice.

Sarah Island Lantern Tour in Strahan, Tasmania

TravelSet off on a lantern tour of this eerie Tassie destination during the Off Season.

Agricultured 2023 in Launceston

Food & DrinkArt meets agriculture at this annual festival celebrating the very best of northern Tasmania during the Off Season.

Permission to Trespass in North-West Tasmania

Food & DrinkGet exclusive, intimate access to the best of north-west Tasmania this Off Season.

Tasmanian Whisky Week

Food & DrinkA week-long Off Season celebration of the real ‘spirit’ of Tasmania: whisky.

Tassie Scallop Fiesta at Village Green

Food & DrinkCome together with other shellfish enthusiasts at this annual celebration kicking off the region’s scallop season.

Restaurant at the Edge of the World at Three Capes Lodge

Food & DrinkPack your appetite this Off Season for a special edition of one of Tasmania’s most beautiful bushwalks.

Bicheno Beams at Lions Park

TravelFor the third year running, this light show switches things on during the Off Season.

Cold Plunging into the Deep Chill of Tasmania's Winter

TravelPiet Blokker is a guide on Tasmania’s Three Capes Wild Wellness Walk and certified Wim Hof Method instructor.

Harnessing the Ocean to Make Unique Tasmania Salt

TravelAccording to Alice Laing, when the temperature drops so low the air is colder than the ocean – that’s the perfect time to make salt.

A Scenic Flight Into The Wilds Of South-West Tasmania

Travel“Below here lays only sea and ice.”

Tasmania’s Historic Callington Mill is Reborn as a Whisky Distillery

TravelOnce the site of illegal whisky distilling, the 19th-century mill is now home to a world-class whisky distillery. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season, we speak with owner John Ibrahim about restoring the site, distilling single malt whisky, and his passion for the town of Oatlands.

The World-Famous Cheesemaker – Who’s Not Allowed to Sell Cheese

Food & DrinkSix years ago Bruce Kemp was a public servant. Now, he’s a famous cheesemaker. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season, we speak to the home-fermenter about winter life in the wilds of Tassie and why he’ll never go commercial with his craft.

What’s New at Tasmania’s Wild Series of Winter Festivals

EntertainmentSome of the country’s best festivals take place in the middle of winter in our island state. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season, here’s what’s happening at five of Tassie’s best winter blow-outs.

A Cosy Guide to Tasmania in Winter

TravelRugging up at the end of a long winter’s day is one of the joys of exploring Tassie during the chilly months. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season, here are five ways to warm the body and soul on your next trip across Bass Strait.

What To Do After Dark In – and Above – Tasmania This Winter

TravelFrom stargazing on kunanyi / Mount Wellington to seeing the Southern Lights to sipping whisky around the fire – Tasmania shines in the colder months. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season, we outline six after-dark experiences to add to your travel plans.

A Glutton’s Guide to Feasting Your Way Around Tasmania in Winter

Food & DrinkAustralia’s island state boasts food experiences every bit as enchanting as the surrounding scenery. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season, here’s a guide to some of the best spots to feast during the winter.

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