From December to February, the island state will host a series of exciting festivals and events that celebrate arts, cinema, wine, music and culture.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming his summer:

Yachts after finishing the Sydney to Hobart/ Photo Alastair Bett

1. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

Hobart, 26 December – 1 January

The annual Sydney to Hobart race sets sail again this Boxing Day, as one of the world’s most anticipated ocean races. Every year, competitors head out of Sydney Harbour to battle their way to Hobart, navigating across 630 nautical miles of open ocean. Get in on the action and celebrate the winners of this iconic event on Hobart’s waterfront.

Crowds enjoying Taste of Summer. Photo Alastair Bett

2. Taste of Summer

Hobart, 27 December – 1 January and 4 January – 6 January

The biggest and best food festival that Tasmania has to offer is back this summer. This year, Taste of Summer will offer plenty of delicious discoveries to fill your plate and glasses.

3. Gin-uary

Hobart, 14–15 January

The Gin-uary Hobart Gin Festival celebrates 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 with the opportunity to show off their unique flavours. The festival will serve up a delicious variety of food vendors alongside bartenders slinging cocktails and Gin-uary G&Ts.

Read The Road Ahead for more great travel ideas

4. Festival of King Island

King Island, 3–4 February

Overlooking 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 artists and music lovers celebrate their passion for music. Get ready to feast on the island’s beautiful produce, delicious cheese, beef and seafood. If you fancy getting out on the water, the island is also home to some great surf and diving.

Launceston's City Park is the venue for Fesitvale. Photo Adam Gibson

5. Festivale

Launceston, 3–5 February

Held in the iconic City Park, the three-day outdoor event attracts about 30,000 patrons annually. It has 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 a celebrity guest. Incredible Tasmanian chefs will be in action, tossing, slicing and stirring up some of the best dishes you’ll taste.

6. Pangaea

Buckland, 3–6 February

Prepare for an all-inclusive experience as you go on a festive camping adventure in south-east 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.

7. Ironman 70.3 Tasmania

Hobart, 5 February

This summer, Hobart will play host to its annual Ironman race. 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 River Derwent, followed by a biking course through the city’s historic ports to Cornelian Bay.

Visit RACQ Travel to plan you Tassie holiday