13 Ways to Get Your Summer Thrills in Tasmania
Make the most of the longer days this summer with adrenaline-fueled adventures and nature-rich experiences, right on your doorstep.
Bits and Pieces – March 2026
by Stephanie Williams
NEW NEW NEW
Do you enjoy Bear With Me in South Hobart? Well, the team is opening the much anticipated In Good Company (479 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay), for brunch and dinner in the old Jet Servo space. Enjoy good food, good wine, good coffee and of course, in good company. NoHo is getting a new neighbourhood-style bar.
Smith Street (325 Argyle Street, North Hobart) is set to open any minute now, serving up cocktails and share plates. Sadly Johnston & Miller, a favourite spot for coffee meetings in Hobart’s CBD, has closed, but we’re told exciting things are happening in the Icon Complex to replace it. Watch this space. There’s a new spot in Launceston for lovely libations…head to Martini’s Lounge (33 Kingsway, Launceston) for martinis (obviously!), cocktails, events, Thursday night happy hour, bottomless brunch and more. The Tamar Yacht Club is the new home for Launnie Heights Cafe (7 Park Street, Launceston), with an expanded menu, beautiful views and lots more seating, including outside. The George Cafe Bar (Mount George Road, George Town) is perched high on Mount George, with 270 degree river and ocean views. Check into one of the eco-luxe pods, or pop in to try the weekend café-bar, which opens mid- March. Hobart is set to become “1% better everyday” with the opening of LSKD (Cat and Fiddle Arcade, Hobart), a functional fitness wear label.
The Derwent Distillery (46 Hampden Road, Battery Point) have opened the doors to their first shop, in the heart of Battery Point. They’re open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm and then 11am to 2pm on Sunday.
EXTREME WEATHER RELIEF IDEA FOR HOMELESS
Hobart Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds, has proposed teaming up with the Tasmanian Government to create and operationalise a new Extreme Weather Protocol, which could be triggered during really cold or wild weather to provide temporary emergency shelters for people without homes. “We’re promoting a model that’s used in other Australian states – often known as a ‘Code Blue’ or ‘Code Red’ protocol,” the Lord Mayor said. “If the Tasmanian Government doesn’t step up, the Council is ready to fund the program for a two-year trial in the hope that the government will take over after that… as other state governments do.”
A LIBRARY OF TOYS
The Hobart Toy Library officially opens this month. After many months of work – planning, writing grants, requesting and ordering toys then sorting, cleaning and labelling them – the crew behind the scenes are ready to open the doors. Members will be able to borrow toys, puzzles and games then give them back and choose some more, keeping play fun and exciting and keeping clutter to a minimum. From early March they’ll be open at the South Hobart Community Centre 9-11am Mondays and 3:30- 5:30pm on Fridays and they hope to offer more sessions as their volunteer numbers and toy collection grow. Find Hobart Toy Library on Facebook for updates and member info.
MOBILE PHONE INTERNET USE SOARS AS LANDLINE USE FALLS
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released new research providing insights into current trends in the Australian media and communications environment. In 2025, internet access among Australian adults remained almost universal at 99.7 per cent. More of us used mobile phones to go online more frequently with the proportion of adults accessing the internet via mobile phones rising to 97 per cent (up from 95 per cent in 2024). Daily mobile internet use also increased to 92 per cent from 90 per cent in 2024. In contrast, household landline use continued its long-term decline. Only 12 per cent of Australian adults used a landline phone in 2025, down from 15 per cent in 2024 and 54 per cent in 2017. There was also a continued rise in the use of smart TVs, used by 64 per cent of adults in 2025 compared with 61 per cent the previous year.
While overall internet activity access and usage remained steady, several key activities showed a notable rebound after a period of post-pandemic decline, with many returning to levels observed in 2022 and 2023. Notably, ‘accessing government services via apps’ and ‘video conferencing or calling’ both increased, reversing declines seen in the previous year.
THE CAFE WITH NO INTERNET
Source Eco Hub – a lunch haunt for lovers of fresh food made from local produce within the UTAS campus in Sandy Bay – is proudly now a no internet cafe every second friday. Staff hope the lack of internet will facilitate reading, writing, talking, or even piano playing without the distraction of devices.
SALMON ANTIBIOTICS ON THE MOVE IN TASMANIAN WATERS
Florfenicol, an antibiotic used to treat diseased salmon in Tasmanian waterways, has been found in wild caught fish, including abalone and lobsters, up to ten kilometres away from salmon farms, according to a statement published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE). Their interim testing results have shown that the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) have collected over 840 samples with 209 results pending. 165 samples showing positive detections at very low levels. The furthest detection was at Standaway Bay, approximately 10 kilometres from sites. Positive detections have been found in parts of abalone (viscera and foot), lobsters (hepatopancreas/ tomalley), bryozoans (pooled), urchins (viscera) and whelk. They have not had any detections in lobster tails, oysters, mussels or periwinkles. You can find out more at www.nre.tas.gov.au.
DEVILS DEBUT THIS MONTH
Robbie Fox, from Penguin, will captain the Tasmania Devils for their debut VFL season, starting with their first game this month. Jye Menzie has been named as vice-captain. “Being named captain of Tasmania is a huge honour and something I’m incredibly proud of,” Fox said. “As a passionate Tasmanian, representing this state has always meant a lot to me, and to now lead the group in the state jumper is something I don’t take lightly.” The Devils will debut against Coburg at North Hobart Oval on 21 March.
NORTHERN FORCE COMMENCE
There’s a new team in town…it was recently announced that the new Northern Tasmania Basketball Club to compete in the NBL1 South competition will be known as Northern Force. It replaces the Launceston Tornadoes and North- West Thunder brands in the north and north-west of the state with matches split evenly in each region.
TASWATER’S TROUBLE
TasWater has launched an investigation into two deliberate attacks on major drinking water infrastructure at Bell Bay and Rocherlea. Vandals broke into the Bell Bay Water Treatment Plant, causing damage and stealing critical electrical and control equipment. At Rocherlea, vandals lit fires and got on the roof of the reservoir. TasWater General Manager Operations Brendan Windmeyer said they have reported both incidents to police. “While these incidents have not affected our ability to provide essential services to the community, vandalism of critical operational depots is disappointing and puts unnecessary strain on our teams,” he said. “We are working closely with police and assessing the damage to ensure the site is secure.”
ILLEGAL FISHING WARNINGS
Illegal fishing can have very costly consequences, as some naughty fishers recently found out. Fishers at Gordon had their equipment seized and got fines of over $10,000 while others fishing at Battery Point were fined $2,500. In the Gordon case, Police saw an unregistered vessel that had allegedly set and retrieved rock lobster pots within the marine nature reserve at Nine Pin Point and had been operating at night without lights or safety equipment. The four people onboard were allegedly in possession of four unmarked rock lobster pots, five school sharks taken within the shark refuge area and undersized sand flathead. Police seized their boat and equipment. In Battery Point, following a tip off from a member of the public, police found two men who were allegedly in possession of eight undersized flathead. Current regulations state that flathead can only be taken if between 35-40cm and that each fisher may only take two. In this instance, the flathead were returned to the water unharmed. If you witness illegal fishing, please report to police on 131 444. For more information on fishing regulations and reporting requirements, visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au or download the Fishing Tas app.
FOUR DAY WORK WEEK SHELVED
An ambitious proposal for a four day work week has been popped back on the shelf by Launceston City Council. The controversial proposal led to loud, heated public debate and unfortunately resulted in staff being criticised. CEO Sam Johnson said the council would step back but hadn’t given up on the original proposal, with plans for a working group with business leaders to build evidence and community support over the next two years.
WATER RESTRICTIONS HIT, MAYBE MORE ON THE WAY
As dry conditions and peak summer demand put pressure on local water supplies, stage 1 water restrictions were introduced in Scamander and Lady Barron in late February. Stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for Orford and Triabunna, as ongoing dry conditions continue to reduce water levels at Prosser Dam. As a result of the restrictions, TasWater is asking residents and visitors to reduce non-essential water use so there is enough water available for essential needs.
TasWater Acting Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said stage 1 restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water. ‘’Conditions have been very dry around the north of the state over summer, leading to higher water usage, and the outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts no significant rain over the medium to long term,” Mrs Hafner said. “As a state, we use more water per household than much of the country – giving us a real opportunity to lead the way in water-wise habits. Small changes to water usage, like taking shorter showers and using the half-flush on the toilet, all add up to have an impact on water supplies across the state.”
The restrictions will remain in place until further notice. Ongoing dry conditions have also seen several catchments across the state move close to restrictions trigger levels in Greater Launceston, Bracknell, and Grassy, King Island.
WANT TO TRY PARA SPORT?
Calling all talented Tasmanian people with a disability or impairment and an interest in trying Para sport. The TIS Para Unit are running monthly Para sport come and try sessions. Do you want to try something new or think you could be competing at LA 2028, French Alps 2030 or Brisbane 2032? Head to www.tis.tas.gov.au for more on their programs and ‘come and try’ days coming up.
SPIRIT OF TAS CREW RESCUE KIDS, ADULTS IN WATER
Crew members of the new Spirit of Tasmania have helped rescue seven people from the water in Geelong. The crew of the ship – currently anchored in Geelong awaiting a new berth in Devonport – helped rescue two children and five adults who were found treading water in Corio Bay one night in February after their recreational ski boat had capsized. The Coast Guard then brought them to shore, where paramedics met them. The two children and a young man were taken to Geelong University Public Hospital in a stable condition while the others were sent home. The sunken ski boat was recovered the following day.
SUPPORT STRENGTHENS MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Are you a small business owner and need a bit of mental health support? You’re in luck, with the federal government extending the NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) service to 30 June 2027. Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said the Government’s decision showed clear understanding of the mental health pressures experienced by small business owners. “Small business owners often carry enormous responsibility, and the emotional and financial pressures can be relentless. This continued support shows the Government recognises those challenges and values the wellbeing of the people who keep our communities and local economies moving,” Ms Harman said.
As an evidence-based mental health service, NASBO has achieved consistently strong results: 76 per cent of small business owners who participated showed clinically significant improvement in their symptoms of anxiety and/ or depression, more than 91 per cent felt more productive and better able to address future business challenges, and nearly 96 per cent felt better able to manage mental health challenges when they arose. NASBO support is available to small business owners nationally from 8am to 8pm. It uses evidence-based low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy and offers small business owners up to six sessions and two follow-up sessions, working with a specialist coach with small business experience. Participation is free, confidential and no GP referral is required.
Ms Harman said the program’s extension would allow Beyond Blue to keep providing specialised support to people who feel overwhelmed by rising costs, business uncertainty or personal pressures. Small business owners who are interested to know more can visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 03 9250 8305.
LIGHT IT UP!
Devonport City Council is calling on bold, creative designers and artists to help bring the city to life as part of Illuminate the North West 2026. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with DCC, RANT arts, and West x North West to create a large-scale projection artwork showcased during one of the region’s winter events. Your work will transform a prominent Devonport location, engaging thousands of locals and visitors through light, story and atmosphere. If you work in digital projection, visual art, design or immersive storytelling, get involved, but be quick. Applications are open now and close at 5pm, Friday 6 March. For more information visit www.paranapleartscentre.com.au.
IT’S A BIN FIRE
A recent actual bin fire at the Spreyton Waste Transfer Station has led to the Devonport City Council issuing a reminder to the community that the risk of fire from batteries in wheelie bins is very real. When waste burns, it releases toxic smoke that is a serious health hazard and puts our staff and fire crews in danger, as well as our environment. Batteries must not be placed in wheelie bins or thrown into waste pits. Please help keep everyone safe by disposing of batteries at your local B-cycle collection point. For more information head to www.rethinkwaste.com.au.
