OFF SEASON: Gear Up For Epic Exploits

by Stephanie Williams

In winter, the adventure in Tasmania goes up a notch. Maybe harder, but definitely rewarding. As snow blankets kunanyi / Mount Wellington and winds sweep across coastlines, layers of gear are added. The Off Season isn’t just about cosying up – it’s about cranking up that adventure dial.

Gnarly Biking Trails
Winter in Tasmania means a change in conditions perfect for mountain biking. Ride the professionally crafted trails with Meadowbank MTB (meadowbankmtb.com.au) in the Derwent Valley where thrilling jumps and descents await. For a luxurious mountain biking adventure, take a ride with Blue Derby Pod Rides (bluederbypodsride.com.au) for a multi-day tour, going to bed each night in your very own pod within the trees. Can’t get enough? Cruise down kunanyi / Mount Wellington on an e-bike with Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures (tasmba.com.au) – it’s downhill fun all the way to the bottom.

Alpine Adventures
Cradle Mountain has got to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. From moss-covered rainforests and deep gorges to gleaming white peaks, it’s the definition of Tasmanian wilderness. But it’s not just a pretty face – it’s an adventure playground too. Lace up your boots and explore the numerous hikes, or embark on a kayak journey on Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain Canyons (cradlemountaincanyons.com.au).

Caves Are Calling
Tassie is a mecca for caving. Overcome any fears of the dark and tight spaces – beneath the surface lies a whole new world waiting to be explored. In winter, Tasmanian caves become an incredible water world, with pools and waterfalls. Get a proper look with Wild Cave Tours (wildcavetours.com), who will guide you safely through chambers under the Great Western Tiers.

Sled Dog Season
Welcome to Lonnavale in the Huon Valley, where Siberian Huskies reign supreme and the adventure is fur real. Climb aboard with Sled Dog Adventures (sleddogadventurestasmania.com.au) and let these majestic canines whisk you away on a thrilling journey through narrow bush trails. The cold will attack your cheeks as you zoom through the forest for a white-knuckle ride. It’s a paw-some experience that the Huskies are barking mad for.

Ski Ya Later
For snow-sational thrills, take the journey to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort (benlomondalpineresort.com.au). After conquering the steep, winding Jacob’s Ladder road, you’ll find yourself in a winter wonderland, a quaint ski village amongst the snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re a rookie or a pro, hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing action. Wrap up your snow day with hot chocolate and s’mores in one of the mountain cabins, and drift off to sleep still feeling like you’re flying down the snowy slopes.

Flights Over Freycinet
On the rugged and beautiful east coast lies Freycinet National Park. Granite mountains surround sparkling blue bays and picture-perfect white beaches – even in winter. Freycinet Air Tasmania (freycinetair.com.au) will take you on a helicopter flight over Wineglass Bay, without the doors! Feel the rush of fresh winter air as you take in the finest views this side of the world has to offer.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!