THE OFF SEASON: By The Fireside

by James Marsten

For as long as we’ve been human, we’ve been drawn to the glow of a fire. And there’s no better time or place to huddle around and watch those flickering flames than Tassie in the Off Season. Maybe that’s roasting marshmallows with the kids, settling in with a glass of something local or simply the comfort of being near others, the fire still calls us in, just as it always has.

Vines in Winter Rest

Winter settles gently over the vineyard at Maclean Bay Wines (macleanbaywines.com.au/off-season). Vines lie dormant, and instead, a glowing fire pit becomes the centre of slow, easy afternoons. On Saturdays during the July school holidays (from 11am until 4pm), families are invited to toast s’mores over the flames as the adults enjoy a glass of cool-climate red. There’s a chance to pause, take in the landscape and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

A West Coast Fireside Winter Escape

On the west coast, winter has a way of settling in. Rain taps at the windows, the air sharpens. Inside, time slows. At Zeehan’s SeaHen Lodge (seahenlodge.au/the-off-season-2026), the wild outdoors can be observed from the comfort and warmth beside a crackling fire. A Tasmanian-themed board game on the table, a glass of port or a hot chocolate in hand, the simple pleasure of being warm, together, is more than enough. Want to savour the comfort for even longer? There’s no hurry to check out, so you can enjoy the sweeping mountain views from your indoor haven for that bit longer.

Stargazing at Home Hill

Just as our ancestors warmed themselves by a dancing fire, they also wondered at the stars. Reconnect with the cosmos with a winter evening of stargazing at Devonport’s historic Home Hill (nationaltrust.org.au/places/home-hill-2). Explore deep space through telescopes and smart scopes, try to locate all the great sights on the moon, and pick up expert tips on night sky photography with your own phone. Suitable for all ages to enjoy winter’s finest stargazing conditions. Round it off with marshmallows roasted over a warm fire pit, as the night sky stretches quietly overhead. Held on 23 June, 21 July and 19 August at 6pm.

THE LITTLE EXPLORERS

Big adventures don’t always mean big distances. Across Tasmania, short walks and easy family experiences invite explorers to slow down and look closer, whether it’s spotting wildlife, spookiness after dark, or setting out beneath the shadow of Cradle Mountain.

At the Edge of the Wilderness

Winter mornings unfold at the edge of the wilderness at Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain (discoveryholidayparks.com.au/tourism-tasmania). Stay right on the doorstep of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, in a cosy cabin or caravan site. Stay three nights this Off Season to save 20% and have more time to settle into the quiet rhythm of Cradle Mountain in winter.

More to explore: Try the Enchanted Walk (20 minute return) or Pencil Pine Falls Walk (15 minute return).

Bite Size After Dark at Bonorong

Winter’s shorter days bring a different kind of wildlife experience at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (bonorong.com.au). This family-friendly evening tour offers the chance to step into the animals’ world and experience the sanctuary after hours. Hand-feed some of Tasmania’s best-known creatures, from Forester kangaroos and wombats to curious Eastern quolls. Along the way, guides share stories of rescue and conservation, while you help them with feeding time for the Tasmanian devils.

More to explore: Head west to Russell Falls (25 minutes return)

As Night Falls on Port Arthur

Rug up and let lanterns light your way as Port Arthur Historic Site (portarthur.org.au) reveals a different side in winter’s crisp dark nights. Follow your expert guide through some of the infamous buildings and ruins on this 90 minute lantern-lit ghost tour, which is popular with older children. Hear vivid stories of eerie unexplained events that have baffled and alarmed convicts, free settlers, soldiers and visitors. Decide for yourself if the tales are true.

More to explore: Check out the quirky names at Doo Town and visit nearby natural attractions including the Tessellated Pavement and the Maingon Blowhole.

Love this

Extras

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!