Out & About - Nightwolf's Den

❄️ Winter Festivals & Markets in Tasmania – 2026

As the nights draw in and Tasmania settles into its winter rhythm, the season brings not just quiet and cold — but warmth, community and celebration. Across the island, towns light up with festivals, twilight markets and gatherings that honour the dark and mark the turning of the seasons.

Here are some of the standout winter festivals and markets in Tasmania for 2026.

🌕 Dark Mofo (Hobart)

Perhaps Tasmania’s boldest winter event, Dark Mofo transforms Hobart into a world of art, fire, light and performance. Presented by Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the festival leans into the mid-winter solstice with rituals, exhibitions, music and nocturnal experiences.

📍 Location: Hobart / Lutruwita, Tasmania

🗓️ Dates for 2026: Thursday 11 June – Monday 22 June.

🔗 Official site / tickets: Website | Tickets

🎟 Tip: Ticket releases for signature events like Night Mass sell out quickly (Night Mass 2026 is currently sold out)

📝 Why go: A deeply immersive festival blending visual art, music, ritual and the long Tasmanian nights.

🎨 Festival of Voices (Statewide)

If you’re drawn to music and communal singing, the Festival of Voices delivers voices raised under winter skies — from intimate concerts to big-community bonfires.

📍 Location: Based in Hobart, with events across Tasmania

🗓️ Dates for 2026: Friday 3 July – Sunday 12 July.

🔗 More info & tickets: Website

🎯 Highlight: The free “Big Sing” bonfire event (Friday 3 July) is iconic — bring warm layers and voice!

🌲 Solstice in the Square (George Town)

On Tasmania’s north coast, this charming community‐festival marks the solstice with warmth, lanterns, live music and local summertime-turning-winter magic.

📍 Location: Regent Square, George Town, Tasmania

🗓️ Date for 2026: Friday 19th June

🔗 More info & tickets: Website

📝 Why go: A smaller-scale festival with big heart — perfect for families and those looking for local flavour.

💡 Island Escape Winter Festival (Launceston)

A three-day celebration that transforms Launceston’s Inveresk Precinct into a “winter wonderland” of live music, locally sourced food and drink, art, and community.

📍 Location: Launceston’s Inveresk Precinct

🗓️ Date for 2026: Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July

🔗 More info & tickets: Website

📝 Why go: Get your camera ready — the winter light installations are spectacular and offer a different kind of winter festivity.

🧤 Winter Markets Across the Island

Winter in Tasmania also means local markets filled with handmade crafts, warming treats and a cosy winter atmosphere. Here are just a few:

Hobart Twilight Market – Evening market by the foreshore (Sandy Bay / Long Beach areas), artisan goods, food trucks & live music — perfect for a winter night out.
Launceston Harvest Market – Located in Launceston Civic Square, features baked goods, local produce, homewares — great for gifts and warming comfort foods.
Penguin Market – Tasmania’s large undercover market — excellent for a weekend winter trip. While you are there check out the Big Penguin.

🏔️ Why Winter in Tasmania is Worth It

There’s something unique about the way Tasmania embraces the cold: rather than simply enduring it, the island celebrates it. From fire pits and lanterns to music under long nights and markets held in the glow of dusk — winter becomes an experience of community, art and seasonal magic.

So pull on your warmest coat, bring a thermos of something hot, and make the most of Tasmania’s winter festivals and markets in 2026.

Out & About: Cosy Autumn Escapes in Tasmania

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to blush in golden hues, autumn in Tasmania becomes pure magic. There’s something comforting about slowing down, breathing in the cool misty mornings, and curling up with a hot cuppa after a day of exploring.

If you’re ready for a little getaway – whether it’s a weekend road trip, a romantic escape, or just a slow afternoon drive – here are some of the best cosy autumn escapes in Tasmania, including free or budget-friendly options and a special focus on the Tamar Valley.

🍂 1. Wander the Tamar Valley in Autumn

Few places capture autumn like the Tamar Valley. The vineyards take on a warm, copper glow, and the winding roads between Launceston and Greens Beach are perfect for a slow drive.

Things to Do

Wine & Cider Tasting: Visit local favourites like Moores Hill Estate, or Swinging Gate Wines – many offer tastings by the fire.
Free Option: Take a scenic walk along the Tamar Island Wetlands Boardwalk. The boardwalk winds through reeds and over the water, often blanketed in morning fog – perfect for photographers.
Stay: Try a cosy Airbnb cottage near Exeter or Grindelwald for that rustic countryside charm.

🏞️ 2. Launceston’s Riverside & Cataract Gorge

Launceston is a great base for autumn adventures.

Start your day with a walk through Cataract Gorge Reserve – free, beautiful, and only minutes from the city centre. The suspension bridge and chairlift offer incredible views of the changing leaves.

Afterwards, pop into Stillwater or Cuccina for a warm brunch before visiting the Harvest Market on Saturday morning to pick up local produce, pastries, and crafts.

Free Option: Enjoy a picnic near the Gorge’s First Basin – the perfect spot to watch peacocks strut through fallen leaves.

🌲 3. Forest Escapes in the North East

If you crave peace and misty forests, head toward Derby or Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. Even if biking’s not your thing, the forests are enchanting this time of year – rich in ferns, moss, and autumn light filtering through the trees.

Warm up afterwards with a soak in the Derby Floating Sauna (book ahead – it’s small but amazing).

Free Option: Walk part of the Blue Derby Trail or explore the nearby Little Blue Lake for a surreal splash of turquoise against autumn’s golds.

🧺 4. Picnic & Explore at Grindelwald

This Swiss-inspired village just outside Launceston feels extra magical in autumn. Take a slow stroll around the lakes, grab a coffee from the local bakery, and browse the gift shops for local crafts.

Budget Option: Pack a picnic and enjoy it lakeside while watching the ducks drift past the reflections of red and amber leaves.

🔥 5. Cosy Stays & Cottages

If you’re after a place to hibernate for a weekend, Tasmania has no shortage of charming stays with fireplaces and countryside views.

🚗 6. Free & Low-Cost Autumn Adventures

If you’re exploring on a budget, autumn offers some of Tasmania’s best free experiences:

Autumn Colour Drive: Head from Launceston to Deloraine via Westbury and stop at local bakeries or antique stores.
Farmgate & Market Finds: Visit Harvest Market (Launceston) for local produce and homemade treats.
Nature Walks: Try Hollybank Forest Reserve or Notley Fern Gorge – both near the Tamar Valley and free to explore.

💭 Final Thoughts

Autumn in Tasmania isn’t just a season – it’s an experience. The crackle of the fire, the smell of damp leaves and wood smoke, and the comforting slowness of short days and long evenings make it the perfect time to wander, rest, and reconnect.

Whether you’re sipping pinot noir by the fire or enjoying a free walk through the forest, Tasmania’s autumn offers the ideal escape.

🌿 Hidden Summer Gems in Tasmania

Discover Tasmania’s best free and low-cost summer experiences – from secret swimming holes and markets to Tamar Valley trails and sunset spots.

Why You’ll Love a Tasmanian Summer

Tasmanian summers are something special – long days, mild evenings, and that perfect mix of sunshine and sea breeze. While the popular spots like Wineglass Bay, MONA, and Salamanca are always worth a visit, there are so many lesser-known treasures across the island that are perfect for a summer adventure – and many of them are free or very low cost!

Whether you’re a local looking for a new weekend escape or a visitor keen to explore beyond the tourist trail, these hidden gems are sure to inspire your next Tassie road trip.

🏖️ Hidden Waterfalls & Swimming Holes in Tasmania

Liffey Falls Tasmania surrounded by green forest in summer.

There’s nothing like cooling off in a natural swimming spot.

Liffey Falls (near Deloraine): A lush forest walk that rewards you with a stunning cascade. Free entry and the drive is half the adventure.
Tomahawk (North-East Coast): Peaceful and perfect for a picnic and a dip without the crowds.
Little Beach State Reserve (Bay of Fires area): A short walk from the carpark brings you to turquoise water and white sand.

Tip: Bring bathers, a picnic, and maybe a thermos of iced tea – you’ll want to stay awhile.

🌻 Regional Markets & Summer Fairs in Tasmania

Tasmanian summer market with stalls and people browsing handmade crafts.

Summer is market season across the island!

Harvest Market (Launceston): Saturday mornings full of fresh produce and local treats.
Cygnet Market: A creative, community vibe with live music and handmade crafts.
Local town fairs and show days: Often gold-coin entry with local food, craft stalls, and music.

👉 Keep an eye on Facebook events and community pages for pop-up twilight markets and food festivals – they’re everywhere this time of year.

🚶‍♀️ Short & Scenic Walking Trails in Tasmania

Wooden boardwalk through Fern Glade Reserve surrounded by ferns.

Not all great walks require a full day or park pass.

Fern Glade Reserve (Burnie): A short, shady stroll along the Emu River – keep an eye out for platypuses at dusk.
Coningham Beach to Legacy Beach Track (Kingston area): A gentle coastal track perfect for a summer afternoon wander.
Penguin to Sulphur Creek Coastal Walk: Ocean views, wildflowers, and picnic spots galore.

These trails are all free and perfect for morning walks before the heat of the day.

🍷 Hidden Gems of the Tamar Valley

Tamar Island Wetlands boardwalk in Launceston

The Tamar Valley is known for its vineyards, but it’s also home to stunning scenery, peaceful picnic spots, and family-friendly adventures that won’t cost you much.

Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve (Launceston): Peaceful boardwalk through reeds and waterways. Free entry; ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Grindelwald Swiss Village: Quirky architecture, duck ponds, and a relaxed lake walk.
Notley Fern Gorge (Legana): Cool, shaded forest trail with towering ferns and the famous fallen “Brady’s Tree.”
Greens Beach & Badger Head: Quiet coastal escapes at the mouth of the Tamar River. Perfect for shell collecting or an evening walk.
Batman Bridge Lookout & Picnic Spot: Ideal for sunset photos and riverside picnics.
Windsor Park & Tailrace Track (Riverside): Flat river paths with BBQ areas and playgrounds for families.

Picnic area under Batman Bridge with view over the Tamar River

You can easily spend a weekend exploring this area without spending much at all – just pack snacks, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure.

🍦 Sweet Summer Treats

A little indulgence never hurts!

Dooleys Ice Cream (St Helens): A classic East Coast treat with generous scoops.
Van Diemens Land Creamery (Elizabeth Town): Ice cream and gelato with river views.
The Berry Patch (Turners Beach): Pick your own berries (small entry fee) and enjoy wood-fired pizzas afterwards.

🌅 Best Sunset & Stargazing Spots in Tasmania

Sunset over the ocean at The Bluff in Devonport, Tasmania.

Summer evenings in Tasmania are long and beautiful.

The Bluff (Devonport): A favourite for sunset picnics and ocean views.
Cataract Gorge (Launceston): Stay late for fairy lights and reflections over the water.
Eaglehawk Neck Lookout: Watch the sky change colours over the Tasman Sea.

Bonus: On clear nights, head away from the city lights – Tasmania’s night skies are incredible for stargazing and astrophotography.

💚 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy summer in Tasmania. Sometimes the best memories come from packing a picnic, turning off your phone, and following a dirt road just to see where it leads.

Take your time, explore the hidden corners, and soak up the slower pace that makes Tasmanian summers so magical.

Goal Setting for 2026: Vision, Balance & Intention

A Fresh Start: Intentions for the New Year

With the reflections of 2025 still fresh, 2026 will begin with a deep breath and a renewed sense of purpose. After a year of family health ups and downs, returning to study, and adjusting to new routines, 2026’s focus is all about balance – nurturing what matters most, one gentle goal at a time.

The aim isn’t perfection or pressure. It’s about living with intention, creating sustainable rhythms, and celebrating small wins along the way.

Physical Health: Grounding in Movement and Rest

Health was front and centre last year, and 2026 builds on that awareness. The focus is on gentle, consistent care – walking in nature, mindful movement, and rest that restores.

Key Goals:

Walk in nature at least three times a week – beaches, bush tracks, or ParkRun.
Create a gentle morning movement ritual.
Grow and eat more fresh produce from the garden.
Stick to a no phone after 9pm rule for better rest and sleep rhythms.

Mental Health: Quiet Reflection & Gentle Progress

After the emotional weight of 2025, mental health takes priority. 2026 invites slow, steady self-awareness through journaling and rest.

Key Goals:

Keep a weekly self-check-in journal – mood, gratitude, and small wins.
Take one mental health day each month purely for rest or pleasure.
Explore sensory tools for autistic wellbeing – weighted blankets, calming soundscapes, and scent rituals.
Limit online comparison by curating digital spaces mindfully.

Home: Creating Calm and Flow

Home is the heart of everything – a sanctuary that supports both study and creativity. 2026 focuses on steady, practical improvements that make daily life flow with ease.

Key Goals:

Complete one decluttering or organising project each month.
Create a cozy or sacred corner with candles, books, and plants.
Build sustainable home rhythms – daily, weekly, and seasonal routines.
Grow herbs, flowers, and veggies for a thriving home garden.

Family: Connection at the Core

After K’s big start at Indie School and a year filled with both challenges and milestones, 2026 is about making time to connect. Family adventures, gratitude, and shared creativity will be woven into the year ahead.

Key Goals:

Have weekly family dinners or game nights – no screens allowed.
Take at least four day trips or mini-adventures around Tasmania.
Start a “family gratitude jar” to collect weekly moments of joy.
Begin a family creative project – photography, a zine, or a memory book.

Personal Development: Growth Through Learning

Returning to study after 20 years in 2025 was a powerful reminder that learning never stops. 2026 continues that momentum, blending curiosity with balance.

Key Goals:

Read 12 books that inspire creativity and insight.
Take a short online course or workshop that sparks excitement.
Practice saying no without guilt to protect energy and boundaries.
Reflect quarterly on values and priorities, realigning as needed.

Creative Goals: Making from the Heart

Creativity remains a core part of life and expression. Whether it’s through writing, art, photography, or crafting, 2026 is about joy in the process rather than perfection.

Key Goals:

Dedicate two hours each week purely to making.
Attend or host a creative workshop with other makers.
Complete a signature project that reflects personal story and style – it’s launching today and I’m really excitied.

Spiritual Goals: Staying Aligned and Connected

Following the Wheel of the Year and reconnecting with local land and energy will guide 2026’s spiritual path. These rituals offer grounding and reflection throughout the seasons.

Key Goals:

Celebrate each Sabbat with small, meaningful rituals.
Deepen connection with local land spirits through gratitude and offerings.
Build a daily or weekly altar practice tied to moon phases or elemental themes.

Closing Thoughts

2025 taught resilience, gratitude, and the value of slowing down. 2026 carries those lessons forward – with gentle structure, grounded goals, and space for joy. This isn’t a year of hustle; it’s a year of harmony.

Here’s to a balanced and beautiful 2026 – a year of health, creativity, and connection in all its forms.

With love from the Den,

– Nightwolf 🐺

Revolution & Silence

During our recent trip to Hobart we took the kids to check out the exhibition on banned books Revolution & Silence. It sparked some interesting conversations about why books are banned, censorship and freedom of speech. The eldest has now got a new list of books to read. Sadly it’s now finished in Hobart, but if you get a chance to see it elsewhere, do go and check it out.

Revolution & Silence includes an installation by Tasmanian artist Brigita Ozolins in the gallery of the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibition considers George Orwell’s 1984, exploring the forces that try to silence free speech and the revolutions that rise in response. These works contextualise Orwell’s novel amongst contemporary political upheaval, AI, fake news, and the unchecked power of social media.

The State Library and Archives of Tasmania has curated and displayed a collection of books that have been challenged throughout history, and today. This exhibition represents and interprets diverse points of view through a collection of banned, restricted and controversial books. Read some of these books and more during your visit in the ‘Silenced Reading’ library.

Travelling Tasmania: Lilydale Falls and the Abandoned Tunnel pt 2

In part 1 of the post, we visited Lilydale Falls. We travelled a few kilometres up the road to visit the Abandoned Tunnel.

The tunnel is part of the now unused North Eastern Line which opened in 1889 from Launceston to Scottsdale. According reports and newspaper articles I read looking into the history of the tunnel, work on the tunnel began in 1885 with the last brick being laid in 1888. It is 705 meters long and lined with one million bricks. Construction involved 70 men and no accidents were reported. The surrounding area became known as Tunnel and the nearby station, no longer standing, was Tunnel Station. With the increase in road travel, the line usage slowed from the 1960s and stopped all together in 1992.

Recently there has been discussion to open more parts of the line back up to walkers and cyclists, with a 24km section between Billycock Hill and Scottsdale is already in use since 2015.

Anyway, enough of the history. We wanted to visit after hearing stories about it and numerous photos on different tourist sites. Oh and it’s reportedly haunted.

To get there, from Lilydale Falls, follow Golconda Road for about 4 kms until you reach Tunnel Road. Drive for another 2km until you reach Tunnel Station Road and follow that for about 180m where you will see a small sign saying Tunnel. Park your car on the road side and follow the track towards the tunnel (about 200m).

The mood was perfect with the rainy weather. I would highly recommend wearing boots if you go in Winter or Spring. It was very wet in the tunnel and the kids and I came out with soaked feet.

Is it haunted? Well, the kids were making enough noise to wake the dead but we didn’t see or hear anything apart from running water and the crunch of gravel underfoot. There is a sense of something though about halfway along. This is were a lot of people report feeling ‘something’.
Hubby & I plan to go back another day and take another look. Who know maybe we’ll find something?

This is a great place to go for a walk, take a torch though and a great place to photograph for the architecture, the railway itself, the textures and the flora.

Where are we off to next? Who knows but I’ll be sharing it here.
Until next time!

Travelling Tasmania: Lilydale Falls and the Abandoned Tunnel pt 1

We were going to start out Tassie adventures locally in George Town and surrounds as that is where we are based but it was recently school holidays so we decided to visit one of the nearby falls.

I visited Lilydale Falls when I was younger, most likely with relatives visiting from Scotland, but had never been back so seemed like the perfect place to start. And it’s one of the closest falls.

The falls are located in the Lilydale Falls Reserve, about 25 minutes North of Launceston. It’s a relatively easy 6-10 minute walk from the car park along a dirt and duckboard path, then down some stairs to the base of the first falls.

Another 3-4 minutes up the path and you are on a viewing platform at the second falls.

I could seriously spend awhile here taking photos when the weather is dry.

Back at the car park is a well maintained public toilet, play area and an undercover BBQ area. If there is already a group there, you are most likely going to have to wait for a BBQ though.
The car park has parking spaces for campers and motor homes. There is also an undercover building with tables and a fireplace, which I’m guessing can be used by campers.

The day we went was overcast and then it rained on the way back. The paths and rocks can get a little slippery, so watch your step.
We gave up waiting on the BBQ area as it was completely taken over by a small group of tourists who weren’t keen on sharing with a family so we packed up the car and headed to our next location.

A few kilometres up the road is a place called the Abandoned Tunnel and we’ll cover that in part 2.

Something new around here

School holidays start for us here in Tasmania next week and we have 2 weeks off school. With COVID, travelling outside our state still really isn’t a thing (even though both hubby & I are both fully vaxed) so we’ve decided that we’re going to play tourist in our own state AND take you guys along for the ride.

We’re making a list of where we want to go and what we want to see so if there is anywhere in Tasmania you’d like to see, let us know and we’ll do our best to add it to our list.

Follow along on our adventures by following the Travel Tasmania category & on my instagram using #nightwolftravelstas