Here are the key ingredients to the best summer of your life. Music festivals. Tick. Daryl Braithwaite. Tick. Sport, sport and more sport. Tick. Cool drinks and awesome food. Tick. Something arty to open your mind a bit. Tick. We're ticking all the boxes this summer in Tasmania and invite you to join the party. It's going to be a cracking one.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
The Remarkable Tasmanian Devil
8 December 2017 - 6 May 2018

So there's the devil you know. And there's the devil you don't. Unless you're some kind of super duper devil expert we're guessing you'll find something interesting at TMAG's summer exhibition, The Remarkable Tasmanian Devil, open until 6 May, 2018. Supported by a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF),  in partnership with Devils@Cradle and the Menzies Centre, the exhibition aims to give visitors a fresh perspective on the Tasmanian Devil (Australia's largest marsupial carnivore), portraying the devil as a remarkable survivor rather than a cartoon character or victims of facial tumour disease. Explore the biology, ecology and behaviour of these fascinating creatures as well as learn more about why the devil has endured while the thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) did not.

More information at tmag.tas.gov.au

Pharos at Mona
From December 2017

The Pharos of Alexandria - a lighthouse built for Ptolemy I Soter in about 280 BCE - is the inspiration behind a brand new wing of Mona, opening in December. Extending over the river, it will house four major works by James Turrell that promise to push the boundaries of the viewer's perceptual limits. There are also four works from Jean Tinguely, Charles Ross, Richard Wilson and Randy Polumbo on display. A new bar to eat, drink and relax is part of the space, and during Mofo there will be live music by the festival Artists in Residence. 

Find out more: mona.net.au

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
26 December 2017 - 31 December 2017

Be at Constitution Dock to watch the salt-encrusted sailors cross the finish line victoriously after 628 grueling nautical miles from Sydney, like sea warriors returning from battle. One of the world's toughest ocean races, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race pits sailors against the might of the great Southern Ocean and the wild winds of the Roaring Forties. With the race being unpredictable in every way, wandering the docks after the race is fascinating - watch and listen on as the yachties debrief and recall tales (tall and otherwise) of the open ocean. Don't forget the Hobart Race Village with entertainment, face painting, food and drinks, as well as 7HOFM live broadcasting from the site and the #TassieStyle photobooth. 

More information at rolexsydneyhobart.com

The Taste of Tasmania
28 December 2017 - 3 January 2018

A celebration of the finest Tasmanian food and drink? Yes. And entertainment and a twilight cinema for kids? Yes and yes. And how about Tasmanian bands, Food Tours and Tasting Table sessions? Absolutely yes. From 28 December, The Taste of Tasmania festival opens on Hobart's waterfront, featuring 70 stallholders from around the state from local restaurateurs to regional and boutique producers. The Kids in the Park program on Parliament House Lawns, includes free daily programs of sporting activities, art and craft, cooking classes, performances, face painting and a nightly Twilight Cinema. Entry is free, except for the ticketed Midsummer Night's Eve party on New Year's Eve. Reserve a seat or come general admission to enjoy the awesome line up including The Whitlams and Monique Brumby.

More information and tickets available at thetasteoftasmania.com.au

The Falls Music and Arts Festival
29 December - 31 December 2017

Picture this. One Summer, you're listening to Daryl Braithwaite singing Horses live, while overlooking beautiful Marion Bay, on a farm, seemingly in the middle of nowhere with ten thousand new mates. Howzat! You'll be having a moment, we're sure of it! Not keen on Daryl? Then Flume, Fleet Foxes, Peking Duk, Liam Gallagher, Run the Jewels, hell, even Grinspoon are making an appearance. Tickets cover three nights of free camping on site and three fun-filled days and nights of entertainment across two stages.

Tickets on sale now at fallsfestival.com

Royal Eve Launceston
31 December 2017

Launceston's fantastic New Year's Eve party, Royal Eve is on again this year with festivities kicking off at 4pm at Royal Park. Kids are welcome and will enjoy the Kids Play Zone with show rides, there's a twilight and midnight fireworks display, lots of quality Tasmanian food, wine, beer and cider, jumping castles and slides, as well as a stellar line up of music to get the crowd moving. Bring in the new year with The Wolfe Brothers, Tommy Franklin, The Bad Dad Orchestra,  Pete Cornelius Band and Sumner as your soundtrack. 

Tickets and VIP packages at royaleve.com.au

Cricket Season
December 2017 - March 2018

We're staring down the barrel of a summer of cricket and loving it! Get on board for some exciting Twenty20 cricket action with the KFC Big Bash League and Rebel Women's Big Bash League Hobart Hurricanes blowing into town from December. The women tonk it out first on 17 December at Blundstone Arena, followed by the men on 21 December.

Tickets and fixtures can be found at crickettas.com.au

Hobart International Tennis
7 January - 13 January 2018

Having hosted some of the biggest names in tennis like Serena Williams, Dinara Safina and Australian number one Sam Stosur, the Hobart International is Tasmania's premier international women's sporting event and a lead in tournament for players to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Australian Open. 2018 promises to be the best yet - with premium food trucks with fantastic local fare, a new beer garden, the annual Kids Tennis Day where up to four kids will enjoy free entry with every adult ticket, and quality tennis of course.

More information at hobartinternational.com.au

Cygnet Folk Festival
12 January - 14 January 2018

The vibrant little town of Cygnet in the pretty Huon Valley loves a party - each year they play host to the Cygnet Folk Festival, Tasmania's leading celebration of folk and world music, dance, poetry, performance art, food and cultural pursuits. Now in it's incredible 36th year, the festival is a special one and highly regarded by musician and festival goers around the world. Competition is tight to perform at the festival and this year the lucky few include Joe Geia, The Button Collective, Karavana Flamenca and Faith i Branko.

Tickets available at cygnetfolkfestival.org

MONA FOMA - MOFO
12 January - 21 January 2018

Not ones to do anything like anyone else, Mofo 2018 has set the stage for 11 unprecedented days of music and art in Launceston (from 12-14 January) and Hobart (15-22 January). Promising challenging art installations, unexpected world premieres and Australian exclusives, the Mofo lineup also features Canadian post-rockers Godspeed You! Black Emperor, who will also perform alongside fellow Canadians and contemporary dancers The Holy Body Tattoo, Norwegian metal icons Mayhem, Violent Femmes alongside the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Gotye presents a tribute to Jean-Jacques Perrey.

One or three day passes at www.mona.net.au

Barnbougle Polo
20 January 2018

Attracting some of Australia's best polo players, Barnbougle Polo gets you up close to all the excitement and drama the Game of Kings offers. On 20 January, join in for a sophisticated day of horses, fashion, entertainment and Tasmanian produce, with ticketing options such as the marquee or traditional 'car boot spaces'. Held at the world-class links destination, Barnbougle, it promises to be an afternoon of garden party gorgeousness with a side of giddy-up!

Tickets at barnbougle.com.au

Festival of King Island
26 January - 28 January 2018
 
For island vibes like no other, the Festival of King Island delivers in spades. Held in Currie overlooking the beautiful harbour from the 26 - 28 January, the festival brings together musical talent such as Bobby Alu, King Social, Tom Richardson and Angie Boxall. The locals welcome performers into their homes to stay during the festival and the island's stellar cheese, beef and seafood are all showcased over the festival weekend. There's even a 100m soap-accelerated plastic-sheet waterslide, a raft race full of un-seaworthy vessels and a pie-eating contest for those who make it back to land.

Tickets at foki.com.au

Gin-uary Hobart Festival
27 January 2018

The award for the most pun-tastic festival name goes to...Gin-uary Hobart Festival! It's so good we wish we had come up with it. From 1pm - 8pm at The Goods Shed, gin lovers and learners will enjoy generous tastings from local distilleries such as McHenry, Southern Wild, Sud Polaire, Forty Spotted, Redlands and The Able Gin Co, alongside complimentary tacos from Taco Taco and Lady Hester gin and plum doughnuts. There's also a cocktail bar, the opportunity chat with the distillers in the gin-inspired garden, and a keepsake glass to take home.

Tickets are $60 via ginuaryhobart.com.au

Caterpillar Burnie International
27 January - 3 February 2018

Can there ever be too much tennis in summer? We think not. The Caterpillar Burnie International kicks off on the North-West coast on 27 January - the men's competition is part of the ATP Challenger tour and the women's, the ITF Women's competition. Held at the Burnie Tennis Club, the tour attracts both home-grown and international competitors and promises a week of hot on court action.

More details at tennis.com.au

Festivale
2 February - 4 February 2018

Festivale screams summer. From the very best Tasmanian food and wine, beer, cider and spirits, to the quality arts and entertainment program, this three day festival is a firm local favourite. Each year on the first weekend in February, Festivale celebrates everything fabulous about Tasmanian food and drinks, al fresco style under the soaring trees in Launceston's historic (and oasis-like cool) City Park. 35,000 people enjoy more than 75 stalls, sideline events, cooking demonstrations, the Kids Kingdom and fabulous music over the three days, sipping and savouring morsels from near and far around the state.

Tickets on sale now at festivale.com.au

Twenty20 Trans-Tasman Tri-Series Australia v England
7 February 2018

Be a part of the fastest paced cricket action this summer when Australia takes on England in the second match of the Gillette T20 INTL series. It's the only international match this season at Blundstone Arena in Hobart and a cracking contest between old foes. Boasting some of the most exciting and explosive T20 players in the world, as well as the shortest format of the game, fans will enjoy the big hits, big wickets, and big finishes. There's even fireworks and music to add the fun.

Tickets and packages available at www.cricket.com.au

Koonya Garlic Festival
24 February 2018
 
The Koonya Garlic Festival is a uniquely Tasmanian food festival - celebrating the goodness that is garlic. The heart of the festival is the annual garlic growers competition which is open to professional and amateur growers, and now there's even a category open to under 16's to get them in young! There's also free talks by respected horticultural experts, cooking masterclasses, music program, kids program, artisan garlic products, and garlic inspired food alongside award winning wines, craft beer and cider.

More information at koonyagarlicfestival.com

Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships
24 February 2018
 
The way a wheel used to turn circa 100 years ago, versus the way they turn now couldn't be more different. And that's why the historic village of Evandale celebrates the slightly daunting Penny Farthing bicycle with a big village fair and racing program on 24 February, now in it's 34th year. The National Penny Farthing Championships attracts competitors and enthusiasts from across Australia and around the world, with the first race being run in 1983 around the hairy village streets (well, hairy if you're on a massive Penny Farthing with no brakes at least!). There's also a grand parade, vintage car display, kids activities, colonial costumes and lots of delicious food.

More information at evandalevillagefair.com

Targa North West
17 - 18 February 2018

Targa Tasmania is one of the largest, longest and hardest tarmac rallies in the world, similar to the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, the Coupe des Alpes and the Tour de Corse motorsport events.
As part of the new CAMS Australian Targa Championship, Targa North West, held from the 17 - 18 February, 2018, has doubled in days and length to ensure the event is worthy of Championship status. The new event features 200 incredible kilometres of competitive racing over 12 stages, with seven of these being over 20km long and including two runs in and out of the legendary Savage River Targa Stage.

More information at targa.com.au

MOMA Market
Returns in 2018

Mona's weekend market, brought to you by Kirsha Kaechele, returns in 2018 with it's eclectic and fascinating curation of food, art, science and craft (but not your Nana's kind) as well as a program of music and entertainment.

More information at momahobart.net.au

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website discovertasmania.com.au.

Travel to Tasmania
Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Qantaslink, Tigerair, Sharp Airlines or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).
 
Background Notes
Tourism Tasmania is the Tasmanian Government's tourism marketing agency. Its main purpose is to connect people to Tasmania through domestic and international marketing programs that create demand for Tasmanian holidays and attract more visitors to the state.

Image Credits
Tourism Tasmania, Alastair Bett, Rob Burnett, Kim Maisch, MONA, Phil Kitt, Richard Bennett, Lucia Rossi, Mitch Osborne.
 
Media Contact
Sherene Somerville
media@tourismtasmania.com.au