Summer Events in Tassie
December - January
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
One of the world’s toughest ocean races, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race pits sailors against the might of the great Southern Ocean and the wild winds of the Roaring Forties. Starting in Sydney on Boxing Day, the yachts travel the 628 nautical miles down the Australian coast toward Hobart. The race is unpredictable and challenging in every way and wandering the docks after the race is fascinating as you hear the yachties recall their ocean tales.
February
Festivale
Festivale is a major summer event held each year in Launceston. The event features the very best Tasmanian food and wine, beer, cider and spirits, and a quality arts and entertainment program. Each year on the first weekend in February, Festivale welcomes festival goers to enjoy the alfresco fun under the trees of historic City Park. There’s sideline events, cooking demonstrations, the Kids Kingdom and fabulous music over the three days.
Australian Wooden Boat Festival
This biennial four-day celebration of maritime culture and craftsmanship is the biggest maritime event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The festival brings together over 500 boats and wooden craft on Hobart’s historic waterfront and is supported by a program of dockside entertainment, music, demonstrations and displays.