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PLAN YOUR TRIP
CURIOUS MINDS. WILD PLACES. YOUR TASMANIAN WINTER STARTS HERE.
Each August, Beaker Street Festival transforms Nipaluna/Hobart into a city-wide celebration of science, art, food, music, and exploration.
Think late-night conversations in historic pubs, Antarctic experiences on the waterfront, immersive performances, wilderness adventures, and unexpected encounters with scientists everywhere you turn.
CURATE YOUR ITINERARY
Beaker Street unfolds across two distinct weeks, each with its own atmosphere and focus, surrounded by regional field trips, workshops, dining experiences, and outdoor adventures across Tasmania.
The first week centres around Hobartica — our Antarctic-focused waterfront precinct — with events exploring Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, polar science, climate, cold-water culture, and Hobart’s role as a global Antarctic gateway.
The second week shifts into the Festival Epicentre in central Hobart, where the program expands into cutting-edge science, technology, health, environment, creativity, culture, and big cross-disciplinary ideas.
Winter is one of the best times to experience Lutruwita/Tasmania.
Crisp air. Aurora sightings. Wild coastlines without the crowds.
Beaker Street gives you the perfect excuse to turn a Festival weekend into a full Tasmanian adventure.
Across both weeks, you’ll also find:
- Regional field trips around the island
- Nature and wildlife experiences
- Workshops and masterclasses
- Food and drink events
- Dark-sky experiences
- Nightlife and late-night programming
Come for a long weekend of Antarctic immersion on the waterfront, a week of late-night ideas and city experiences, or build an entire Tasmanian winter road trip around the Festival.
SEE MORE OF TASMANIA
Beaker Street is more than a city festival. It’s also your gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
Whether you’re a local planning a night out or a traveller experiencing Lutruwita/Tasmania for the first time, Beaker Street is your excuse to dive deeper into this wild and curious island.
Tasmania is home to ancient forests, rugged mountains, rare wildlife, dramatic coastlines, and some of the darkest skies in the world. Many Festival experiences are designed to get you out into the landscape alongside the scientists, storytellers, and guides who know it best.
From native birds to giant trees, sauna healing to dark sky astronomy, these small-group regional adventures connect science with place in ways you simply can’t experience anywhere else.
Many regional events are within a short drive of Hobart or Launceston, making them easy additions to a longer Tasmanian itinerary.
HOBART HIGHLIGHTS
Explore these events, located in or within 20 minutes of Hobart:
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Venture further afield with these events around the state:
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT
If you’re travelling from interstate, we recommend staying at least 4–7 days to experience both the Festival and the island beyond it.
Popular winter experiences include:
- Wildlife encounters and nature walks
- Road trips through national parks, coastal towns, and mountain regions
- Long lunches and fireside dining
- Whisky bars, wine regions, and tiny pubs filled with locals
- Chasing the aurora australis, or “Southern lights”
- Stargazing in dark sky regions
- Outdoor saunas and cold plunges
- Visiting MONA and Hobart’s waterfront bars and restaurants
There are hundreds of Off Season offers on the Discover Tasmania website — pick and choose to curate your perfect itinerary.
GETTING HERE
Direct flights to Hobart operate from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, and the Gold Coast.
Most Festival venues are located within:
- 20 minutes of Hobart Airport
- Walking distance of central accommodation
- Easy access to public transport and taxis
If you’re planning to explore regional Tasmania before or after the Festival, consider flying into Hobart and out of Launceston — or vice versa.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay close to the action — and surround yourself with scientists, speakers, artists, and fellow curious minds — by booking with our official accommodation partner, Hadley’s Orient Hotel.
Located just a short stroll from the Festival hub, Hadley’s is the perfect base for late nights, early talks, and spontaneous encounters over cocktails.
Festival guests can access:
- 10% off accommodation using code BEAKER26, valid from 4 to 19 August
- Beaker Street science cocktails in the Orient Bar
- Easy access to the Festival precinct
Book directly via Hadley’s Orient Hotel or contact the reservations team on (03) 6237 2999 or [email protected].
PLAN YOUR TASMANIAN ADVENTURE
Looking for more inspiration while you’re here? Explore winter travel ideas, regional itineraries, food experiences, wilderness adventures, and Off Season offers via Discover Tasmania.
When is Beaker Street Festival?
Beaker Street Festival takes place between 6 and 17 August 2026 in Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, during Tasmania’s winter Off Season. The first weekend, 6 to 9 August, is focused on Antarctic content. The second weekend, 14 to 16 August, explores cross-disciplinary and cutting edge Australian science.
Where is Beaker Street Festival held?
The Festival takes place across Nipaluna/Hobart’s waterfront and CBD as well as in stunning locations throughout Lutruwita/Tasmania, with major venues and locations including:
- Hobart City Hall
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
- Theatre Royal
- Hope and Anchor Tavern
- Waterside Pavilion
- Mawson Place
- Salamanca precinct venues
- Bars, galleries, and late-night venues across the city
- Plus locations around the state including Burnie, Penguin, Launceston, Ross, Triabunna, Eaglehawk Neck, the Styx Valley, Richmond, and Clarence.
Most venues in Hobart are within easy walking distance of one another.
How many days should I spend in Tasmania for Beaker Street Festival?
We recommend staying 4–7 days to experience both the Festival and Tasmania beyond Hobart. Many visitors combine Festival events with regional travel, food experiences, nature trips, or a road trip around the state.
What are the best Tasmanian winter experiences during Beaker Street Festival?
Popular winter experiences in Tasmania include:
- Visiting MONA
- Aurora Australis viewing
- Stargazing in dark sky regions
- Outdoor saunas and cold plunges
- Wildlife encounters and national park walks
- Whisky distilleries and cool-climate wineries
- Long lunches and fireside dining
- Road trips into Tasmania’s stunning regions
You can also explore Tasmania’s Off Season offers via Discover Tasmania.
Does Beaker Street Festival include regional Tasmania events?
Yes. Beaker Street includes regional field trips, food experiences, astronomy events, nature adventures, and science experiences across Tasmania.
Festival regions may include:
- Derwent Valley
- Coal Valley
- Tasman Peninsula
- East Coast Tasmania
- Launceston and the Midlands
- North West Tasmania
Many regional events are suitable as day trips from Hobart or Launceston.
How do I get to Hobart for Beaker Street Festival?
Direct flights to Hobart operate from:
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Canberra
- Gold Coast
Hobart Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the Festival precinct.
Should I fly into Hobart or Launceston?
If you are primarily attending Beaker Street Festival, Hobart is the easiest arrival point.
If you are planning a longer Tasmania road trip, many visitors fly into Hobart and out of Launceston, or vice versa.
Where should I stay during Beaker Street Festival?
We recommend staying in Hobart’s CBD or waterfront precinct so you can easily walk between Festival venues, restaurants, and bars.
Hadley’s Orient Hotel is the Festival’s official accommodation partner and is located within walking distance of major venues.
Festival guests can access:
- 10% off accommodation using code BEAKER26
- Festival-themed cocktails
- Pre-show dining
- Easy access to the Festival precinct
Book directly via Hadley’s Orient Hotel.
Is August a good time to visit Tasmania?
Yes. August is part of Tasmania’s Off Season, when the island embraces winter through festivals, food experiences, wellness offerings, nature travel, dark sky experiences, and seasonal events.
Winter also means:
- Fewer crowds
- Easier restaurant bookings
- Greater accommodation availability
- Snow on the mountains
- Better opportunities for stargazing and aurora viewing
What should I pack for Tasmania in winter?
Tasmanian winter weather can change quickly. We recommend packing:
- Warm layers
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A beanie, scarf, and gloves
- Clothes suitable for indoor heated venues and outdoor events
If attending regional field trips or nature experiences, check individual event information for specific gear requirements.
Is Beaker Street Festival suitable for interstate visitors?
Absolutely. Many visitors travel from interstate specifically for the Festival, combining Beaker Street events with food, nature, art, and winter travel experiences across Tasmania.
The Festival is designed to help visitors experience both Hobart and regional Tasmania in a uniquely local way.
