The Taste of Summer is Tasmania's premier summer festival, celebrating the region's vibrant food, drink, and entertainment culture. Located on Hobart's picturesque waterfront, this event is the ultimate celebration and a must-attend for food lovers, music enthusiasts, and families alike. With a variety of local vendors showcasing fresh produce, seafood, and Tasmanian wines and spirits, the festival offers a delightful taste of everything the island has to offer.
On tap are local artisans, musical talent and the welcoming atmosphere of fun-loving Australia. Visitors and locals alike flock to the festival each year to sample and savour all that Tasmania has to offer and then some. Get together with friends and family for this week-long celebration of hospitality and creativity.
It’s a family-friendly event, with kids’ activities and play areas set up to keep the younger set busy and satisfied throughout the day. Hobart’s impressive waterfront provides a beautiful backdrop to enjoy daily entertainment, cooking demonstrations, sporting activities and shopping for gifts and one-of-a-kind items. As nighttime sets in, relax and listen to the many sounds of Tasmanian music while gazing at the shimmering sea before the fireworks show. Popular bands are set up on several stages and there’s even a sunset cinema on the pavilion.
Browse the arts, crafts, jewelry and decorative items made exclusively here and take home a bit of Tasmania while eating and drinking some of the tastiest dishes and refreshing brews this side of the Pacific. There are plenty of delectable desserts on offer as well! Some of the local foods and condiments to sample that are also available for purchase from local businesses include sheep’s milk cheeses and natural yoghurt, flower honey, farm-raised lamb, quail eggs, sea-salted butter, homemade ice creams, berries, saltwater fish, shellfish, smoked paprika, oyster mushrooms and venison. Drinks include locally distilled vodkas and gins, single malt whiskeys, a variety of premier wines, beers, ciders and ginger beers, fruit juices and organic milk. Learn how the attending vendors’ products are made and what makes them uniquely fresh and delightful from Tasmania’s natural locations.
The Taste of Summer will take place
Saturday 28 December - Saturday 4 January and is is held at the Princes Wharf 1 (PW1) in Hobart, Tasmania. The waterfront location provides a beautiful backdrop with views of the River Derwent, making it a prime spot to enjoy the festivities. The event primarily takes place at this venue, but local businesses in the surrounding area may also host special events or promotions in conjunction with the festival.
The event location is easily accessible from the Hobart city center. Public transportation options are available, and attendees are encouraged to use buses, ferries, or walk from nearby accommodations to reduce traffic congestion. Parking is limited, so plan accordingly if driving to the event.
Daily Entry: $15*
Multi Day Taste Pass (8 days): 32*
Tasman Yacht Club: $30* (Includes: Entry into Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, Entry into The Tasman Yacht Club, Premium waterfront seating, Access to The Yacht Club Bar by 7K Distillery)
New Years Eve Taste of Summer: $81*
Premium Tast Pass: $80* (An all inclusive option, excluding New Year’s Eve - The best way to enjoy The Taste of Summer in style. A ticket includes priority entry to all 8 days of the Taste of Summer as well as access to the Tasman Yacht Club each day, excluding the NYE event. )
NYE + Premium Taste Pass: $150* (An all inclusive option, including New Year’s Eve – for the ultimate Taste of Summer experience, this ticket includes all the above PLUS entry to the NYE event featuring Hoodoo Gurus.)
*Note: Prices are pre-purchase/early bird special pricing. Pricing will increase closer to event and/or at event entry.
