Nick Osborne
Tasmania makes the most of the unique sensory offerings its incredible location allows in the cooler months, with warming whisky, truffle tastings, crackling fires, and seasonal produce galore.
Venues across the state (including wineries, restaurants, farms, distilleries, tourism experiences and more) develop exclusive Off Season offers giving you inside looks, immersive tastings and hands-on workshops, available from May to August, that prove there’s so much more to enjoy about winter in Tasmania than Dark Mofo.
The Off Season is also your invitation to get out of the city and explore the beauty and high-quality hospitality of Tasmania’s smaller towns and regions, including Flinders Island, Freycinet and the rugged coastlines in all directions. Here’s what to experience in the final weeks of Tasmania’s Off Season.
Private Vineyard Tour for two at Caledon Estate
Take in the stunning Coal River Valley scenery on an intimate tour for two (plus the winery’s two adorable dogs, Sasha and Biscuit) guided by Caledon Estate’s owner or vineyard manager. Going beyond the cellar door and rows, you’ll encounter scenery across the 11-hectare estate and hear what it takes to make its stellar cool-climate cabernet sauvignon. Then, head back to the beautiful cellar door and restaurant for a glass of wine and canapes by the fire. Our suggestion? Plan on staying for lunch.
When: 10.30am or 1pm, Monday-Thursday until 31 August (other times on request)
Where: Caledon Estate, 332 Prossers Road, Richmond, Tasmania (near Hobart)
Cost: $115pp
Book online.
Vineyard Safari at House of Arras
One of Tasmania’s most awarded wineries is sharing a look behind the scenes at its Pipers River region operation. Going beyond a traditional cellar door visit, the Vineyard Safari offers the chance to board luxury carts (rugged up in Tasmania’s historic Waverley Mills blankets) for a journey through the cool-climate vineyard, learning about winemaking, terroir and tasting on the way. Take in valley views with a glass of House of Arras’s celebrated sparkling wine, and cross your fingers you’ll see eagles and platypus.
When: Daily, until Sunday 30 August
Where: House of Arras, 40 Baxters Road, Pipers River, Tasmania (near Launceston)
Cost: $140pp
Book online.
Afternoon Truffle Hunt at The Truffle Farm
A visit to Australia’s first-ever truffière comes topped off with encounters with its beautiful, friendly dogs — who do most of the hard work. Join the pups at The Truffle Farm for a wander through the oak trees in Deloraine, digging up black truffles you’ll then enjoy by the fire on house-made truffle s’mores. Add a glass of Tasmanian wine, and it’s a wholesome and cosy winter experience you’ll never forget.
When: Select dates in August
Where: The Truffle Farm, 844 Mole Creek Road, Deloraine, Tasmania (near Launceston)
Cost: $155pp
Book online.
Woolshed Shenanigans: Lamb Over Coals with Winter Vibes
Cosy up by the fire and coals at rustic Central Highlands farm accommodation Rathmore. Their Woolshed Shenanigans serves up a long-table feast in the historic shearing shed with slow-cooked lamb, local Invercarron wines, live music and warming winter desserts. You can also soak up some history with a tour of the 1820s-built homestead and sheep property — the perfect way to take in the Off Season scenery.
When: Saturday 29 August
Where: Rathmore, 2158 Hollow Tree Road, Hollow Tree, Tasmania (Central Highlands, near Hobart)
Cost: $99pp
Book online.
Wild Winter at the Tasman Sea Salt cellar
Have you ever thought about how important salt is to the way we enjoy food? On this Off Season tour with breathtaking Freycinet Peninsula views, you’ll get an up-close look at how brine is transformed into salt flakes, enjoy a tasting of pure sea salt and learn how different kinds of salt can enhance flavour. A steaming mulled cider will ensure you stay toasty.
When: Fridays until 28 August.
Where: Tasman Sea Salt, 97 Mayfield Jetty Road, Little Swanport, Tasmania (90 minutes from Hobart)
Cost: $70pp ($35 for children)
Book online.
Tipples and telescope stargazing at McHenry Distillery
It’s safe to say the stars shine bright at Australia’s southernmost distillery. For the Off Season, you can pay a visit for a guided look at the constellations above with access to high-quality telescopes, opportunities for astro-photography and a sloe gin hot toddy to keep you warm. If you feel like staying the night, check out the distillery’s two new eco-cottages.
When: Thursdays in August
Where: McHenry Distillery, 229 Radnor Road, Port Arthur, Tasmania
Cost: $85pp
Book online.
Farm, Tunnel and Fungi Experience at Tunnel Hill Mushrooms
For curious diners wanting to know more about where Tasmania’s produce comes from, Tunnel Hill Mushrooms has created a behind-the-scenes look into its production in an 1891-built railway tunnel. On the Off Season experience, you’ll see how gourmet fungi are grown from the lab to the tunnel, learn about mushroom harvesting and harvest your own, and explore different varieties of mushrooms. It all culminates around the custom train barbecue for a tasting.
When: Until 31 August.
Where: Tunnel Hill Mushrooms, 2 Old Coach Road, Cambridge, Tasmania (Hobart)
Cost: $135pp
Book online.
Fireside paddles and brewery stories at Little Rivers Brewing Co.
Enjoy an excursion to sample the brews at Little Rivers Brewing Co., where you can work through a tasting paddle of five beers by the fire (and even BYO pie from the local bakery). The added entertainment in the form of the brewery’s family beginnings, small-town tales and experimental creations makes for the perfect afternoon out of town.
When: Thursdays–Saturdays in August
Where: Little Rivers Brewing Co., 22 Victoria Street, Scottsdale, Tasmania (one hour from Launceston)
Cost: $25pp
Book online.
The Dark Harmony B-Sides whisky tasting at Hellyers Road Distillery
Much like its wines, Tasmania is known for producing world-class whisky. At Hellyers Road Distillery, which has been in the game since 1997, you’re invited to dive into the world of its experimental “B-side” creations in a behind-the-scenes tasting and glimpse at the production and ageing process. Focused on beer cask-aged brews created in collaboration with Communion Brewing and never included in the final release, the tasting includes four whiskies up to nine years old, poured direct from the cask — something all fans of the warming spirit should experience.
When: Until 31 August
Where: Hellyers Road Distillery, 153 Old Surrey Road, Havenview, Tasmania (90 minutes from Launceston)
Cost: From $22
Book online.
Tasmania’s 2026 Off Season officially ends on 31 August 2026 — see the full lineup of offers and events.
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