If you are looking for special events in Hobart there are a couple that the area is known for. While there are definitely different events around town that are always happening, not all of them happen every year without fail! But when it comes to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Taste of Tasmania festival, you can be sure that these will be going on if you visit the area during a specific time of the year.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
This race, often called the ‘Bluewater Classic’ by Aussies, is considered by many to be the most difficult yacht race in the entire world. It began in 1945 and every year since has been host to those looking to bring their vessels out to join in the near 1200 kilometer race. It was started as a way for yachts to cruise, rather than race from Sydney to Australia; but these days the race has become just that, a race. The race begins in Sydney on Boxing Day (December 26th) and finishes up in Hobart.
And you don’t even need to have a yacht to enjoy the festivities. At this time of year, which is during the height of the summer, many are in Hobart on holiday anyway making it a perfect time for the race to take place. And you don’t need a yacht or to be participating in the race to enjoy an event in Hobart such as this one. Each and every year there are tons of visitors who attend this Hobart event just to enjoy the congregation of people from all over the world looking to have a good time partying in Australia’s second largest city. Read our report on the 2010 Sydney to Hobart
The of Taste of Tasmania Festival
This is one of those popular events in Hobart that has its beginning and ending in the town of Hobart with its rich colonial history. It lasts for 7 days and is hailed as the largest food and wine festival in all of Tasmania. This week-long festival, which comes right on the heels of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, is one that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The event began more than 20 years ago and is still going strong.
The event is held on the waterfront of Hobart and running from December 28th to January 3rd has made it the perfect reason to spend the New Year in Hobart for many Aussies. But this festival, which puts a focus on showcasing food & wine from Tasmania, doesn’t just attract native Australians. The festival has gained worldwide notoriety and frequently has people in its attendance from all over the globe.
There are also a couple of other lesser know events in Hobart that are great to attend if you happen to be in the area. The Hobart Christmas Pageant is a free event that children and adults alike are sure to love (usually held in late November). You may also want to check out the City of Hobart Floral shows if you are in town during fall or spring; there are a series of events which are held and these are also free events in Hobart that you can enjoy.