Wrest Point's Derwent Room has recently undergone a major glow up, and Federal Group and DST invite you to come and see the transformation for yourself at our May Tips and Tipples event.
Thoughtfully refreshed and elegantly reimagined, the Derwent Room is now ready to host exceptional meetings, events and celebrations, complete with the service, views and character you know and love. We look forward to welcoming you to experience it in person. Federal Group will also provide an update on their Saffire and MACq01 projects.
We'll also hear from Business Events Tasmania about the work they are doing to attract conferences and meetings to Tasmania, and the opportunities for tourism operators to leverage off the business events sector.
Please also note that there are regularly photographers at our events, taking photos for use on digital platforms. If you do not want to be photographed, please let us know when you RSVP, or on arrival at the event.
Please also let us know if you have any specific access requirements.
NEWS FROM SOUTHERN TASMANIA
Paint The Town Red
Paint The Town Red is back, bigger and better than ever!
This year we are thrilled to partner with Aurora Energy to help us crank things up a couple of notches: more prizes, more participants, and lots, lots more RED.
Businesses
Registrations are now open for businesses to turn red during Dark Mofo. The rules are similar to previous years: register by May13 to be included on the Dark Mofo website, and then get ready to go red from June 1. New to 2026 though, is the added incentive that the first 200 businesses to register will receive $100 Aurora Energy credit. We are halfway to the 200 mark already, so don't delay!
Also new this year are some incredible prizes for excellent red activations, including Pulse Tasmania and Tasmanian Outdoor Media media packages, National Trust Corporate Membership and a leadership training package from the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy.
Residents
This year, we are splashing the red paint and red lights throughout our suburbs and neighbourhoods too! Residents will officially become part of the activation this year, with five of the reddest houses receiving one month of free Power Hours, thanks to Aurora Energy. Registrations open later in May - we'll keep you posted.
Don't miss your chance to be featured on the Southern Tasmania Touring Map! Become a member of Destination Southern Tasmania by 30 May to be included in the 2026/27 reprint of this popular resource and connect with thousands of visitors across the state.
Many of you will be aware that the Short Stay Levy (SSL) is coming up for parliamentary debate in the next week or two. You can find the Draft Bill and Discussion Paper HERE. DST has made a submission in opposition to the levy in its proposed form, citing a number of reasons including: the SSL risks undermining Tasmania’s visitor economy; it imposes additional costs on visitors and residents; and it fails to address the structural causes of housing supply constraints.
DST has urged the Tasmanian Government to reconsider the design, purpose, and revenue allocation of the levy and to work collaboratively with industry to develop solutions that support both housing outcomes and a strong, sustainable visitor economy.
To read the full submission, click on the button →
There's always stuff going on at Iron Creek Bay Estate to improve the visitor experience, create connections to place and community, and to improve day-to-day operations. The team is very keen to welcome industry colleagues to come and enjoy a site visit to explore the estate and see the work they have been doing to support the visitor economy in the Sorell area. There's always opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and reciprocal referrals, so take the opportunity to explore the possibilities!
After four years of construction and ten years of headaches, Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) is set to open its new wing in June. It will feature a vast library to house David Walsh’s collection of rare books, maps and more.
The new wing will accommodate Breathe, a permanent installation by Julian Charrière, whose solo exhibition Hard Core will reside at Mona from 6 June 2026 to 5 April 2027. The installation invites visitors to breathe air that has never been breathed before.
The opening of the new wing coincides with the return of Ryoji Ikeda’s light-tower, spectra, during Dark Mofo.
2026 Greater Hobart Small Business Excellence Awards
The 2026 Greater Hobart Small Business Excellence Awards celebrate the people, operators and teams who drive our city’s small business community.
Businesses from across Greater Hobart are encouraged to put themselves forward or nominate a standout operator who has made a meaningful impact across seven categories.
Tasman National Park (Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen) is closed until 31 July 2026 for planned infrastructure improvements. The toilet at Tasman Arch carpark will remain open. Access to Waterfall Bay is Waterfall Bay Road only.
The Catamaran campground and boat ramp at Cockle Creek is closed until 31 July 2026 for planned infrastructure improvements. Camping and toilets are available at other Cockle Creek campsites.
Maria Island National Park will be closed from 29 June to 10 July for ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Coal River Valley Autumn Raffle
The Coal River Valley Tasmania Tourism Association is running a raffle over the coming months to support the work they do to promote the region, its people, and its vibrant tourism community. Prizes include accommodation packages, hampers, dining experiences, retail vouchers, spirits and of course, wine. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25 and the raffle will be drawn on 25 June.
Destination Southern Tasmania is always interested in your industry updates. Completing this form lets us know what’s happening in your business or region. Your news and information may be shared with Tourism Tasmania and throughout the Destination Southern Tasmania social, email and web channels. Priority is given to DST members.
Located in Port Arthur, Ruby's Cottage is a two-bedroom farmstay on 25 acres overlooking the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer. Highlights include resident cows (both Highland and Dexter cows), farm tours and huge skies - perfect for sunrises, sunsets and aurora/stargazing.
TCCI Subsidiary Membership
Don't forget that all DST members receive a subsidiary membership of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, equivalent to their Basics Membership valued at $450. This gives you free access to the Workplace Relations Helpline (2 calls); discounts on services, events and training (including $100 credit to spend on coaching, consultancy, etc.); and access to helpful templates and resources to support day-to-day operations, compliance and team management.
MEDIA AND MARKETING
Hobart & Beyond
To coincide with the launch of The Off Season, this month's consumer newsletter has featured some of southern Tasmania's key offers. We'll continue to highlight Off Season experiences during the winter.
If you aren't already subscribed to Hobart & Beyond, you can sign up on the home page (scroll down to the footer) - it's the best way to keep up to date on new blogs and promotional activity that we're putting out to the market.
For those who have submitted an offer and are wondering what sort of coverage you'll get in the market, Tourism Tasmania has partnered with Broadsheet, The Design Files, The Hobart Magazine, Lume, Pulse Media and the Today Show to promote the Off Season across Tasmania, Australia and beyond. Keep an eye out for the Today Show's live weather crosses in the first week of June.
They have also partnered with TripAdvisor and Expedia this Off Season to drive bookings for accommodation and experiences during the shoulder and winter seasons.
DST Media
If you follow Tasmania's local media outlets, you will know that DST works very closely with our media advisor Mark Thomas, to get media coverage of product launches, events and tourism industry stories, just like our own launch of Paint The Town Red (video on the right →).
Don't forget that DST's financial members can access this media support for free, so please keep sending us your stories and news!
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
TICT's Skilled in 60: Tourism Finance Essentials
11am - 12pm, Wednesday 6 May
A key to not only surviving but thriving in volatile environments requires successfully managing finances in your tourism business with a focus on strict cash flow monitoring, proactive management of seasonal fluctuations, and robust cost control. Join experienced business adviser, Warren Moore from Braddon Business Centre, who also delivers the Tasmanian Government’s New Business Support Service and the Tasmanian Business Advice Service to learn about tried-and-tested financial management practices that can help you not only meet the current challenges but grow into the future. Tools and methods will include understanding financial reports, profit and cash forecasting and, costing and pricing your business’ visitor offerings
Throughout May and June, Tourism Tasmania will be running a three part AI webinar series with Chief Technology and AI Officer, Jen Robb.
The April industry updates gave you five things to do, but these sessions go further. Three practical online sessions across three weeks — attend the one that suits where you are right now, try things out in between, and come back when you're ready for more.
Whether you're just getting started with AI or want to go deeper, these webinars are focused on providing practical advice that you can take into your own business.
SESSION 1: Foundations
Tue, 26 May, 3:00pm
If you attended the industry update and want to put what you heard into practice, this is the right starting point. If you missed it and are new to AI tools, this is where to begin.
You've tried the tools, you've got some results, and you want more. This session is for operators who are past the basics but not yet using AI consistently as part of how they work.
For operators who are already using AI tools regularly and want to do more with them. We'll work through more complex scenarios, look at how to use multiple tools together, and leave plenty of room for the questions.
A shameless plugs for our southern entrants: please get your votes in for Bothwell or Port Arthur asap to support our southern top tourism towns. Just by voting, you go in the draw to win a $1500 Tassie getaway.
This award forms part of the national program administered by the Australian Tourism Industry Council and recognises the vital role guides play in delivering high quality visitor experiences.
Key Dates:
Nominations Close Wednesday 6 May 2026
Submissions Close Monday 25 May 2026
Interviews (online) Monday 15 June 2026 - Thursday 18 June 2026 (TBC)
Winners Announced Early July 2026 - Hobart
Australia's Top Tour Guide Award Winner Announced Wednesday 2 September 2026 - Parliament House, Canberra
Still on the subject of awards, nominations have opened for the Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Whilst the submission process is detailed and thorough, it's an extremely valuable process to help you reflect, assess and benchmark your business and look for opportunities for improvement. Plus, this year also brings a further streamlined submission process that aims to reduce the workload for entrants, while maintaining the integrity and prestige of the awards.
The Tasmanian Mushroom Festival is a celebration of fungi, bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and the curious alike. Emerging from its incubator year in 2025, the festival has grown and now offers a wide range of activities and events including a Mushroom Field Day with workshops, good food, science talks, kids activities, music, stallholders and photography.
Image: Carmel Gledhill
For more events near you, visit our Events page on Hobart & Beyond.
POSITIVE IMPACT IN ACTION
OzHarvest launches in Hobart
From 4 May, OzHarvest will commence operations in Hobart. As Australia's leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest redistributes food to provide food relief to millions and fight food waste across the country. Hobart operations will begin with just one truck, two drivers and food redistribution activities 5 days a week but there are many ways to get involved through education and advocacy. They are working closely with FoodBank to bring improved food security to Tasmanians.
Art From Trash
Art From Trash is an independent, not-for-profit organisation created and run by Resource Workers Cooperative (who you probably know from the South Hobart Tip Shop). The organisation is proud to celebrate 30 years of local artists and activism with its 2026 exhibition.
Art From Trash is an annual exhibition that promotes and celebrates art of all kinds, made with ‘trash’ materials. Anyone and everyone is welcome to exhibit their work, and every year the exhibition features over 100 artworks — from school students to esteemed and nationally recognised artists. It’s a real melting pot of creativity.
The exhibition opens on Friday May 15 at 6:00pm and runs until May 24 at The Long Gallery, Salamanca. Entry is free and donations welcome.
GRANTS & FUNDING
Qantas Regional Grants
Qantas Regional Grants offers a share of $2 million in support to organisations and projects that help Australia's regional communities thrive.
If you or someone you know is working on a project that makes a positive difference, a Qantas Regional Grant can help take it to new heights.
Hunting for grants and funding has never been easier, now that Business Tasmania has launched its new website with the Grants and Funding Finder. Click on the button below to explore!
