Join us for our first networking event of 2026 at the exceptional Derwent Distillery.
With sustainability embedded at the core of their business, the Derwent Distillery team will share insights on how they have meaningfully integrated positive impact across their operations. There will also be the opportunity to preview Derwent Distillery's new guided tours, launching soon.
Our partners for this event are the wonderful folk from the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association and their members, creating a valuable opportunity to broaden networks and explore future collaborations. Hear updates on the upcoming Autumn Festival and plans to revive a much-loved Derwent Valley event!
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
Raise a Dram to Bill Lark
Congratulations to Bill Lark, the undisputed Godfather of Australian Whisky, who has been awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his dedication and service to the whisky distilling industry.
Hobart Current: Here
14 November 2025 – 26 April 2026 The third iteration of biennial contemporary art program Hobart Current explores the theme ‘Here’. Ten selected artists have created new works spanning a diverse range of creative practices and media responding to the theme. These works will be presented at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and public spaces in Hobart. More information on the program is available at hobartcurrent.com
Aquila Eco Retreat Celebrates
The Coal River Valley's Aquila Eco Retreat is thrilled to announce their newest accreditation - Welcome With Pride. Available to all accommodation operators, this accreditation is a simple yet powerful tool, recognising operators who are passionate about welcoming visitors of all abilities, genders, sexualities, ages, cultures and backgrounds to be their authentic selves during their stay. If you’re an accommodation operator and want to know more, check out www.welcomewithpride.com or reach out to the Aquila team.
National Trust Tasmania Touchstone Campaign
The National Trust is asking our volunteers and supporters to get behind our social media campaign.
Take a picture of your hand touching something of heritage value that has meaning to you. This can be anything with heritage value to you!
Send that picture in to us at admin@nationaltrusttas.org.au OR post that picture to your social media with the tag #TouchstoneHeritage, @NationalTrustTasmania.
By doing so you give us permission to share your picture. A household membership is up for grabs for those who post Tasmanian heritage on their socials with the correct tags.
Tas Wine Fest Returns
February 7 & 8, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
Now in its sixth year, the Tasmanian Wine Festival will feature more than 45 vineyards, over 250 wines, live music and a curated food offering across multiple sessions. The event also continues its support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Tasmania, with a portion of every ticket sold donated to the cause. Tickets are on sale now, with several sessions already close to selling out
Tasmania's Forgotten Opera Star Immortalised
Amy Sherwin Statue Unveiling and Festival
A full-size marble statue of Amy Sherwin, Australia’s pioneering soprano who sang for royalty yet died in poverty, will be unveiled at Hobart’s historic Hadley’s Orient Hotel on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as the centrepiece of the three-day Aria in the Air: Amy Sherwin Festival. → Learn More
Southern Open Vineyards 2026
27 February - 1 March
Calling all wine lovers! The Southern Open Vineyards Weekend features 49 producers across six cool-climate wine regions, providing the opportunity to meet the people behind the wines, and enjoy unforgettable cellar door experiences across Southern Tasmania. → Learn More
Connectivity in the Tasman Region
Have Your Say
Share your experiences on phone, internet and broadcast connectivity across the Tasman and Forestier peninsulas. Take the survey online or pick up a paper copy at the Tasman Council offices in Nubeena, the Port Arthur General Store or the Murdunna Roadhouse → COMPLETE SURVEY
Share your news with DST
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.
The Event Skills Program has been designed in collaboration with the Tasmanian event and festival industry and combines structured theory with hands-on experience at live events—giving you the skills and confidence to step straight into the workforce.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Where: Hobart and surrounding areas within Southern Tasmania.
When: Classes and placements will run from March to August 2026 – a combination of up to 10 days of theory classes and up to five days of practical placements at Tasmanian events.
Cost: $400 per participant, including learning resources, safety gear and all classes and placements.
Limited spots in the program are available - register your interest early to secure your place!
EoI Closing Date: EoI’s will be accepted until CoB Friday, 27 February 2026
Once you have submitted your EoI you should expect to be contacted by a member of the THTA team after Friday, 6 March 2026. → SUBMIT EOI
Further questions? Contact the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy via info@thtacademy.org.au.
Leveraging AI and Next-Generation Connectivity
Industry Workshop
Join the TICT and TasICT on Wednesday 11th February 2026 for an exciting opportunity to explore how AI and next-generation connectivity are transforming Tasmanian businesses. At nbn Connects with Microsoft 2.0, you’ll gain practical insights into using Microsoft Copilot to drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation in your business.
This interactive series features two targeted deep-dive Masterclasses - one for Sales & Marketing, and another for Legal & HR - packed with real-world examples and actionable tips you can use straight away. You’ll also discover how Copilot can support your daily tasks, from writing and analysis to communication and idea generation, across the Microsoft 365 apps you already use.
This event is brought to you by nbn, in collaboration with Microsoft and Akkodis - with local hosting partners TasICT and Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania.
Spots are limited and filling fast, so secure your place now and be part of the next wave of digital innovation in Australia. Get tickets here
TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS
Submit your Off Season 2026 offer now!
The Off Season is a campaign designed to drive visitation to Tasmania during the traditionally quieter months of May - August to support our tourism industry year-round. For the 2026 campaign, Tourism Tasmania will continue to position Tasmania as a winter holiday destination with a difference by showcasing all the operator offers and experiences that are exclusive to the cooler months.
Nominations for Tassies Top Tourism Towns of 2026 close this Thursday 5th February. The nomination process takes just 5-10 minutes via the Quality Tourism Framework portal, entrants then have until Thursday 26th March to submit their entry.
There are three categories to enter:
Top Tourism Town Award for towns with populations of more than 5,000 (capital cities are precluded from entering)
Small Tourism Town Award for populations under 5,000 but greater than 1,500
Tiny Tourism Town Award for populations under 1,500.
Each of the three category winners receive a marketing package valued at
$20, 000+, including a significant interstate outdoor advertising campaign generously provided by Bishopp, promoting their status as a Top Tourism Town to local and interstate visitors. Additionally, Tasmanian winners automatically become national finalists in the search for Australia’s Top Tourism Towns, where they will be judged against finalists from all other states and territories. National awards are announced at a major event at Parliament House in Canberra.
For more events near you, visit our Events page on Hobart & Beyond.
POSITIVE IMPACT IN ACTION
When the nights grow long, the stars come closer...
Tasvanlife partners with the Wilderness Society this winter
Tasvanlife has jumped onboard a citizen science program developed in partnership with the Wilderness Society’s Eyes on the Sky project. The initiative invites travellers to actively contribute to research supporting the creation of Tasmania’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary, with a focus on the globally significant Southwest Sky Country.
Travellers booking a Tasvanlife campervan collect a simple, portable device at pickup. As they travel and camp across the state, particularly in remote southern regions, participants record observations of the night sky. This data is then shared with the Wilderness Society to help establish baseline measurements of sky quality across Tasmania.
This grant program is designed to cater for both large and small events, with two tiers of funding available for events with either intrastate or interstate visitation targets. Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 are available to support event organisers in enhancing their existing marketing strategies for established Tasmanian events.
Grants are available until the available funding allocation has been fully allocated, or the program has closed – whichever occurs first.
One-off Assistance grants of up to $20 000 are available to promote the number of winter events in regional Tasmania, increasing visitors and local community engagement through the non-peak tourist season, and assisting to grow event expertise skills and capacity in regional Tasmania.
The $50 million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania. The scheme will open for applications until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until all funding has been utilised, whichever occurs first.
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