Hobart festival aims to push the boundaries

From garlic to folk music, Tasmania is home to dozens of quirky festivals.

One of the zaniest, the Beaker Street Festival, returns to Hobart from August 6-17 marking its 10th year with the theme:The Second Act.

Over the past decade, the festival has grown from a niche science experiment into a nationally recognised cultural event, drawing interstate audiences for immersive, ideas-led programming set against Tasmania’s winter landscape.

The 2026 edition consolidates into two focused weekends, anchored by distinct precincts and experiences. 

The festival continues to blend hard science with social experience, positioning Hobart as a winter meeting place for thinkers, travellers and curious audiences nationwide.

Antarctica will be a key focus with Hobart showcasing its gateway-to-Antarctica status. 

Tickets are on sale now for the Festival's first event, VAST: Where Sound Meets the Cosmos.

This immersive work is an Australian-exclusive premiere aiming to transform Hobart’s oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal (above), into a 360° soundscape, combining performers, instrumentalists and spatial audio for "a journey into the universe". 

Full program details are still under embargo but you can find more info here:  https://www.beakerstreet.com.au/

Meet the southernmost hotel in the world

The southernmost hotel in Australia is the Southport Hotel & Caravan Park in the far south of Tasmania.

At 43.2 degrees south, the town of around 150 people is 104 km south west of Hobart.

But it is not even close to being the most southerly hotel in the world, with Silversea this week unveiling the name and details of what WILL be the world’s southernmost hotel, the experiential travel group announced.

Named The Cormorant at 55 South, the new 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, is scheduled to open during the 2025-2026 Antarctica season. Located on Navarino Island, it faces the Beagle Channel and is further south than any of the other hotels in the small town.

“The Cormorant at 55 South will immerse guests in their destination before embarking on their journey to Antarctica,” said Silversea president Bert Hernandez.

“Every aspect is thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind, ensuring a comfortable and uniquely Silversea experience. Each room offers panoramic views of Patagonia, and the hotel creates a deep connection to the local community.”

The name The Cormorant is a nod to the location at 55° S - and the cormorant aquatic bird.

The hotel rooms will feature sweeping views and handcrafted items created by regional artisans.

Silversea says the hotel will facilitate a seamless journey to Antarctica allowing guests to fly over the Drake Passage, and providing a shorter travel option.

The six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise expeditions feature expedition experts hosting guided walks ashore, identifying wildlife species, glacial and geological structures, and other features only found on an Antarctic expedition.

Back on board, lectures provide an overview of the day’s sightings and experiences.

Silversea also announced the launch of Stories by Silversea, its new content series featuring storytelling and resources. 

Silversea has released the first two episodes, “Embrace the Unknown” and “A Legacy in the Making: Part 1.”

Included in the series will be a multi-part highlight on the development of The Cormorant at 55 South, including new resources and information as well as regular updates and a behind-the-scenes look.

See www.silversea.com/lp-antarctica-fly-cruise.html

Discover the reason for a tent sauna on Hobart's waterfront

A pop-up sauna on the Hobart waterfront is just one of the many quirky elements to the 2024 Beaker Street festival in Tasmania.

The festival of science and ideas has announced a "future first" program, enabling guests to dive into the mysteries of the Antarctic, stargaze in the CBD, or dip their toes into the science of wellness, as well as devour food that could help conquer climate change.

Beaker Street organisers today unveiled an expanded precinct for the annual week-long celebration, which held be held from August 6-13 and will feature over 70 events. 

Hobartica - Antarctica in Hobart - will include polar plunge pools and saunas, while Future 
Foods dining experiences will look at what we might be eating down the track in 2050. 

Founder and festival director Dr Margo Adler says: “In curating the festival, we delve into today’s most exciting research and urgent challenges. 

"The result is a compelling mix of thought-provoking entertainment, unexpected experiences, and mind-expanding conversations, which welcomes everyone into science.”

The eighth year of the festival will see a precinct spanning Hobart’s cultural and entertainment hubs and taking in City Hall, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, The Old Mercury Building, Hope & Anchor Tavern, Mawson Place, and pubs, bars, and restaurants around the waterfront and CBD.

The festival’s events kick off on Tuesday, August 6, culminating with a weekend of festivities from August 9-11. 

There is also an opportunity to engage in a two-night immersive getaway at Piermont Retreat on Tasmania's East Coast, from August 11-13. 

Beaker Street Festival is produced by Beaker Street, a not-for-profit cultural organisation and registered charity, and is supported by Events Tasmania, City of Hobart, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and National Science Week.

See www.beakerstreet.com.au

Image: Dearna Bond