Winter in Tasmania is a magical experience and the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, held annually at Willie Smith's Apple Shed, is an event you won't miss. Not only will adults have a great time with festive activities such as wassailing - an ancient pagan tradition involving candlelight, rattling noise, and shouts of joy meant to scare away bad luck. Children can also get involved by dressing up as kings, queens, witches, or goblins! This festival truly is your chance for the whole family to join in on the fun that dates back centuries.
Step into the captivating Cider Show Alley and be amused all weekend long with fantastic street theatre, melodic music, and spellbinding storytelling. You'll find magical elixirs that promise to heal any ailment, peculiar food items, tricky games you can try your luck at - plus some remarkable "freaks" of nature! As professional storytellers transport you to new realms with their tales – adults and children alike will be entranced by this immersive experience.
During special sessions, grown-ups can immerse themselves in unique interpretations of Grimm's fairytales. The lineup for the weekend also features some incredible musical performances, including soul, zydeco, traditional Irish, folk-punk, and jazz. Owing to the high quality of local bands that auditioned for this event, there is an addition of extra sessions at The Apple Shed - a one-of-a-kind opportunity!
This Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival is even more special with Tasmania's finest food and beverage offerings. With over 25 stalls, you can keep your thirst quenched with any specialty coffee, craft beer, wine, whisky, or cider! And if that wasn't enough, delicious gourmet pizzas and tacos, organic burgers, and handmade chocolates are available for those looking for something savory. This event truly celebrates why Tasmania is renowned globally for producing the freshest produce!
Once you've experienced the awe-inspiring beauty of Huon Valley, why not venture to Freycinet National Park? Take a three-hour journey northwards from Hobart, and you'll find yourself face to face with the iconic, rosy Hazards that spread across its horizon. Perfect for winter hikes, plenty of birds chirping in tune with wildflowers swaying in the breeze and inviting rock pools just waiting for your exploration. And when it gets too chilly out there, Freycinet Lodge has luxurious cabins ready to provide warmth and comfort amidst all this natural splendor!
This winter, make your way to Tasmania and have an unforgettable weekend at the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival. After indulging in all that it has to offer, traverse up north and revel in the stunning natural beauty of Tasmania!
