Linda Smith

Every Wednesday morning West Hobart couple Maree and Shane Wells pull on their thermals and activewear, lace up their sneakers, don head torches and set off on a group run from Hobart’s CBD at 5.30am.

In a world that’s often dominated by consumerism and mass-production, it’s refreshing to know that there are still talented individuals with traditional and specialised skills who spend their days creating beautiful yet practical works of art.

Fat raindrops were falling rhythmically on the glass ceiling above me as I slid my tired body into the warm and welcoming water of a pastel pink clawfoot bathtub. As steam rose into the cool night air and crispy autumn leaves gently drifted downwards from surrounding trees in the spacious and private garden, I couldn’t help but feel relaxed as the sky streaked orange and day turned into night.

Growing up in Wynyard, Kaytlyn Johnson always knew she wanted to be a musician.

Three years ago, Hannah Smith was a happy and healthy 46-year old – she was working four days a week as a psychologist, a career she loved; she and her partner Michael had purchased a house in West Hobart; she was travelling interstate regularly to visit her adult children and her grandchildren; and the roller derby enthusiast had also just been selected to compete nationally. Life was good.

Tasmania has long been known as the Apple Isle – with our cool climate, fertile soil and rich farming heritage perfectly suited to growing world-class fruit. But those apples are now increasingly being used to make world-class cider, with discerning drinkers – both in Tasmania, interstate and across the globe – seeking out Tassie’s plethora of boutique, award-winning ciders.

A keen cook and gardener, Deborah Ward decided three years ago that she’d like to compile a collection of recipes to hand down to her children and grandchildren.

Something magical happens in Tasmania when the weather warms up, the summer daylight stretches well into the evenings, and community spirits are at an all-time high. There’s a lot to love about summer in our beautiful island state, regardless of whether you prefer laid back beach days and backyard barbecues or would rather get your thrills from major music events or high-octane sporting pursuits. So, to make sure you bring in 2025 well, and make the most of the long summer days ahead, we bring you a comprehensive guide to the many summer delights in store for Tasmanians between now and the end of February.

Watching Karoline Kent groove confidently to the music, as she plays a DJ set for an energetic crowd at In the Hanging Garden in Hobart, it’s hard to believe the 44-year-old spent the early part of her career working as a public servant.

Dan Rawlins was torn – he couldn’t decide whether he wanted to live a city existence or escape into nature.

The four of us are sitting around a glowing fire pit, arms outstretched as we wave our carefully-selected sticks, each with a marshmallow pushed firmly onto the end, over the hot coals.

Toni Coward grew up on a flower farm at Weegena, near Deloraine in Tasmania’s north, and was fortunate to have many extended family members living on properties nearby.

A hectic decade of family life and politics is what prompted Larissa Bartlett to reassess her priorities and explore the realms of mindfulness and meditation.

Ten years ago, Jan Everett stood in front of an old gate, on the side of a dusty dirt road, clutching a piece of paper with Chinese characters written on it, with tears streaming down her face.

Matthew Evans was milking one of his Jersey cows, on his 28ha farm at Cygnet, and marvelling at the “wizardry of nature” when he was struck with the idea for his latest book.

As the temperature drops, Tasmania’s unique charm is heightened – from the beauty of landscapes covered in a fresh blanket of snow, to the Aurora Australis lighting up the sky in a blaze of colour, to the seclusion of pristine sandy beaches and wilderness walking trails with rarely another person in sight.

Tasmanians are being invited to enjoy free beer to celebrate Cascade’s 200th birthday.

When Tasmanian hip hop artist Grace Chia steps onto the stage to perform, something transformative occurs. The 25-year-old, who was plagued with self-doubt, depression and crippling anxiety in her teens, becomes confident, fierce and free.

Karen Miles experienced a life-changing epiphany after her father died in 2017.

Victoria Devine has earnt a name for herself as a leading finance expert – she hosts Australia’s number one money podcast, which is also ranked as the number one finance podcast globally. She’s also a best-selling author who runs her own finance broking practice and was once named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 rich list.