Linda Smith

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.

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.