How To Dark Mofo
Your Guide To Tasmania’s Winter Festival
By Amanda Vallis
The text messages start to flood in around April each year, and gain momentum in the lead-up to June - Australian mainlander mates all asking different versions of the same question: ‘How do I Dark Mofo?’ Taswegians have become accustomed to fielding and responding to the ever expanding list of queries from our big island neighbours, so - in the name of efficiency - we’ve collated all of the top-ranking FAQs into one handy list.
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I’M COMING DOWN FOR DARK MOFO …
… What festival tickets should I book?
Book everything you can!
That’s it. That’s the advice.
… Where actually IS Dark Mofo?
Most Dark Mofo activity happens in Hobart’s city centre, which is very walkable. There are also a few things happening out at Mona, and some umbrella events in other parts of the state - check the Dark Mofo website for details.
… Can I take my kids to festival events, or should I book a babysitter?
Dark Park and Winter Feast are very kid-friendly, but can get crowded so keep a close eye (and grip) on those little scallywags!
... What should I eat at Winter Feast?
Winter Feast brings together 75 stallholders showcasing the best food and beverage operators from around Tasmania. If you can, buy a season pass ($75) for easy entry (i.e. no lining up) for the full eight nights. All of the stallholders are fabulous, so you really can’t go wrong, but some standouts include Lilly Trewartha’s katsu sando, injera and accompaniments by Queen Sheba, Anju Korean’s bulgogi beef ssam plate, venison cheeseburgers from Stábla, a Canopy ice cream sundae, Trophy Room’s glazed and filled donuts, Tasmaniac Distillers cocktails and Stargazer wines, just to name a few. Don’t miss Stillwater’s collaboration with Niyati Rao of Ekaa Mumbai.
Lilly Trewartha’s katsu sando (image: Dark Mofo)
… Which restaurants should I eat at when I’m not at Winter Feast?
Pay a visit to Luke Burgess’s new restaurant Scholé for drinks and snacks
No visit to Nipaluna/Hobart is complete without a drink at Sonny, Hobart’s friendliest wine bar
Grab a bowl of pasta and a spritz from Pitzi, or indulge in an elevated dining experience at Fico, both owned by hospitality duo Federica Andrisani and Oskar Rossi
Take in water views at Aløft or Restaurant MARIA, with food by Christian Ryan
Book in a Friday, Saturday or Sunday lunch at The Agrarian Kitchen
Settle in for martinis and bistro classics at Six Russell Bistro
Pull up a spot at neighbourhood restaurant Ogee whose intimate size belies its cult following
Head to Me Wah for epic Chinese cuisine
… How about the best brekky spots?
Our favourites are Hamlet, Leōht, Sunbear, Pilgrim, Pigeon Whole Bakers and Erda, but breakfast is a whole culture in Hobart, so it’s difficult to go wrong.
… What day trips should I take while I’m in Nipaluna/Hobart?
Head down to Eaglehawk Neck, via a stop at Cubed Espresso for coffee with the best view in the world. Take a look around Port Arthur before hopping aboard Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ morning Tasman Island Cruise. On the way back to town, stop by Bream Creek Vineyard for a class of wine, some oysters and an exceptional slice of Basque Moons Cheesecake. Or, if you have a few hours, book ahead for lunch overlooking Marion Bay at Oirthir.
Go 45 minutes south of the city to Mewstone Wines Cellar Door for wine and a platter with a view, then drive on to Mickeys Beach for a refreshing dip or a nap in the sunshine. Do the loop around to Cygnet for a meander around town with a Poolish & Co. sausage roll in hand, then make a cider pit stop at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed on the way back to Hobart.
Make the easy trip out to New Norfolk for lunch at The Agrarian Kitchen Kiosk, before scouring for antiques at The Drillhall Emporium and for homewares at its next-door neighbour, Miss Arthur. Stop off at Derwent Estate Wines for a glass of something lovely and a cheese platter.
Book the ferry out to Mona, and spend the day taking it all in. Dine at Faro or The Source, or grab a spot on the lawn for a more casual bite from Heavy Metal Kitchen.
Mona (image: Facebook)
… Where can I work out while I’m in town?
Buy a casual pass to Hustle Street for heart-pumping tunes and gym vibes
Get your hot mat pilates fix at Bellerive’s Club 42 Pilates
Don’t miss one of Claire Thompson’s ride classes at Happi Studios
Dance the night away at Eternal Performing Arts
… Are there any good bushwalks nearby?
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the best spot for bushwalks while staying in Hobart, with a number of different walks to suit a variety of abilities - check out the City of Hobart website.
… Where should I go shopping?
Find Hobart’s best fashion, homewares or gifts (and sometimes all three) at Alma Supply Store, Homeroom Design, Wesley and Willis, LUC., Grey and Felt, Goodbyes, Bruce, Cable, Lily & Dot and The Maker.
… What do I wear?
LAYERS. Head to our women’s and men’s Winter Fashion edits for inspo.
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