How To Dark Mofo
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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Dark Mofo: Winter Feast (image: Adam Gibson)
I’M COMING DOWN FOR DARK MOFO …
… What festival tickets should I book?
Book everything you can! Don’t overthink it. Include a Season Pass to the Winter Feast, obviously.
… 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 77 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 pork kalbi ssam share plate, a slice of cheesecake from Basque Moons, Canopy’s olive oil ice cream, potato mochi by Scholé’s Luke Burgess, fried cheesy rice balls by David Moyle, and crispy rose & walnut yunnan baba from Food Culture … just to name a few. On the drinks front, be sure to check out Aunt Alice and Tolpuddle for wine, cocktails from Taylor & Smith (paired with Aløft’s lamb ribs) and Tasmaniac Distillers, and Oxbow Lab’s delicious non-alc range.
Don’t miss Tasmanian artisanal bakery MAMA’s Roberto Mele’s collaboration with guest chef Floriano Pellegrino, who joins the Feast all the way from Bros’ in Puglia, Italy.
Dark Mofo: Winter Feast (image: Adam Gibson)
… Which restaurants should I eat at when I’m not at Winter Feast?
No visit to Nipaluna/Hobart is complete without a drink at Sonny, Hobart’s friendliest wine bar
Pay a visit to Luke Burgess’s new(-ish) restaurant Scholé
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 (you can also catch Christian at the Feast, serving up his famous lamb ribs and eggplant fries alongside Taylor & Smith cocktails)
Book in a Friday, Saturday or Sunday lunch at The Agrarian Kitchen
Pull up a stool at Lucinda for small plates and great wine, or book a spot at Dier Makr for a killer dining experience in one of Hobart’s most beautiful dining rooms
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 glass of wine and oysters, 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 Drill Hall 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
Find your happy place at Happi Studios - bonus points if you can get a spot on the reformer with Madison Vickers, or in a ride class with Claire Thompson
Yogis bliss out at Folde, Hobart’s newest and loveliest light-filled studio
Dance the night away at Eternal Performing Arts
… Are there any good bushwalks nearby?
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the best spot for bushwalks out of Nipaluna/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, Vivi al Ago, and The Maker. Hit Salamanca Market on Saturday mornings, and go beyond the stallholders to Salamanca Arts Centre for stunning art, craft and jewellery.
… What do I wear?
LAYERS. That’s it. That’s the advice.
Nude Solstice Swim, Dark Mofo (image: Dark Mofo)
