Winter in Hobart – Get your winter glow on!

Imagine you’ve woken after a day viewing art and a night full of merry-making. You’re in a warm, cosy room, looking outside to a crisp winter’s morning. Or perhaps it’s grey and drizzly outside, but the coals are still glowing in the fireplace, and it is oh-so cosy. You gaze out and see the water at the edge of a small but bustling city, and behind you, a mountaintop dusted with snow. Hobart has awoken and has become its most beautiful, charming self in winter.

When winter arrives, it means the arrival of more feasting, singing, open fires, art and community. The infamous Dark Mofo festival run by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) causes a stir in June, with art expeditions in the dark, feasting and raucous frivolity to ensue.

 In July, lift your voice at the Festival of Voices, where you can enjoy the live performances, workshops and community singalongs. The participatory nature of this festival draws Hobart out in mid-winter to celebrate song, storytelling and community.

August is our favourite month because it means the Hadley’s Art Prize is on. This landscape art prize is held within the hotel and showcases some of Australia’s best landscape artists. We know we’re biased, but we believe the art prize is a unique way to experience the Australian landscape, safe and warm within the hotel’s walls.

Another way to explore the chilly Tasmanian landscape is to go straight to the top! Take a guided tour, or go on a 25-minute drive up kunanyi/Mount Wellington (and make sure to pack your warmest clothes). Explore the walking trails and frolic in the snow, remembering to gaze upon the view of Hobart from above. 

kunanyi/Mount Wellington, dusted with snow in winter. Photograph by Hangah Liong.

And once you’ve warmed up in your Victorian-style room, make sure to see more historic architecture around town. Hobart is known as Australia’s heritage capital, and winter is the perfect time to explore Colonial, Victorian and Federation era buildings.

At Hadley’s Orient Hotel, we’re lucky to be positioned in the heart of Hobart’s CBD and a short walk to the arts precinct of Salamanca. When you’re ready to get your winter glow on, rest assured we’ll have a warm room waiting to greet you when you come in from the cold.

Hadley’s Orient Hotel, dressed up in red lights for Paint The Town Red, a winter tradition.