Arts & flowers in Tasmania in springStephen ScourfieldThe West AustralianWed, 3 September 2025 11:35AMEmail Stephen Scourfield
Spring is firing up the wildflowers of WA . . . and the folk down in Tasmania are celebrating this rebirth, too.
“Buds emerge and artists awaken,” says a spokesperson for Tourism Tasmania.
There’s a vibrant events calendar for the season, with plenty of chances to sample freshly harvested produce at culinary celebrations, and see art installations at unusual artist gatherings.
From Sam Jinks’ challenging sculptures at Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery to the Great Eastern Wine Week along 220km of coastline, the team has put together this calendar for us, in their own words:
Junction Arts Festival
Where: Launceston
When: September 12-14 and September 18-21
A celebration of Tasmanian talent, Launceston comes alive as the spring equinox peaks. With a program that appeals to the whole family, step into the junction of art installations, live music and captivating performances, fuelled by local food and drink.
Freycinet Challenge
Where: Coles Bay
When: October 4-5
For sporting enthusiasts, this multi-sport event brings together kayaking, road cycling, trail running and mountain biking to create an unforgettable tour through the east coast. Now in its 25th year, the challenge invites individuals and groups to take to the waters and roads in the ultimate test of mind and body.
Wynyard Tulip Festival
Where: Wynyard
When: October 11
Floral fanatics come together on the banks of the Inglis River for this annual celebration of the blooms at Table Cape Tulip Farm. Sample local produce and wander through 100 different varieties of tulip, before unwinding in the fields, fuelled by food trucks and live performances.
The Unconformity
Where: Queenstown
When: October 16-19
Against the backdrop of the wild west coast, The Unconformity emerges as a celebration of grassroots arts, culture and music. Born from the grit of the region’s handmade history and rugged backdrop, the biennial event offers a weekend of brave and bold experiences, including the annual Unconformity Cup on Queenstown’s iconic gravel football oval.
Mortal Reflections
Where: QVMAG, Launceston
When: exhibition closes March 2026
The works of one of Australia’s most celebrated sculptors are on show at the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery in Sam Jinks’ first exhibition in Tasmania, presenting viewers with a challenging reflection on deeply felt moments of lived experience. The surreal exhibition occupies the top floor of the art gallery, making for an immersive experience.
Penguin 150 Street Party
Where: Penguin
When: October 25
Join Penguiners and Penguins alike at this sesquicentennial birthday celebration, with live music, food vendors, street art and a closing fireworks show.
Tasmania Chamber Music Festival
Where: Hobart, Franklin, Richmond
When: October 25 to November 2
Bridging centuries of composition and performance, celebrated performers from across Australia descend on Tasmania’s south for two weekends of music, performing against the backdrop of historical and cultural landmarks across the region.
Great Eastern Wine Week
Where: East Coast Wine Trail
When: October 23-26
Over 220km of coastline, 14 boutique wineries across Tasmania’s east coast come together over four days, offering would-be sommeliers and gastronomes a packed program of events, exclusive tastings and one-off experiences.
2025 West Coast Heritage & Minerals Fair
Where: Zeehan
When: November 8-9
With 80 collectors and prospectors on display, this annual fair stands as the crown jewel in the proud local gem and mineral industry calendar. Take in local gem and mineral stalls, blacksmith demonstrations, wood-chopping competitions and children’s entertainment.
Bicheno Food & Wine Festival
Where: Bicheno
When: November 15
A self-proclaimed “cult classic”, this annual festival brings this laid-back east coast town alive with local beer, spirits, wine and food trucks, against a soundtrack of local musicians and bands.
Highlands Bushfest
Where: Bothwell
When: November 22-23
Outdoor enthusiasts converge on the gateway to the Central Highlands region over this weekend of wild education and adventure, hearing from wilderness experts on camping, harvesting, hunting and fishing, and foraging.
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