Around Hobart
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The foodies get their festival fix at food and wine mixers, it goes without saying music lovers have countless outdoor options to party at, and hell, there’s even fringe festivals for all those culture vultures. But what about people craving something a bit more… unorthodox?
The annual Beaker Street Festival has concocted the perfect mixture of science, art, music and good vibes, and it’s coming back to Tasmania this August. Proudly known as a nerd-fest, Beaker Street’s series of wonder-inducing events that pop up all over Tassie’s capital city are a scientifically-proven good time. Plus, given Hobart has more scientists per capita than any other Australian city, there’s no better place to let your curiosity come out to play.
A series of impressive field trips and workshops give you the rare chance to spot a platypus, slime mould, or mind-blowing megaflora alongside the experts who know them best. Craving a deeper connection? Check out tours with Indigenous guides, including Taste of Country (Ningina Palawa Kipli Piyura Kitina-Ta) and Night Sky of Hobart (Wurangkili Liwari Nipaluna).
Headliners hitting the stage in Hobart City Hall revolve around the themes of death, pleasure and humanity, with highlights including a ‘fun funeral’, a gloriously geeky gameshow, and a giant clitorous puppet.
There’s also plenty of chances to make the most of Tassie’s famously dark skies, with telescope tours, candlelit dinners, astrophotography workshops, aurora exhibitions, guided stargazing and more.
Thirsty? Grab a beer with a scientist at the Hope & Anchor Tavern, Tasmanian Museum and Gallery, The Still, Lark Cellar Door, and Frank Restaurant, plus bars, pubs, and restaurants around Salamanca. Pints with brilliant minds? We’ll raise a glass to that.
Beaker Street Festival is on in Hobart and around Tasmania from August 12 to 19. For more info on the full program and where to get your tickets, head here.