Glow in the YARC

Join Dark Sky Tasmania members for a guided walking tour of Hobart after dark. Learn how the lighting we add to our city impacts the way we use our public spaces and affects the environment at large. This one-hour walk will offer a unique insight into urban lighting and the problem of light pollution. As you wind your way through the Hobart streets, you will experience various examples, both good and bad, of how artificial light at night influences the way people interact with their city after dark, and the impact this is having on our planet.

The cult live onstage dating show, straight outta Melbourne (and the '70s), makes its Hobart debut! Three hopeful nerds will vie for the attention of one solo contestant, aiming to capture their heart with personality, wit, and scientific wisdom. Get off the apps and find love — or at least a great night out — in real life. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

You know the feeling: You fall in love with a wine at a vineyard, or over a magical night out with friends, and when you open the same bottle at home… something's missing. The wine hasn't changed but it's not quite the same. Wine is never just about taste. It's about the music, the lighting, the company, the moment. In this immersive workshop, Curly Haslam-Coates, a synaesthetic wine educator who experiences flavours as a multi-sensory journey, will guide you through a different kind of wine tasting. One that explores how memory, environment, and emotion shape what's in your glass. Learn how to create experiences that elevate the everyday, and turn a simple glass of wine into something unforgettable.

Pink-glowing possums and bandicoots, green-glowing snails and wallabies, blue-glowing spiders and sugar gliders, technicolour owls, flowers, and fungi! Join biologist Dr Lisa Gershwin on this truly unforgettable nature experience, a short walk from Hobart's CBD. Lisa will share the glowing world through fascinating stories and show you how to get great photos. You might even spot a platypus! Lisa will supply the ultraviolet (UV) torches and the natural history narrative, while nature will supply the wonder and awe.

Why does Finland consistently rank No. 1 on the World Happiness Report? Is it because they have more than one sauna for every two people? Maybe. Probably! Join our resident Finnish sauna expert (and genuine Finnish person!), Nanna Bayer, for a session that combines sauna stories, culture, and a dose of Finnish wisdom with our full sauna and polar plunge experience. Nanna will be available throughout the session to answer your sauna questions and share some history and mythology around saunas in Finland. You'll also have the chance to take part in the polar plunge, and earn a fancy badge designed by local artist Kat Scarlet. Book an entire tent sauna, or an individual spot. After your session, spend some time kicking back in the chill-out yurt and then enjoy the rest of what Hobartica has to offer.

Death's the only sure thing in life, so why don't we talk about it? Can funerals be fun? What's the best body disposal method? You're invited to a surprisingly uplifting evening with some of Australia's most buoyant death and dying experts, Tasmanian Aboriginal knowledge holders, and a few special guests. Come for the bad bagpipe music — stay for a healthy dose of end-of-life wisdom. Wear what you'd like to be buried in. ​ Participants might also like to book a ticket to Death Over Drinks for the chance to chat one-on-one with the speakers. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

Breathing is a potent, readily available relaxation tool that can divert the acute stress response and return the nervous system to its relaxed, restful state. Join scientist and wellness teacher Dr Rebecca Chabot to learn to harness the superpower of the breath. In this session, participants will learn the basic science around breathing and why learning to breathe better is tied to both mental and physical benefits. You will be guided through a variety of basic breathing practices and techniques that will introduce you to the power of the breath to improve mental and physical health and to relax. Immediately following the one-hour workshop, participants will have exclusive access to the wood-fired Finnish saunas and salt water cold plunge pools.

TMAG After Dark is your original Beaker Street experience. Discover the inner workings of one of Tasmania's most iconic science and cultural institutions. Grab a drink, take in live music, peer down a microscope, and meet the scientists behind the collections. 5:30 TO 7:30PM LIVE MUSIC + DRINKS 5:30 TO 8:30 PM INVERTEBRATE ID 5:30 TO 8:00 PM PLEASURE AND PAIN 5:30 TO 8:00 PM FOSSIL PREPARATION 5:30 TO 9:00 PM FIBONACCI FRACTAL FUN 5:30 TO 9:00 PM MARINE PARKS AUSTRALIA 5:45 AND 6:45 PM A DEEP DIVE INTO COLD WATER BIOLOGY 6:00 TO 7:00 PM INSECT PINNING DEMONSTRATION 7:30 TO 9:00 PM INSECT DISSECTION THE WORLD OF BUTTERFLIES EXHIBITION ON ISLAND EXHIBITION RE/JOY EXHIBITION 3D PROJECTIONS COLAB EXHIBITION BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE EXHIBITION ARCADE TIME MACHINE: A PLAYABLE TRAIL Please note that this is a free event, no bookings are required.

Join Robyn Williams, host of ABC Radio National's The Science Show, and his longtime partner, science journalist Jonica Newby, on the eve of the show's 50th anniversary. Whilst enjoying a sumptuous three course meal, listen in on a discussion with Robyn about what it's taken, professionally and personally, to make the show for half a century. Join the conversation around the dinner table, as we discuss how science journalism has changed over the decades, and how it will have to continue to adapt, particularly in the face of growing mistrust and misinformation. Plus, you'll hear from some very special guests throughout the evening. The dinner includes a welcome drink on arrival. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Head down to Hobart's waterfront, Australia's Gateway to Antarctica, to find the last outpost before you hit "The Ice." Like Antarctica itself, Hobartica is a meeting place for international cultures and polar traditions. Dive into icy polar plunge pools. Warm up in wood-fired Finnish tent saunas. Then settle into the Antarctic Lounge to chat with a phenomenal range of Antarcticans, and enjoy nightly live music, immersive projections, and Antarctic cocktails. But wait, there's more! Hobartica 2025 will offer a fresh season of polar encounters. Will there be geodesic domes, aurora shows, night ferries, and a kriller crustacean party? We're glad you asked. Full Hobartica program out soon.

We're taking over Australia's oldest continuously licensed pub, putting a scientist at every table, and inviting you in for the least-boring bar chats you've ever had. Also probably some of the weirdest… we've got experts on everything from Galeophobia (fear of sharks) to dark matter. There will be games, microscopes, specimens, live music, prizes to win, delicious things to drink and eat, and just so many scientists to talk with. It's like speed dating, except nerdier and less susceptible to being overtaken by an app. Highlights: Thurs 14 Aug 5:30 PM AERON CLARK DAVIAC: MEET A 1940s COMPUTER Fri 15 Aug 6:00 PM DJ POPSIE COOL 7:30 PM SCIENCE OPEN MIC 9:00 PM POWERPOINT KARAOKE DAVIAC: MEET A 1940s COMPUTER Sat 16 Aug 6:00 PM CLAIREY J 7:30 PM SCIENCE OPEN MIC 9:00 PM POWERPOINT KARAOKE DAVIAC: MEET A 1940s COMPUTER Free event, so no bookings required.

Join us for a unique and immersive cultural experience at Piyura Kitina/ Risdon Cove, ningina Palawa kipli piyura kitina-ta, which means to give, to get, to bring Palawa food. This powerful gathering is more than just a meal, it's a journey into the heart of Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) culture, where every bite tells a story of Country, tradition, and renewal. Together, we will explore traditional Palawa foods and the seasonal knowledge that sustains Palawa people. As you taste the flavours of Country, you'll also learn what it means to give back, understanding that taking from the land comes with a responsibility to heal it. Through shared stories, food, guided walk, and advice on how to replant native flora, you'll deepen your connection to the ecosystem and gain insights into sustainable living, Palawa ways, and the cultural practices that have cared for this land for thousands of generations. This is an opportunity to not only nourish your body but also your spirit and to take part in a movement of regeneration, respect, and reconnection. Walk gently, eat mindfully, and give back to Country. Bush tucker lunch included.

Welcome to After Hours. Where the dance floor is throbbing, the lighting is low, and the vibes are absolutely filthy — but medically accurate. This is no ordinary nightclub. Yes, there's a DJ. Yes, there's dancing. Yes, there are drag queens, kinksters, and performers who could teach anatomy with just a look. But tucked among the sweat and sequins, you'll also find a classroom covering everything you didn't learn in sex ed, and a confessional booth where you can spill your deepest questions to a real sexual health doctor—no judgment. Open to everyone, and especially welcoming to queer, trans, and questioning folks, After Hours is the nightclub Hobart's been waiting for. *Performers to be announced*

We all look up at the same night sky, but we don't all see the same thing. In this captivating and family-friendly talk, astrophysicist and Wiradjuri woman Dr Kirsten Banks invites you to reimagine the cosmos. Starting with familiar constellations like Orion and the Southern Cross, Kirsten gently unpacks the Western view of the stars before shifting the lens to reveal the profound simplicity and depth of Aboriginal sky knowledge. Through story and science, she weaves a rich tapestry of culture, connection, and cosmic understanding that has guided First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years. This is more than a lesson in astronomy, it's an invitation to see the universe through a different, and deeply powerful, perspective. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

In today's digital age, distractions are everywhere — endless notifications, social media, and the constant influx of information. In this talk, we'll explore practical techniques to help you regain focus and sharpen your attention amidst the noise. You'll learn strategies to train your brain to stay present, boost productivity, and reclaim mental clarity. From mindful practices to digital detox tips, this session will empower you to break free from the constant distractions and refocus on what truly matters. Rebecca will help you discover how to thrive in a world that's always vying for your attention.

What does a moving glacier sound like? What does it feel like? Experience the heartbeat of Antarctica's Denman Glacier transformed into an immersive dance party. Deep in the ice, AuScope seismometers capture a remarkable symphony: the crack and groan of moving ice, the rush of meltwater, the rumble of storms, the songs of whales, and the tremors of the Earth itself. Using machine learning, University of Tasmania scientists are untangling this complex soundscape, revealing the intricate interactions between ice, ocean, and bedrock, and Denman's 'voice'. Now, a sound artist and a DJ will transform these natural rhythms into an immersive dance track. And for the first time ever in Lutruwita/ Tasmania, participants will have the opportunity to actually feel glacial vibrations through vibro-tactile haptic suits — creating a full-body experience designed to bring deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing participants into a shared sensory space. Before the dance party kicks off, you'll have the chance to hear from the Earth scientists who captured these seismic recordings and are using them to understand how Antarctica's glaciers are changing. Arrive early for a pre-party chat with scientists from AuScope (including Jo Condon and Dr Sima Mousavi), The University of Tasmania and the Australian National University. This event is supported by AuScope, Australia's 'laboratory' for Earth and geospatial science research in Australia.

Artificial Intelligence was born in 1956, went through some awkward teenage years (also known as "AI Winters"), and then, to almost everyone's surprise, came roaring back with tools like ChatGPT. Today, AI is the fastest-growing industry in the history of capitalism and devours around 20% of the world's research and development (R&D) budget. That's a lot of brainpower (artificial or otherwise). Join Dr Karl as he connects the dots between the tech booms of yesterday, from the family car to the first home computers and today's mind-bending AI explosion. Along the way, he'll share how AI has been used to attack and discredit him, and how he's now turning the tables to make it a Force for Good. Expect real science stuff, genuinely funny (not artificially generated) stories, a few unexpected detours and of course, question time with prizes.

We're Stuffed! It's too late to avoid civilisational collapse. Is the end of the world nigh, or at least the end of humanity? Have our multi-crises of climate change, over-consumption, over-reliance on vulnerable technologies, and [insert your favourite impending disaster here] finally brought us to the brink? Or is there still time to change course and rescue our modern civilisation from going the way of coal power? Oh wait, bad example. Join host Natasha Mitchell and two teams of science and culture heavy hitters for this battle of brains and bravado. The Debate will be recorded for broadcast on ABC Radio National's Big Ideas show. Debaters to be announced soon. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action

Why do some trees get big? Why do some get really big? In this educational excursion, we will take a deep dive into the Tall Trees grove at Mt Field National Park, an exemplary collection of the tallest flowering forests in the world. Moving slowly and carefully observing the towering eucalypts above us, we will compile a toolkit to understand how these trees grow and what they can teach us about the world. As a bonus, we'll get to see some spectacular waterfalls carved into the sandstone geology. Participants will learn about plant growth, basic botanical identification, bushfire dynamics, Southern Hemisphere biogeography, disturbance ecology, and giant forests. We will take a break during the tour to have lunch. Please pack your own food and water, and wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars and a telephoto camera if available. We will be slowly walking on easy trails totalling about 5 km, beginning at and returning to the Visitor Centre (and Waterfalls Cafe). Transport from Hobart is available for a limited number of people. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. If you choose the transport option, we will leave from Dunn Place Car park (TMAG, Hobart) at 8am and return by 3:15pm. We will be in the lower section of Mt Field, with a very sh

What happens when you pair research scientists with Year 9 - 12 students, with the goal of inspiring new artworks that communicate scientific concepts and ideas? Head along to the CoLab exhibition to find out! Through Beaker Street's CoLab initiative, students from New Norfolk High School, Hobart Big Picture School, and Hobart City High School work directly with early-career scientists over a period of a few months, including visiting their labs or field sites, and then create an artwork inspired by the scientific research. As well as being an awesome educational experience, the project generates an innovative and engaging form of scientific outreach through the arts. To find out more about this great program, visit the CoLab project page. The exhibition will be open 6 - 31 August, during TMAG's regular opening hours (Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm), as well as during TMAG After Dark on the evenings of Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August. This project is presented by Beaker Street, in partnership with Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It is supported by the Fred P Archer Charitable Trust and the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Take a self-guided nighttime tour through the City of Science, as nerds and curious minds take over Salamanca and beyond. It's a choose-your-own-adventure evening, from an Open Night at CSIRO to your favourite pubs hosting Roving Scientists, to live music and late-night surprises. Free, drop-in, and mostly family-friendly. What more could you want on a Thursday night? Full program coming soon.

During a walk in the forest, naturalist and internationally celebrated slime mould expert Sarah Lloyd will describe the life cycle of slime moulds and their role in the ecosystem. Sarah will indicate the sort of places slime moulds inhabit, how and where to find them, and outline the difficulties of identifying Australian species, many of which require DNA sequencing to confirm their identity. We will get the chance to view numerous species under a microscope, and Sarah will demonstrate the photo stacking technique used to view the detail in these mostly small and very beautiful organisms. This is a rare opportunity to walk alongside one of science's self-taught experts, in an exceptional natural laboratory. Sarah has spent the past 15 years studying and collecting slime moulds (myxomycetes) in the wet eucalypt forest and based on her work, the area is now recognised as one of the world centres of myxomycetes diversity. Note: Photography will not be allowed during the tour. There will be a 2.5 km walk (each way) through the forest, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

An immersive exploration revealing Lutruwita/Tasmania's unique connection to the southern lights. This powerful visual journey, created during the 2025 solar maximum, showcases award-winning photography by Luke Tscharke, Andrew Phipps, Benjamin Alldridge, and Paul Hoelen. The images capture one of nature's most elusive and sought-after phenomena, the aurora australis, as it illuminates Tasmania's night skies. Visitors will experience the southern lights through stunning photographic works paired with accessible scientific insights, revealing how Tasmania's position makes it Australia's best aurora viewing location. Interactive elements include a live aurora dashboard displaying real-time solar conditions and time-lapse sequences showing aurora movement patterns. Presented as part of National Science Week 2025, this exhibition brings together artistic vision and scientific understanding during Solar Cycle 25's peak. "Southern Nights" celebrates our privileged Southern Hemisphere vantage point, where looking south across Tasmania's distinctive landscapes reveals these magnificent nocturnal displays that have captivated sky-watchers for generations. The exhibition will be on show at Social Gallery from 9 - 18 August, 10am - 5pm, and is supported by Inspiring Australia Tasmania and Dark Sky Tasmania. Free event Please note that this is a free event, no bookings are required.

Beaker Street proudly presents its 9th annual Science Photography Prize. The competition invites all Tasmanians to capture the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — teeming with science and scientists. This exhibition of finalist images, half chosen by competition judge Cam Blake and half by popular vote, features incredible local photography, showcasing a diverse range of content, themes, and styles. Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite photo to become the People's Choice Winner. The exhibition will run in the Central Gallery from 6 - 31 August, during TMAG's normal opening hours (Tues - Sun, 10am - 4pm), as well as during TMAG After Dark on the evenings of 15 and 16 August.

Join "Platypus Guardian" Pete Walsh for a stroll along the Hobart Rivulet, where you'll discover Pete's platypus-spotting strategies, and with a bit of luck, spot one for yourself. Learn about platypus habitats and behaviour, the challenges they face in the waterway, and what we can do to help protect their environment. This is an easy walk along a level trail, which is generally wheelchair accessible. However, please note we may occasionally walk along sloping ground to get closer to the water. Participants can stay on the main trail, but those with limited mobility should be aware they might miss small sections of the tour. This tour is designed for families with children. An adults-only platypus walk is also available on the same day at 2:30pm, leaving from a different location.

Imagine a world where we could chat about death as easily as the weather, and where discussing end-of-life choices is considered great dinner conversation. We invite you to inhabit this world, if only for an afternoon. Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and join frank, essential, and joyful conversations about death and dying. Wander from table to table to meet a diverse lineup of experts and practitioners who navigate the realms of death and dying. This is a room full of spectacularly interesting people who have zero doubt that death is the most underrated conversation topic. From an independent funeral director and an end-of-life doula to a water cremation specialist, Tasmanian Aboriginal knowledge holders, and a human composting advocate, each table is a gateway into how different cultures and professions approach the ultimate human experience. The event includes your first drink. Other beverages will be available for purchase. Please note: This event is a casual, conversational gathering — not a grief counselling or support session. While the topic of death will be explored from many angles, including the personal and profound, attendees should not expect therapeutic or mental health support. If you're currently grieving or experiencing emotional distress, this event might not be suitable.

Join expert photographers for a hands-on field experience capturing Tasmania's night sky. This practical workshop allows photographers of all levels to learn astro and aurora photography techniques in real-world conditions at carefully selected dark sky locations near Hobart. Ticket holders will receive a video link with instructions on how to set up their cameras and basic photographic tips prior to the field trip. We ask all participants to ensure they watch the video before the event, to get they most out of the experience. Things to bring: Camera with manual settings capability (DSLR or mirrorless preferred) Tripod (essential) Fully charged batteries and empty memory cards Warm clothing (multiple layers recommended) Headlamp (preferred) or torch Weather-appropriate footwear for beach/field conditions Optional - remote trigger if your camera requires an external remote Your own water and snacks, and maybe even a warm drink!

Ladies and gentlemen! Science lovers, fact-checkers, and Wikipedia editors! It's the show where Australia's science glitterati face off for epic showdowns of wit, wisdom, and utter irrelevance. Hosted by the one-and-only Myf Warhurst and with a raft of special guests to knock your nerdy socks off, the Beaker Street Game Show is back, baby! This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

Is AI going to save us, enslave us, or just write all our event descriptions? Across Silicon Valley's storied kombucha bars and apocalypse bunkers, tech bros and AI insiders are rumoured to ask each other for their up-to-date p(Doom), or probability of AI doom. Will the future be the rosy utopia offered up in Dario Amodei's much-discussed essay "Machines of Loving Grace" in which AI accelerates scientific progress to warp speed — essentially curing all human disease, mitigating climate change, and more? Or will the planet be saved from human destruction another way, when artificial intelligence wipes us off the face of the Earth? This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

Her data was hard. His methodology, questionable. Together, they embarked on a peer-reviewed plunge into the slippery depths of human pleasure. She was a no-nonsense anatomist with a giant clitoris puppet. He'd spent years translating dry facts into soft whispers, and tonight, he wasn't holding back. Their findings? A night of unbridled curiosity, breathless discovery, and scientifically sanctioned passion. Join a cast of dangerously well-informed sexperts and sultry scientists as they unbutton the mysteries of pleasure, lay bare the secrets of anatomy, and stimulate more than just your intellect. Prepare for an evening of innuendo, insight, and intimate revelations. Whether you're curious, kinked, or just here for the clit puppet, you'll leave satisfied—or at least, deeply informed. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

What makes thousands of people stay up all night, driving to remote locations, squinting at the sky, and obsessively checking space weather forecasts? The quest to see the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, has developed something of a cult following — forging a substantial community of scientists, awe seekers, astrophotographers, and nature lovers. In this illuminating session, we'll explore the science and the magic of auroras. We'll learn why Tasmania is one of the best spots on earth to witness this dazzling phenomenon, hear from the founder of Australia's largest online aurora enthusiast community, then join two passionate astrophotographers on a visual journey through their most extraordinary aurora hunts. This is a companion talk to the Southern Nights photography exhibition. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

Artificial intelligence, artificial idiocy, or probability machine? Artificial Intelligence was born in 1956, went through some awkward teenage years (also known as "AI Winters"), and then — to almost everyone's surprise — came roaring back with tools like ChatGPT. Today, AI is the fastest-growing industry in the history of capitalism and devours around 20% of the world's R&D budget. That's a lot of brainpower (artificial or otherwise). Join Dr Karl as he connects the dots between the tech booms of yesterday — from the family car to the first home computers — and today's mind-bending AI explosion. Along the way, he'll share how AI has been used to both attack and discredit him, and how he's now turning the tables to make it a Force for Good. Expect real science stuff, genuinely funny (not artificially generated) stories, a few unexpected detours and — of course — question time with prizes. This session is part of the Beaker Street Main Stage at Hobart City Hall. Your House Band for the evening will be the dangerously well-rehearsed Stevie and the Bunsen Burners. Enter through Market Place, where you'll find drinks, food, fires, and friendly strangers. Come early, stay late to enjoy all the action.

Peer behind the scenes at one of Australia's most innovative climate tech ventures. Sea Forest is a pioneer climate technology company focused on the cultivation of the native Asparagopsis seaweed, and the development of feed formulations proven to reduce methane emissions in ruminant animals by up to 90%. Usually closed to the public, this is a rare opportunity to tour this cutting-edge facility, led by their head of research & development, Dr Masa Tatsumi. You'll get the chance to look around Sea Forest HQ, including their lab, production facility, and land-based farming operations, as well as having the chance to ask Dr Masa questions. Guests will even get to enjoy some tea and Eco-Milk, the world's first low-emission milk. This innovation has the potential to address two key global issues: climate change and sustainable livestock production. True pioneers, with extensive research and partnerships, Sea Forest is the world's largest supplier of Asparagopsis, utilising advanced farming and production techniques to scale its impact globally. Proceeds from this event will go to the Sea Forest Foundation.

An immersive, scientifically driven performance exploring personal biological materiality, decomposition, and regenerative potential through alkaline hydrolysis, culminating in a radical act of transformation and consumption. This is an experiment inviting participants to examine their own level of comfort with natural processes of transformation. We challenge you to become part of the experience by donating a lock of your own hair (or nail clipping, etc), posted to Alluvium Water Cremations at Unit 6, 122B Mornington Road, Mornington Tasmania 7018, upon purchasing a ticket. All must be received by 15 July 2025 to be included in the event itself; any tickets sold after that date are simply to 'be present' and witness/listen. Please note: Your biological offering (hair, nail, etc) will not be tested, sequenced, or cloned — just gently included in the symbolic process of the event, then respectfully disposed of. Nothing creepy, we promise.

Explore the fascinating transformation of an abandoned Tasmanian railway tunnel into a thriving hub for growing gourmet mushrooms. Tunnel Hill Mushrooms founder Dean Smith will be joined by Tim Murch from West Tamar Fungi to teach you about the production process from lab to tunnel and how to harvest mushrooms and prepare them for cooking. Then you'll have a chance to mix your own straw fungi logs to produce fresh mushrooms at home. As you hear about the epic history of the railway-tunnel-turned-grow-room, you'll also get the chance to pick and sample mushrooms, which Dean will grill up for you on his one-of-a-kind Train BBQ! This is a truly unique experience and a rare opportunity to visit this incredible historic site.

Join "Platypus Guardian" Pete Walsh for a stroll along the Hobart Rivulet, where you'll discover Pete's platypus-spotting strategies, and with a bit of luck, spot one for yourself. Learn about platypus habitats and behaviour, the challenges they face in the waterway, and what we can do to help protect their environment. This is an easy walk along a level trail, which is generally wheelchair accessible. However, please note we may occasionally walk along sloping ground to get closer to the water. Participants can stay on the main trail, but those with limited mobility should be aware they might miss small sections of the tour. Family-friendly platypus tours are also available on the same day at 12:30pm, leaving from a different location.

Bring the kids and enjoy a free, family-friendly celebration of science and art at TMAG! Meet some of the experts behind Tasmania's most iconic science and cultural institution. Trek around Antarctica and journey through history with our new Islands to Ice Discovery Trail. Explore the new butterfly exhibition and learn about the exquisite patterns of these stunning creatures. Be inspired and entertained by a fantastic program featuring live music, hands-on activities, and engaging events. Free event Please note that this is a free event, no bookings are required.

When you need a boost, you can use your breath to recharge the body, clear the mind, and activate the energy within. In this session, scientist and wellness teacher Dr Rebecca Chabot will lead participants through several dynamic breathing exercises. The exercises will build to holotropic breathing, to boost the energy flow in the body and brain, leading to increased alertness and clarity. Activation breathing techniques are thought to facilitate mental and physical healing, improve self-awareness, and increase one's positive outlook on life. Immediately following the one-hour workshop, participants will have exclusive access to the wood-fired Finnish saunas and salt water cold plunge pools. PLEASE NOTE: Activation breathing is not recommended for those with high anxiety or a history of panic attacks. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, please seek medical approval before booking. Additionally, cold water immersion is not recommended for people with heart or circulatory conditions. If you have any concerns about exposure to cold water or saunas based on your individual conditions or medications, always check with your doctor first.

Ever dreamed of dining with Australia's most beloved nerd? Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki for an evening of delicious food and wide-ranging conversation in the elegant surrounds of the Hadley's Atrium. Hosted by science communicator and author Zoe Kean, a favourite guest host on Dr Karl's iconic Triple J show, this unforgettable evening offers the chance to break bread and swap ideas with a national treasure. Curious about climate? Intrigued by the inner ear? Want to talk time travel over tiramisu? No topic is off the table as Zoe and Dr Karl lead a lively, unscripted conversation with plenty of room for you to join in. Your ticket includes a decadent three-course dinner and a welcome drink on arrival. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Who knew Australia's Antarctic Gateway housed the best little jazz and cocktail bar this side of Macquarie Island? Stop by every night of Hobartica for a selection of our island's best musicians, nightly talks, Antarctic cocktails, krilled-out parties, and a whole lotta friendly Roving Antarcticans poised for conversation. Tue 12 Aug HK and the Rear Admirals (Krill Party)- 5pm - 9pm Wed 13 Aug KARAI - 6pm - 8:30pm Thur 14 Aug Violaloop - 6pm - 8:30pm Fri 15 Aug King Cake - 6pm - 8:30pm Sat 16 Aug Eleanor Webster quartet 3pm - 5pm Sat 16 Aug Kattleya - 6pm - 8:30pm Sun 17 Aug Eleanor Meredith duo - 3pm-5pm Sun 17 Aug Emily Sanzaro - 6pm - 8:30pm Mon 18 Aug Miss Jones Plays - 6pm - 8:30pm Tue 19 Aug Isabella Mahmoud duo - 6pm - 8:30pm Thur 21 Aug Django's Tiger Trio - 6pm - 8:30pm Fri 22 Aug Ra Bellatrix - 6pm - 8:30pm Fri 22 August DJ Popsie Cool - Set one: 8.30pm - 9pm Sat 23 Aug early set The Frequency and Amplitude Modulators - 3pm - 5pm Sat 23 Aug Katy Raucher and the Spectrums- 6pm - 8:30pm Sat 23 August Clairey J - 8.30pm-11pm Sun 24 Aug Eleanor Webster Quartet- 3pm - 5pm

Get ready to krill out and party hard this World Krill Day, as we plunge into a night of shrimply irresistible fun. We're talking a kriller live band (HK and the Rear Admirals, playing all your favourite hits from the deep), zooplankton-inspired cocktails that'll have you swarming the bar, glowing deep-sea projections, and DIY costume stations to help you unleash your inner crustacean. Plus, the Australian Antarctic Division is rocking up with a tank full of live krill, and the scientists who study them. Come dressed to impress—there's a prize for the most krill-iant outfit, and bonus points for bioluminescence. It's going to be a shell of a time. This event is generously sponsored by ASOC - Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, with additional support provided by AAD - Australian Antarctic Division, WWF Australia, and City of Hobart.

2025 marks 50 years since Australian women were first included in Antarctic expeditions. Come celebrate half a century of breaking the ice ceiling with nightly storytelling and fascinating presentations by Antarctic women. Stick around afterwards for live music, Antarctic cocktails, and for great conversations with fellow ice nerds. This project is presented by Beaker Street, in partnership with the Antarctic Women's Network. Free event: Please note that this is a free event, no bookings are required.

Nipaluna/Hobart has one of the densest populations of Antarctic and cold-climate researchers and workers in the world. Luckily for us, most of them come back to tropical Tassie during winter — so we've invited them all to join us at Hobartica. And these Roving Antarcticans aren't just scientists. Alongside those studying melting sea ice and penguin reproduction, you'll meet the tractor drivers, the engineers, even the plumbers who ensure Antarctic research flows smoothly. Chat to them about what it's like on the frozen continent while enjoying a glacial Antarctic cocktail.

Step inside Nipaluna/Hobart's own slice of Antarctic history — the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum — for a special public storytelling session in partnership with the Antarctic Women's Network, spotlighting personal stories from women working in or connected to Antarctica. Join us inside the living quarters of the hut for conversation, connection, and reflection. Visitors are welcome to come and go as they please. This project is presented by Beaker Street, in partnership with Antarctic Women's Network and Mawson's Huts Replica Museum.

Lean back and drift into the cosmos at this series of short, ethereal concerts featuring live performances by some of our island's most captivating musicians. Step into 'Casey Dome' at Constitution Dock Bridge and find a moment of tranquility and escape in the heart of the city. Thursday 14 - Michael Fortescue Friday 15 - Bing/Santospirito Saturday 16 - Emily Sanzaro Sunday 17 - Making Holiday Thursday 21 - Jode Brewster Jones Friday 22 - Hayato Simpson Saturday 23 - DREAMWORLD REALWORLD Sunday 24 - Violaloop

Macquarie Island — halfway to Antarctica, fully wild — is home to one of Australia's most isolated research stations. And while we can't quite bring you the biting wind or penguin colonies, we can deliver the sub-Antarctic vibes straight to the Bellerive waterfront. Step into Macca Dome, our Antarctic geodesic structure pulsing with icy projections by award-winning filmmaker Dr Frederique Olivier, then scope out the night sky through telescopes and encounter real-life Antarcticans in unexpected places. It's all part of Hobartica East — your chance to explore the southern frontier without leaving the Eastern Shore. But for those who want to venture further, catch a free night ferry to all the merriment across the river at Hobartica.

Brave the mighty Derwent aboard the iconic Spirit of Hobart, your free and lively ferry transport between Hobartica and Hobartica East. For one weekend only, voyage in style to the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Islands, or at least our version of them. Ferries leave from Bellerive Pier and Murray Street Pier, returning to each location once an hour between 6pm and 9:30pm. Please note the ferries will not be ticketed and capacity is limited. We cannot guarantee a berth. TIMES DEPART BELLERIVE: 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm DEBART HOBART: 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm

Step inside Mawson Dome to experience experimental artworks by some of the artists from our new project, Hobartica: The Cultural Embassy. Featuring: An Age of Ghosts, by K.Verell An Age of Ghosts is an artistic research project that explores Antarctica's seas and ice as sites of memory, loss, and transformation. Developed during the 2023-24 Antarctic Arts Fellowship aboard the RSV Nuyina, the work emerged from the rhythms of the Great Southern Ocean and the spectre of extinction. The project questions witnessing a disappearing world, especially one that is not always seen or acknowledged. It explores the echoes of glaciers calving, sea ice drifting, and rising CO2. The work is a shrine for a reimagined future, reframing ecological grief and shifting us from stasis to allow us to feel what data alone cannot. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. Free event: Please note that this is a free event, no bookings are required.

Dr Frederique Olivier (Fred) will take you deep into the pristine Antarctic wilderness and behind the scenes of filming emperor penguins through the brutal Antarctic winter. Emperors are exquisitely adapted to this extreme environment — but are we? This project, which supported the BBC documentary series Penguins: Spy in the Huddle, sparked a unique collaboration between scientists and filmmakers, using remote-controlled robot cameras to observe penguins up close for both science and storytelling. This project is presented by Beaker Street, in partnership with CSIRO.

For one night only, Becker Minty becomes Beaker Minty. Dive into a luxurious, sensory experience at this hidden Hobart gem, with a special nighttime opening for Science in Salamanca. Meet local producers and discover the fascinating science behind their unique collections — from award-winning wines and sophisticated fragrances to inventive ceramics. Step inside the Becker Minty treasure trove, a gallery/shop hybrid, that showcases local artists, designers, and producers to celebrate the best of what Hobart has to offer, alongside a selection of national and international names.

Join Dr Frederique Olivier (Fred) on an Antarctic adventure as she shares her experience filming Adélie penguins for the Disney feature film Penguins. From the daily challenges of life aboard a small expedition ship to the chaos of shooting a major film in a constantly shifting environment — following the journey of Adélie penguin chicks and their daily challenge to survive leopard seals — Fred lifts the curtain on life behind the camera.

Be a part of the development of an experimental cultural embassy. Supported by Creative Australia through the new Creative Futures Fund, a group of Australia's most innovative artists and creatives will explore Lutruwita/Tasmania's unique connection to Antarctica, and what it means to be one of the world's five Antarctic gateways. As this project unfolds, we invite you to step inside the cosy station common room of Davis Dome — an inviting meeting place for conversations between the participating artists and the public, where visitors can take refuge from the cold and be part of the discussion around what a cultural embassy should be.

Step into Antarctica's heroic age with a special after-hours experience at the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum. Discover the remarkable story of Sir Douglas Mawson and the 1911–14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which helped establish Australia's enduring scientific presence on the icy continent. Enjoy a relaxed evening atmosphere and browse the fascinating exhibits and gift shop at your leisure.

Nipaluna/Hobart has one of the densest populations of Antarctic and cold-climate researchers and workers in the world. Luckily for us, most of them come back to tropical Tassie during winter — so we've invited them all to join us at Hobartica. And these Roving Antarcticans aren't just scientists. Alongside those studying melting sea ice and penguin reproduction, you'll meet the tractor drivers, the engineers, even the plumbers who ensure Antarctic research flows smoothly. Chat to them about what it's like on the frozen continent while enjoying a glacial Antarctic cocktail.

We're collaborating with our friends at Science in the Pub to bring you… Scientists in the Pub! That's right, we're putting more Roving Scientists into more bars on more nights. Zoom around the best local watering holes for scintillating conversations, cold beers, and warm company. Pretty soon, it's going to feel weird to go out for a drink and NOT have a scientist there to chat with. At least, that's what we're aiming for. Tue 12 Aug, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: The Still + La Sardina Loca Wed 13 Aug, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Altar (Upstairs) Thu 14 Aug, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Society Salamanca + The Whaler

Curious kids, this one's for you. Meet real scientists, get hands-on with fascinating specimens and microscopes, and ask all your burning questions about how the world works. Plus, check out the Daviac, a 2020s rebuild of a 1945 electro-mechanical computer, and discover what's really going on inside your laptop! Free event, so no bookings required.

Ever wondered what happens inside CSIRO, Australia's national science agency? Come along for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the globally significant marine and atmospheric research undertaken in Nipaluna/Hobart. Check out the Australian National Fish Collection, Australian National Algae Culture Collection, and explore everything from big engineering to microscopic marine life and all the scientific endeavours in between. There will also be presentations by acclaimed filmmaker Dr Frederique Olivier in the auditorium at 6:15pm and 7:15pm. Plus, grab a drink from the CSIRO bar or a delicious meal by Knuckle Sandwich, and catch the CSIRO band for a jam!

Play your way through the history of old-school video and arcade games, from early home computers to retro arcade classics. Wind your way through TMAG to discover a timeline of game evolution, with a stop in the Bond Store Basement, where you can chat with retro game developers and gaming geeks from way back. The last stop on the trail, at the After Hours nightclub, will raise some eyebrows.

Tune in to Beaker Street Radio, your irreverent audio guide to the Festival, hosted by the one-and-only Zak Pidd. Whether you're chasing down a missed connection, competing in a Dino Dance-Off, or catching an off-the-cuff interview with a Roving Scientist, we've got you covered. Expect music, mischief, interviews, unexpected encounters, and the lowdown on what's happening across the festival. The weekend starts with a live broadcast of Starlight Network, a new podcast about space, supernatural occurrences, and conspiracy theories. Starlight Network is a new podcast talking about space, supernatural occurrences, and conspiracy theories. Hosted by mysterious genius The Accumulator and his trusted assistant The Astronaut, Starlight Network is a wild ride through the unknown. At their first-ever live event, The Accumulator will be talking with Beaker Street scientists about all the burning questions and unsolved mysteries that keep them up at night. Free event, so no bookings required.

Mantra Collins Hotel is one of Hobart's most popular hotels due to its great central location. Situated just two streets back from the Hobart Waterfront and one block from the Central Business District, the hotel is within a short stroll of the famous Salamanca Place. Here you will enjoy the Salamanca Market every Saturday, decadent restaurants, fresh gourmet producers and boutique stores with handmade crafts. Here you can catch the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona). From this Hobart accommodation, you'll also find tour meeting points, along with the city's main attractions close by. Walk to the Hobart Visitor Information Centre, Theatre Royal, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Hobart waterfront and Constitution Dock. Housed behind a historic facade, combined with a modern accommodation tower, Mantra Collins Hotel offers contemporary hotel rooms, along with one and two-bedroom apartments some with iconic views over Mount Wellington, Queen's Domain and the Central Business District. Providing the perfect vantage point of Hobart and its surrounds, this centrally placed accommodation is self-contained with a kitchenette ( apartments only) LCD televisions with Foxtel, Wi-Fi, in-room-controlled A/C, and double glazed floor-to-ceiling windows. This hotel does not accept cash as a payment method. Credit, debit and prepaid cards are accepted to buy goods and services.

YHA Hobart Central is the most centrally located traveller accommodation in Hobart, only one block from the city's waterfront. The YHA is an easy walk to the MONA museum ferry at Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place and a multitude of bars, restaurants and cafes. YHA Hobart Central has clean and comfortable private and shared rooms, a social/lounge room with television, a kitchenette with communal cooking facilities and fabulous, friendly staff ready to help you with loads of local tips and tour bookings. There are also loads of great bar and dining opportunities, whisky distilleries, local markets, nearby bush walks, scenic Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Derwent River on your doorstep.

Among Hobart's finest, Vibe Hotel stands out as the ultimate 'eat, play' and stay' destination. Nestled in the heart of Hobart, this hotel embraces the Australian lifestyle to the full while the architecturally-designed facade - with its trademark coloured feature fins – has transformed Hobart’s skyline. Be welcomed by impeccable hospitality and meticulous details from the moment you step through the front doors. Immerse in contemporary rooms that were inspired by the sandstone cliffs of Bruny Island, along with Tasmanian oak furnishings, handcrafted by local artisans. Experience the ultimate esacape at our contemporary plunge pool, or take in the architectural design of our onsite Belvedere restaurant.