Far South Events
Events bring local residents together, as well as showcasing all the Far South has to offer those from further afield. Whether you’re a local or a visitor make sure you experience Far South Tasmania’s unique events.

Huon Valley Studio Art Trail
Huon Valley Studio Art Trail returns for a fifth year offering an exciting and diverse collection of artworks by artists and makers living in this remarkably creative and beautiful region. Again this year the participating artists invite you to come see them in their studios, hear about the creative process they use and what inspires and motivates them to produce their amazing artworks.
Each year the event attracts an increasing and wide range of visitors keen to make the most of the two-day event by enjoying all the valley and far south has to offer: art and crafts, tourist attractions, fantastic food and beverages, and accommodation that can fit every budget.
To help make the event as collaborative and inclusive as possible for participating businesses the 2024 Huon Valley Studio Art Trail organisers have introduced new offers including food and beverage discount vouchers. For a nominal purchase from an artist, gallery/museum or by staying in registered accommodation, visitors will receive a voucher to use at local participating food and beverage outlets.
Artists are keen to encourage families to visit and inspire the next generation of budding young artists. Young folk can join a Treasure Hunt and competition. Win lucky draw prizes donated by generous local businesses for those who visit and register with the studios and gallery/museums. The more studios you visit, the more chances to win a weekend stay at The Bowmont, Franklin or a meal for two at Frank’s Ciderhouse and Café and more.
Further information about the art trail and the participating artist can found be on
Instagram: @huonvalleystudioarttrail
or website: https://huonvalleytourism.org/art-trail/
A 2024 Huon Valley Studio Art Trail map will be available to help you find the artists, their studios and other participating businesses.

Dover Market
Dover Christmas Market Saturday 14th December 2024 4pm – 7pm.. For more information click the following link:

Geeveston Twilight Feast
On the 1st Thursday of every month the Geeveston Visitor Centre hosts a Twilight Feast between 5pm-8pm featuring incredible local food.

Southport Market
Southport Market. Saturday 30th November 2024. Craft, design, collectibles and edibles. BBQ snags and pop up cafe.

Dover Fun Run
Tasmania’s most scenic Run/Walk. The Tassal Ten, Bendigo Five and Annabelle’s Run are part of the Dover Fun Run, a charity event in aid of the Royal Hobart Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Dover Seafest
Seafest is an annual event held on the beautiful Dover Foreshore. Seafest showcases the region’s best local produce, with a focus on its seafood. You will also find stalls offering locally produced beer, cider, wine, tea, coffee, cakes, jams, art and handicrafts. Bring the whole family for a relaxing day of food and drink, live music, dance, demonsrations, displays and children’s activities. Sunday 16th March 2025.

Easter Regatta
Port Esperance Sailing Club is one of the oldest sailing clubs in Tasmania. We have a venerable history of hosting regattas, from the 1800’s to the present day – regattas that have hosted sailing and boating races in Southern Tasmania, combined, in many years, with community picnics and activities on the beautiful foreshore of Port Esperance in Dover.


Transformer.
What is Transformer?
Transformer is a new permanent artwork by artist Doug Aitken located at Ida Bay. It involves an enclosed viewing platform with mirrored interiors which provides visitors with a unique space to contemplate the Tasmanian landscape.
Who is the artist?
Doug Aitken is an American artist known internationally for his unique installations drawing attention to the environment.
Where will Transformer be located?
The artwork will be located toward the western edge of the Ida Bay State Reserve at 328 Lune River Road, Ida Bay, Tasmania. A modest visitor center will be developed within the site as well as car parking facilities. The development acknowledges the historic significance of the location and does not disturb the Ida Bay Railway infrastructure around the site.
How will Transformer benefit the community?
The development follows the successful Tasmanian model of sustainable tourism activity within a state reserve area and aims to deliver shared value for stakeholders along economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions. The artwork and visitor center respects and highlights the environmental and cultural significance of the area. The development will also benefit the surrounding businesses and nearby attractions by expanding the existing tourism experiences in the region, giving visitors more reasons to stay longer in southern Tasmania.
Who is funding Transformer?
The project is developed with federal and state government funding and is also supported by David Walsh, the owner of Museum Old and New Art (Mona) and DarkLab.
How much will the project cost?
Around $10million (including the development of the visitor center and car park).
Will Transformer impact the Ida Bay Railway infrastructure?
DarkLab has engaged Heritage consultants to ensure the important heritage aspects of the site are maintained. DarkLab has responded to the feedback of the Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society and can confirm that the development does not disturb the Society’s vision of an operating train at some point in the future, nor will the development impact existing railway infrastructure on site.
When will Transformer open?
Final planning and environmental approval have been secured as of April 2024. The project now proceeds to the detailed design stage with the intention of beginning construction by mid 2025. The build is then a 9-12 month process.
Will the artwork impact the native flora and fauna, particularly the Swift Parrot population located in the area?
An environmental impact assessment has been completed to ensure that any potential issues are identified and mitigated.
Is the local Aboriginal community being consulted about the project?
DarkLab has engaged the organisation, Ochre Rain, which has Aboriginal land management expertise to provide advice on the project and secure specific advice on caring for country.
What will be the economic impact of the artwork?
DarkLab has commissioned an economic impact analysis and our advice is that the development will provide $4.2 million value for the region during construction, $4.8 million value for the region ongoing, create 28 new jobs during construction and 28 jobs ongoing.
What is the expected visitation to the site?
DarkLab expects the artwork and visitor center to attract 30,000 visitors to the region per annum.
Is the Huon Valley Council involved in the project?
Huon Valley council is generally in support of the project but has not committed any money or resources to the project. As a regulatory agency, Huon Valley council has given planning approval to the project and will be regularly consulted during the building approval and construction phases.
Do any other groups support the development?
Yes. We have engaged with local enterprises, community groups and representative organisations and they have indicated their in principle support for the project. These include: Huon Valley Tourism Network, Tahune Adventures Tasmania, Dover and South Action Group, Far South Tasmania, Destination Southern Tasmania and Ochre-Rain.