Come for the show, stay for the weekend. Cracker Night at Redbanks is the perfect excuse to make a proper Tasmanian weekend of it. Here are four ways to do it, pick your style.
Wake up with the Tassie countryside right on your doorstep
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All within 30 minutes of Redbanks, pick what suits your style:
Onsite camping at Redbanks, Nugent - The closest you can get. Pitch your tent or park your caravan right at the event, toilets and showers included. Add a camping pass when booking your tickets on Humanitix. Spots sell out fast so book early.
Iron Creek Bay Estate, Sorell (25km) - Private ensuite pods and pavilion rooms with sweeping views across Iron Creek Bay. The Orani restaurant on site is one of the best in the region, open for breakfast and lunch daily.
Pelican's Rest, Boomer Bay (25km) - Two fully self-contained houses sleeping up to 6, right on the water. Perfect for families or groups who want space and a stunning bay view to wake up to.
Gulliver's Farm Stay, Copping (21km) - Tiny house accommodation on a working farm. Kids will love the private animal experience with donkeys, goats and Gulliver the Clydesdale.
St Martins of Tasmania, Dunalley (28km) - A lovingly restored heritage-listed church for two. Intimate, unique and genuinely special. Mention Cracker Night at Redbanks on arrival for complimentary Federation Chocolates and their house blend coffee.
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There are two great ways to get here from Hobart, pick based on what you're in the mood for.
The coastal route - Head out through Dodges Ferry for a scenic run along the water before dropping down to Dunalley. Stop at Sirens Coffee in Dodges Ferry, a beloved local coffee van run by Sarah who makes her own cookies and lights a fire in winter. Grab breakfast at Park Beach Cafe nearby, then pop into Tinker Tailor for a browse before hitting the road. In Dunalley, stop at The Lanterns for another coffee and a browse of their gorgeous providore, or grab lunch at The Cannery for fresh local seafood. Pop into Bangor Vineyard Shed for a tasting and a glass overlooking the vines and Blackman Bay before heading to Nugent.
The Coal Valley route - Head north from Hobart through Cambridge and into the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania's premier cool-climate wine regions. Stop at Frogmore Creek for their stunning cellar door and restaurant, or Pooley Wines at Belmont for Pinot Noir and wood-fired pizza in a heritage sandstone setting. Coal Valley Vineyard is another standout with sweeping water views and a relaxed lunch menu. Allow a full afternoon for the valley then head south to check in.
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Once you're checked in, spend the afternoon at Redbanks Adventure Park right on site (book online prior). Archery, axe throwing, clay target shooting and more. A great way to get the kids fired up for tomorrow night.
For dinner you've got a few good options nearby. The Cannery in Dunalley does fresh local seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting. Orani at Iron Creek Bay is also great, worth booking ahead. And if you're after something more casual, the Dodges Ferry Pub does an undeniably good parmy.
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Gates open at 3pm so the whole morning is yours. If you're staying at Iron Creek Bay, breakfast at Orani is a must, sweeping views across the bay, a great menu and the kind of unhurried start a winter weekend deserves. If you're staying at Gulliver's, take up the private animal experience with the donkeys, goats and Gulliver the Clydesdale before heading out. For everyone else, drive into Sorell and grab breakfast at Velvet, one of the best spots in town and a local favourite for good reason. Then spend the late morning exploring the area, a walk down to the water at Boomer Bay or a drive through the quiet countryside around Copping is lovely on a crisp autumn morning before heading to Cracker Night.
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Gates open 3pm and you're just minutes away so there's no rush. Spend the afternoon exploring everything at your own pace. Kids' village, circus, cabaret, lantern making, roving performers and glow-in-the-dark jackpot golf all afternoon. Fireworks spectacular at 7pm. Stay for The Headliner show until 8:30pm and close out the night however you like, you're not driving far.
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A slow start. Pack up at your leisure then head down toward the Tasman Peninsula for the morning. The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo at Taranna is one of the best wildlife experiences in Tasmania and worth a few hours. Then drive down to Stewarts Bay for a stunning winter beach walk before heading home. Stop at The Cannery in Dunalley for a late breakfast or early lunch on the way back, then home via the Arthur Highway.
Stay on the Peninsula, explore one of Tasmania's most stunning corners
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The Peninsula has a great range of self-contained holiday homes and cottages, from beachside shacks at White Beach to cosy retreats near Eaglehawk Neck. Search Airbnb or Stayz for options around Eaglehawk Neck, Nubeena, White Beach or Taranna. The Lufra Beachside Hotel at Eaglehawk Neck is worth considering if you want something with a restaurant and views on tap. Book well ahead, the Peninsula fills up fast on long weekends.
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From Hobart, head south via the Arthur Highway through Sorell, then over the causeway at Dunalley and down through Eaglehawk Neck to your base. Allow 90 minutes from the CBD. On the way through Dunalley, stop at The Lanterns for a coffee and something from the cabinet, or pop into Bangor Vineyard Shed for a quick tasting and a glass overlooking the vines and Blackman Bay.
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Once you've checked in, take a walk down to the Tessellated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck. It's a short walk and one of those natural formations that genuinely stops you in your tracks, rectangular rock tiles formed by the sea right at the water's edge. Grab a coffee at Cubed Espresso Bar nearby, one of the best views of any coffee stop in Tasmania, overlooking Pirates Bay and the Neck. For dinner, head to Doo-lishus at the Blowhole car park near Doo Town, a legendary food truck that does what many claim are the best fish and chips in Tasmania. The curried scallop pies are not to be missed.
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A slow morning is the move. Walk down to the beach near your accommodation, the Peninsula has some stunning winter coastline to yourself in late May. Stop at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry at Taranna on your way north, handmade chocolates and ice cream made on site, a good pick-me-up before the drive. Head north to Redbanks with gates opening at 3pm, allow about an hour from the southern Peninsula.
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Arrive early and make the most of the afternoon. Three stages of live music, circus performance precinct, cabaret hosted by Mamma Rosa, lantern parade, kids' village and the fireworks spectacular at 7pm. Stay for The Headliner show then drive back to your Peninsula base under a dark Tassie sky. Watch for wildlife on the road after dark.
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You've got one of the best corners of Tasmania on your doorstep. A few options depending on your energy:
Port Arthur Historic Site - UNESCO World Heritage listed, allow two to three hours minimum. One of the most significant convict sites in Australia and genuinely moving to walk around.
Remarkable Cave - A short drive from Port Arthur, a spectacular natural sea cave with a viewing platform. Worth combining with a walk along the coastal cliffs.
McHenry Distillery, Lymington - The world's southernmost family-owned boutique distillery. Gin, whisky and vodka made on the Peninsula, tastings daily. A great last stop before heading north.
Cape Raoul - If you're up for a big walk, this five hour return hike delivers some of the most dramatic coastal views in Tasmania. Not for the faint-hearted but genuinely spectacular.
Grab lunch at On the Bay at Stewarts Bay Lodge before you head home, the only fully licensed waterfront restaurant in the Port Arthur area, fresh local seafood with log fires and water views. Then make your way back to Hobart via the Arthur Highway.
Wine country, countryside and one of the best nights of the Tassie winter
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Two great options that sit perfectly at the end of a Coal Valley afternoon:
Twamley Farm, Buckland (25km from Redbanks) - A unique 1840s converted stable on a historic working farm. Their off-season special is genuinely one of the best packages in Tasmania: two nights with a farmhouse picnic, pheasant terrine, fire-warmed pumpkin soup, pinot noir and an evening by the firepit with a woodfired hot tub. Made for a winter weekend.
Iron Creek Bay Estate, Sorell (25km from Redbanks) - Private ensuite pods and pavilion rooms with sweeping views across Iron Creek Bay. The Orani restaurant on site is one of the best in the region, open for breakfast and lunch daily.
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From Hobart, head out via the Coal River Valley rather than the highway. It adds barely any time but turns the drive into an afternoon of its own. The Coal River Valley sits about 15 minutes from Hobart CBD via Richmond Road. From there it's a scenic run south through Sorell to Buckland or Dunalley to check in.
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The Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania's premier cool-climate wine regions, home to over a dozen cellar doors all within easy reach of each other. A few not to miss:
Frogmore Creek, Cambridge - One of Tasmania's most celebrated wineries with stunning architecture overlooking the valley. Their cellar door and restaurant is a great first stop, open daily.
Pooley Wines, Belmont - A third generation family winery in a beautiful heritage sandstone property. On weekends they do wood-fired pizza alongside their Pinot Noir, one of the best combinations in Tasmania.
Coal Valley Vineyard, Cambridge - A beautifully situated five hectare winery with sweeping water views. Relaxed lunch menu, great for settling in with a cheese platter and a glass of something cold.
Puddleduck Vineyard, Richmond - A small boutique operation with a focus on quality over quantity. Intimate and personal, grapes picked within an hour of processing.
Allow a full afternoon for the valley and have a designated driver or consider a wine tour from Hobart if you want to really make the most of it.
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Check into your accommodation and settle in for the night. If you're at Twamley Farm, the firepit and woodfired hot tub under the Tassie stars is all you need. If you're at Iron Creek Bay, the Orani restaurant is on site for dinner by prior arrangement or a glass of Tasmanian wine on the verandah overlooking the bay.
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A slow start. If you're at Iron Creek Bay, breakfast at Orani is a must, sweeping views across the bay and a solid menu. Then make your way to Redbanks for gates open at 3pm. It's about 25 minutes from either property, a lovely drive through quiet country roads.
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Arrive early and explore everything at your own pace. Three stages of live music, circus performance precinct, cabaret hosted by Mamma Rosa, lantern parade, kids' village and the fireworks spectacular at 7pm.
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Head into Richmond for a slow morning before the drive back to Hobart, about 20 minutes up the road. Breakfast at Czegs' Cafe is a must, a Richmond institution tucked into one of the town's beautiful historic Georgian buildings. Cosy, eclectic and great for eggs and coffee on a winter morning. Walk across Australia's oldest bridge, browse the galleries and providores in the main street, then head home. If you didn't get enough of the wineries on Friday, Pooley Wines opens on weekends and sits right on your route back.
Stay on the Peninsula, explore one of Tasmania's most stunning corners
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Skip the highway. Instead of heading straight down the Arthur Highway, take the coastal road through Dodges Ferry for a more scenic run to Dunalley, then on to Nugent. It adds a little time but it's a gorgeous drive.
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Start the day in Dodges Ferry with two great options. Sirens Coffee is a beloved local coffe van on Centenary Drive run by Sarah who makes her own cookies and lights a fire in winter. Outstanding coffee and the kind of hidden gem locals swear by. For a proper sit-down breakfast, Park Beach Cafe is just a short walk from the water and does a great feed in a relaxed setting. While you're in Dodges, pop into Tinker Tailor, a gorgeous little shop worth a browse before you hit the road.
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From Dodges Ferry, take the coastal road down to Dunalley. Stop at The Lanterns on the Arthur Highway, a gorgeous cafe and providore serving seasonal fare, great coffee, organic produce and beautiful cabinet food. Or head to The Cannery for fresh local seafood sourced straight from Tasmania's waters. Both are open for lunch and either makes a perfect stop before heading on to Cracker Night.
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From Dunalley it's a short run up to Nugent, about 20 minutes. Gates open at 3pm. Live music, circus, cabaret, lantern parade, kids' village, food and drink vendors and the fireworks spectacular at 7pm. The event runs until 11pm.
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Straightforward drive back to Hobart on the Arthur Highway, about 45 minutes from Nugent. Watch for wildlife after dark, particularly wallabies and pademelons on the roadside between Nugent and Sorell.
ADVENTURE TOUR
Redbanks Range
Archery, Axe Throwing, Clay Target Shooting, & so much more…
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Whilst you’re here, why not come and check out everything we have to offer right here at Redbanks!
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Guided Shooting Range Packages (no gun license required!) for aged 16+ starting from $150pp
Guided Basics Package including Archery & more for ages 10+ starting at $60pp
Open Monday - Saturday. Sessions at 9am & 1pm.
All welcome! Book online prior to arrival.
CELLAR DOOR, RESTAURANT & VINEYARD
Bangor Vineyard Shed
Open 10 to 5pm daily for wine tasting. Table bookings are recommended for meals.
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Bangor is an award-winning family owned vineyard near Dunalley on the tourist route to the Port Arthur Historic site, and only a 30-minute drive from the festival.
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Their vines are hand tended, producing premium quality cool climate wine, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesing, Rosé, Sparkling, and our Reserve range of wines.
HISTORIC TOUR
Port Arthur Historic Site
Tasmania’s most famous convict settlement combines an idyllic coastal setting with a brutal history.
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Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula is a 60-minute drive from the festival site.
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Wander the 40-hectare landscaped grounds and join one of the tours to gain full appreciation of this pivotal place in Tasmanian history. Tickets to the historic site allow entry for two consecutive days, and include an introductory walking tour and a 20-minute harbour cruise. The cruise offers glimpses of the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, where more than 3000 boys were imprisoned in Britain’s first purpose-built prison for children.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
The "wildlife without cages" Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is shaping the way zoos can evolve in the 21st century.
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Located in Tarrana on the Tasman Peninsula, a 50-minute drive from the festival site. The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is open everyday.
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“When you visit you will discover lots of very special animals of the Tasmanian bush, especially our famous devils. But what is different now is that most of our creatures are wild, not captive. It is a welcome change from a traditional zoo.”
GREAT SHORT WALK
Cape Hauy Track
4 hours return, 9.4km return. Grade 3.
One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks.
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Cape Hauy Track is located on the Tasman Peninsula, 2h from the event site, a must do short-walk if you’re exploring the Tasman Peninsula area!
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A stunning there and back walk to some awe-inspiring cliffs. The track, part of the Three Capes Track, first undulates through woodlands and heath containing an abundance of wildflowers. It then drops down a steep set of mostly stone steps, before ascending again towards the cape. Cape Hauy juts out into the restless ocean, with views on both sides. The cape itself has spectacular dolerite columns that plunge directly into the sea. Keep an eye out for seabirds, eagles and even passing whales: camera and binoculars recommended.
FOOD & DRINK
McHenry Distillery
The world's southernmost family-owned and operated boutique distillery. Tours and tastings daily.
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Located at Port Arthur, a 60-minute drive from the event site, McHenry Distillery is Australia's southern-most whisky distillery.
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You can visit and experience hand-made single malt Tasmanian whisky and other high quality spirits like gin, sloe gin and vodka. The McHenry Distillery has a new Cellar Door at the Distillery and is open Monday to Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. If you can't make it to Port Arthur we have a weekly stall at Salamanca Market and a shop open 7 days a week at the new Brooke Street Pier on Hobart's waterfront.
LOCAL SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
The Cannery
Modern Australian Cafe/Restaurant sourcing from Tasmania's pristine oceans and farms.
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Located in Dunalley, a 30-minute drive from the festival site. Open everyday with varying times.
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A family (and fur baby) friendly restaurant located on the waters edge of Dunalley, specialising in seafood, steaks & Pasta. Fully licensed
TOUR
Wild Ocean Tasmania
2-2.5 hour boat tour along the impressive coastline of the Tasman National Park.
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Blowhole Road at Eaglehawk Neck is located on the Tasman Peninsula, 25-minutes from the event site.
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With their small adventure-style vessel, they will navigate into caves and get you inches away from some super cute fur seals. Look out for rare seabirds, fins or blows. Dolphins and Albatrosses are a common sight on our trips. Southern Right and Humpback Whales migrate past our coastline between the months of May and December and even Orcas and other whale species can be spotted at times.
NATURAL ATTRACTION
Remarkable Caves
Enjoy the view of the rugged southern coastline before descending to the spectacular Remarkable Cave.
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Located at Port Arthur, a 60-minute drive from the event site.
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From the car park it's a short, accessible walk to the large viewing platform where you will find exceptional views of Penguin Rocks and the bay. Wild waves pound away at the coastal rock below to create this dramatic coastline. From the central carpark, descend the 115 steps to view the aptly named Remarkable Cave. You'll be surrounded by steep, ancient sandstone cliffs and view the cave from the custom-designed platform at the base.
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