Dark mof_ Winter Feast 2024

[RooFlyer]

No really a TR, but I'd like to share the experience of this year's Winter Feast on the Hobart docks. If its not the best food & wine experience in Australia, I'd like to try the other!

The Dark mof_ arts festival didn't run this year (back in 2025) so the Winter Feast was less crowded, but with a few more stalls than last year.

Setting off from a friend's place on the Eastern Shore - looks like a typical winters evening in Hobart! The weather improved - but as we say here, there's no such thing as cold weather - just bad clothing choices. 'Tassie Tuxes' all round!



Very civilised way to get there - ferry across the Derwent and a good red to warm up.



Something's happening ... we always arrive early, usually to bag a good spot and we eat early (EDIT - we start eating early!) to avoid the queues. Arriving at 4:30pm.



Admission on Thursdays is $10, otherwise $15. Entry and queuing is very well managed - no actual ticket - just pay and walk in. At busy times, this queuing area will be full.



Entry to the main seating area (the shed in the above pic) - the festival has evolved such that inside is mainly drinks and pre-prepared stuff, outside is the live cooking meals (and more booze; a lot more booze ). After 6 this area will be packed.




We go outside to do a circuit, to see what's about. First is Mona's own sit-down place (the only one on site), the Heavy Metal Kitchen. The two seated people are wearing their Tassie Tuxes.



Mmmmmm ... will come back.



Best BBQ ever ... Deer and wallaby.

 

[RooFlyer]

Not a lot of atmosphere at this hour, but the plan is to sus out what's here and then plan the evening's consumption - food & booze - for the best experience. Dozens of food & bev stalls on the right (both sides), seating around fires and some entertainment on the lawn to the left. The site is about 150m long





Endless variations of hot gin & whiskey. Pity I couldn't try them all (but that's why people often do 3 or 4 visits )







My hot Black Forest gin per the above. Glasses (plastics) supplied for a refundable deposit, or BYO from last year. Most places will swap your glass for a clean one when you buy a drink.



More seating - outside, under cover. Our favourite area but this year we went further afield.



We chose some seats on the lawn, around our own fire pit. People come and keep the wood up to the fires throughout the night.

 

[RooFlyer]

I started with scallops in the shell, friend had quail. A dish is typically $12-$14. Proper cutlery supplied when you need it - no bamboo.







My favourite every year - a squidsicle - roast squid on a stick.





This was later, I had 'main course' at the Heavy Metal Diner (the BBQ deer & wallaby from before).


Or, from the QR code ordering system (which never works, you try, then order across the counter). Who is up for $26 worth of roasted Brussel sprouts!!



Wallaby. The tin plates, like the glasses, are standard across the site. Get a bite to eat from any place, it comes on this (no paper plates), & just put it down on any 'returns' area. Next place, get a new plate.



The people next to me seemed to have ordered a horned skull ...



But no, the horns were icecream - with a raspberry jus!

 

[RooFlyer]

A few circuits inside - just too much to choose from.



















I love it when the 'entertainment' doesn't overshadow or compete with the event.

 

[zig]

Food looks fabulous. I'm suffering serious food envy,

 

[RooFlyer]

Back outside and the BBQ is progressing ...





More low-key music



This was a good option if you wanted to avoid wood smoke (gas bubbling through water)






As I said, not as packed as last year, but still a good crowd for the traders.



To finish ...



I forget what the drink was, but odds are that it had gin, and was hot

 

[RooFlyer]

Time to totter home - with SKS giving us a lift.



Past Tas Parliament House



And the docks. Hobart colours itself red during Dark mof_



And a few days later, you don't think that I'm going to pass over this, do you? (And no, I was safe at home during it)



This is why - I don't think they need my contribution ...



That's all for this year. Maybe will see some of you next year - its really worth it (and the weirdo arts festival will be back on). If you have the slightest feeling that you will, keep you eyes peeled for the calendar and book accommodation ASAP. It will quickly get short, and expensive.

 

[drron]

And having attended once I can second @RooFlyer in saying it is well and truly worth attending. I was very lucky as I could only decide a week before but I got a cancellation at the Customs House hotel. Pretty close to the winter Feast and reasonable rates plus a great breakfast the next morning.