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Lightwave Festival 2025: Winter Magic on the Tasman Peninsula

  • Lightwave Festival 2025: Winter Magic on the Tasman Peninsula

11–13 July 2025

Nubeena, Port Arthur, White Beach

When the days are short and the Tassie nights long, the Tasman Peninsula knows how to turn on the charm — and the lights. Lightwave Festival is back in July 2025, bringing a family-friendly glow to winter with three nights of music, art, storytelling and community across Nubeena, Port Arthur and White Beach.

Lightwave Festival

A Winter Festival for Everyone

Held smack bang in the middle of the school holidays, Lightwave is made for families, locals and adventurous visitors looking to experience the creative side of the Peninsula. The main event lands on Saturday 12 July in Nubeena, lighting up the evening from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm with live music on two stages, local eats, and spectacular light-based art installations.

This year’s music line-up includes crowd-pleasers like Boil Up, TEENS, Uncle Gus and the Rimshots, and singer-songwriters like Zac Henderson and Tim Boh. Light installations and digital projections created by a mix of established artists, local students, and Tasmanian creatives will add an electric glow to the crisp winter night.

Local family at Lightwave Festival
Local family at Lightwave Festival
Emily Barwick in costume at Lightwave Festival
Emily Barwick in costume at Lightwave Festival
Joi Heald and family
Joi Heald and family

Art Meets History at Port Arthur

In the lead-up to the main event, Port Arthur Historic Site will host Portico — a room-sized camera meets darkroom, where analogue and digital images come to life. Acclaimed Tasmanian photo-media artists Dr Ruth Frost and Pete Maarseveen will be in residence, creating works that will be revealed at Candela, the official Lightwave opening night on Friday 11 July.

Candela is a uniquely Tasmanian experience: an after-dark gathering at Port Arthur with music, immersive art, and a shared table dinner. The atmosphere is all moody winter vibes, with live sets from Martine Holliday, Fflora, and Shade, plus visual artworks by Ariel Ruby, Jim Coad, and Rose Sugarlove. Tickets are limited and selling fast — grab yours at lightwave.au.

Candela

Sunday Feels at White Beach

The final day of the festival shifts to White Beach, with live music among the apple trees at Hansen’s Pear Orchard, presented in collaboration with The Pear Shed Gallery and Pickers Pantry. Chill out with tunes from Molly O’Brien, Celeste Evelyn, and Rivalu, while sipping coffee, snacking on locally made treats, and staying warm by the fire.

Why We Love Lightwave

More than just a weekend of fun, Lightwave is a celebration of people and place — giving locals and visitors alike a reason to get out, connect and enjoy the wild beauty of the Tasman Peninsula in winter. It’s also a timely boost for local accommodation, cafés, and tourism operators in what’s traditionally a quieter season.

Produced by Turrakana Tasman Arts, Lightwave is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania, and highlights the vibrant cultural life of the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas.

Plan Your Visit

Make a weekend of it — explore the Tasman region’s rugged coastlines, check out the local galleries, and stay a little longer. Whether you’re heading down from Hobart or travelling across Tasmania, the Lightwave Festival is worth the winter road trip.

Follow for updates:
📸 @turrakana_tasman_arts
🔖 #lightwavenubeena

Lightwave Festival
Boilup
Boilup
Zac Henderson
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Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team

The Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team is dedicated to bringing you the best insider tips, local stories, and up-to-date guides to exploring southern Tasmania.

Discover turrakana / Tasman Peninsula

Located just a short drive from Hobart, this stunning region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and fascinating cultural heritage.

turrakana / Tasman Peninsula
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