Things to do: King’s Birthday Long Weekend
At Younique Stays, we LOVE a long weekend! The King’s Birthday June long weekend is an excellent time to take a mini-break and enjoy all that the coast has to offer in Winter. While the public holiday is on Monday 10th June, many of our guests choose to take Friday off too allowing for four days of rest, relaxation and exploration.
Read on to discover YOUNIQUE STAYS TOP 5 LIST of Things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania this June long weekend:
© Craigie Knowe Vineyard
YOUNIQUE STAYS TOP 5 LIST: THINGS TO DO ON THE JUNE LONG WEEKEND
1. Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival
The Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the arts and home of the Bay of Fires Art Prize worth $20000. Beginning with a gala opening on Friday 7th June, the festival spans the whole long weekend and is located at Portland Memorial Hall in the main street of St Helens. Highlights include the Youth Art Prize and the Dawn Dash and Splash at Binalong Bay. Find the full program online.
Local tip: If you can’t make it to Portland Hall, you may like to seek out the “Arts Trail” with more than twelve art sites located on the East Coast of Tasmania.
2. Valborg at Harvey Vin
Summer is dead! Join Harvey Vin for Valborgsmässoafton, more commonly known as Valborg in Australia on Saturday 8th June from 12pm. You can expect live music, food trucks, face painting for the kids, bar and cellar door and a winter bonfire. Tickets via Oztix.
Local tip: Rug up! Harvey Vin events are best enjoyed outside with spectacular views over the vines towards the ocean.
3. Live Music at The Bark Mill, Swansea: The Pretty Things, The Shots, DJ Dan
Spoilt for choice on Saturday 8th June, you may like to head to The Bark Mill in Swansea to see local music legends The Pretty Things, The Shots and DJ Dan doing their thing, live on stage. Kicking off from 3:30pm, tickets are available from Eventbrite or the venue. The Bark Mill is a restored mill and museum (est. 1885) and has a restaurant, bar and bakery on site with a popular menu including steaks, pub favourites and woodfired pizzas.
Local Tip: Come ready to dance, these acts know how to get people up and moving!
4. Cured and Aged Degustation Dinner at Craigie Knowe Vineyard
Also on Saturday 8th June, head to the picturesque Craigie Knowe Vineyard in Cranbrook (near Swansea) for a delightful degustation dinner from 6pm. Enjoy five courses of chef prepared delights with a focus on aged and cured meats (don’t worry - vegetarians are welcome too!). The menu is best enjoyed with a glass (or more!) of amazing Craigie Knowe wine and other local beverages including beer, gin and soft drinks available too. Bookings are essential for this limited event; head to the Craigie Knowe Vineyard website for further details.
Local Tip: A visit to Craigie Knowe Vineyard is never complete without a meet and greet from vineyard dogs and local legends: Poppy, Lulu, April and new puppy, Milo!
5. St Marys Community Car, Bike and Pedal Car Show
Looking for something to do on Sunday 9th June? Head “up the hill” to the beautiful town of St Marys and enjoy the St Marys Community Car, Bike & Pedal Car Show. The main street of St Marys will be closed to traffic and you can expect market stalls, food and drink, raffles and lots of fun. This is a true, country car show and is always a great winter’s day out.
Local tip: The journey to St Marys from the Tasman Highway is a treat in itself - whether you travel via Elephant Pass or St Marys Pass, enjoy the scenery as you leave the coast behind you.
More June Long Weekend things to do:
Friday 7th June: Old World vs New World Wine Tasting Event at The Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre, Bicheno ($29 from 5pm).
Saturday 8th June: DJ Vanilla Bean Supreme at The Longboat Tavern, Bicheno from 2pm.
Fri 7th - Mon 10th June: Tutumaz and The Devil Pop-Up at Springvale Winery, Cranbrook (near Swansea) 12pm - 4pm, daily.
Saturday 8th - Mon 10th June: Priory Ridge Cellar Door (St Helens) is throwing its doors open for the long weekend. 11am - 4pm, daily.