Tasty!

It wouldn’t be summer in Hobart without The Taste of Tasmania.

I’ve been visiting the popular food festival for as long as I can remember (can you believe it has been running for 29 years?) and have plenty of fond memories stemming from the event.

Like the laughter among friends when we (and hundreds of others) got drenched as we fled our outdoor table and ran for cover (in frocks and high heels) from an unexpected downpour one scorching New Year’s Eve.

Or the psychedelic costumes of the retro-themed event we once attended, complete with Bryan’s crazy Afro wig.

We’ve watched in awe of daredevil street performers. Heard the New Year’s Eve fireworks crackle overhead. Eaten WAY too much food (note that stretchy-waisted clothing is essential for a trip to the Taste!)

Oh, and the desserts. SO MANY DELECTABLE DESSERTS!

Of course there have also been frustrations – like a lack of seating and shade over the years that has, at times, made me seriously consider fleeing the overcrowded main shed in favour of Vegemite toast at home.

But this year I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The event seems less crowded, with a better layout and more seating options.

Although the main shed is still the highlight for most visitors (and it looks especially colourful this year thanks to a sea of rainbow umbrellas hanging from the ceiling), the improved site layout means you can actually avoid the shed if you want to (a bonus when visiting with a baby in a pram plus a toddler!).

Instead head to the right as you walk through the main gates, where there are plenty of alfresco food and drink stalls as well as live music and entertainment on the grass.

It’s also worth spending a couple of hours checking out the Kids in the Park area on Parliament Lawns, where we threw down a picnic blanket and dragged some of the oversized Lego into the shade – Hudson and Archer played happily here for ages.

Note this area is alcohol-free (which I only discovered after being accosted by a friendly security guard as I tried to cross the road with a beer in my hand for Bryan – oops!)

Food and drink options in this area are limited so your best plan of attack (assuming you’ve got at least one other adult with you) is to leave the kids playing on the lawn while you make a quick solo trip into the main Taste area for some tasty takeaways.