Latest news with #NudeSolsticeSwim
News.com.au
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Wild scenes as thousands strip off for icy nude swim at end of Dark Mofo
At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, thousands of naked bodies surged into Hobart's icy River Derwent, baring all to farewell one of Australia's most daring festivals. The annual Nude Solstice Swim marked the end of Dark Mofo 2025, with 3,000 people shedding their clothes for the final 'cleansing' ritual. When the swim was first proposed in 2013, police threatened to arrest participants, sparking controversy around the provocative event. Since then, it has become an officially sanctioned and wildly popular highlight of the festival, selling out every year as thousands embrace the daring winter tradition. Wrapped in towels and donning matching red swim caps, swimmers gathered in the dark before sprinting into the water to the sound of drums as the first rays of daylight hit the horizon on Saturday morning. With the mercury dropping to 10 degrees at 7.42am, many only dipped in briefly, but dozens lingered on the pontoon taking in the sunrise over the hill. After a cancelled 2024 festival, Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said organisers had worked hard to rebuild the provocative event. 'This morning, after two years of hard work, it was tremendous to see 3,000 courageous souls gathered once more on the shore of the Derwent to brave the freezing waters for the Nude Solstice Swim to cleanse us and bring this year's Dark Mofo to a close,' he said. 'The response in 2025 has been incredible. The streets of Hobart have come alive with locals and visitors celebrating winter and Dark Mofo again.' The 2025 program was the first full-scale edition of the festival since the pandemic and drew massive crowds, with more than 480,000 entries and $4.6 million generated at the box office. Dark Mofo's Executive Director Melissa Edwards praised the overwhelming support behind the festival's return. 'We could not be more thankful for the ways that everyone has come together to return Dark Mofo to Tasmania this year,' she said.
Perth Now
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Perth Now
Wild scenes as hundreds run naked to water
At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, thousands of naked bodies surged into Hobart's icy River Derwent, baring all to farewell one of Australia's most daring festivals. The annual Nude Solstice Swim marked the end of Dark Mofo 2025, with 3,000 people shedding their clothes for the final 'cleansing' ritual. When the swim was first proposed in 2013, police threatened to arrest participants, sparking controversy around the provocative event. Since then, it has become an officially sanctioned and wildly popular highlight of the festival, selling out every year as thousands embrace the daring winter tradition. The infamous ritual has become a beloved part of the festival. Nikki Davis-Jones/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Thousands ditched their clothes and towels by the water. Nikki Davis-Jones/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Wrapped in towels and donning matching red swim caps, swimmers gathered in the dark before sprinting into the water to the sound of drums as the first rays of daylight hit the horizon on Saturday morning. With the mercury dropping to 10 degrees at 7.42am, many only dipped in briefly, but dozens lingered on the pontoon taking in the sunrise over the hill. After a cancelled 2024 festival, Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said organisers had worked hard to rebuild the provocative event. 'This morning, after two years of hard work, it was tremendous to see 3,000 courageous souls gathered once more on the shore of the Derwent to brave the freezing waters for the Nude Solstice Swim to cleanse us and bring this year's Dark Mofo to a close,' he said. 'The response in 2025 has been incredible. The streets of Hobart have come alive with locals and visitors celebrating winter and Dark Mofo again.' Organisers describe the event as a 'cleansing' and a final embrace of the winter darkness. Nikki Davis-Jones/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Swimmers take to the water at sunrise on the shortest day of the year. Nikki Davis-Jones/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia The 2025 program was the first full-scale edition of the festival since the pandemic and drew massive crowds, with more than 480,000 entries and $4.6 million generated at the box office. Dark Mofo's Executive Director Melissa Edwards praised the overwhelming support behind the festival's return. 'We could not be more thankful for the ways that everyone has come together to return Dark Mofo to Tasmania this year,' she said.
Economic Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
What drives thousands of Australians to swim nude in winter? Inside the Dark Mofo tradition
Why People Do It? Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Thousands gathered at Hobart's Long Beach before dawn on 21 June for the annual Nude Solstice Swim . The dip marks the end of Dark Mofo , Tasmania's winter arts the morning of Saturday, under the rising winter sun, nearly 3,000 participants, wearing only red swim caps, rushed naked into the cold Tasmanian waters. Lifeguards from Surf Life Saving Tasmania were on hand, and the water temperature was about 12 °C, a few degrees warmer than the chilly Nude Solstice Swim began in 2013 as a community ritual triggered by the winter solstice. Initially banned, it now draws around 3,000 eager participants each caps off Dark Mofo's Winter Feast, Winter Mass, and other events. The festival is designed to explore extremes, light, darkness, warmth, and exposure, with ritual at its many, the plunge is about liberation, camaraderie, and self‑challenge. Veteran swimmer Ms Knight, 64, said the swim is 'liberating and empowering.' She said how the supportive atmosphere lets participants 'shed their inhibitions', their bodies, no matter the shape or age, are accepted spoke of connection and inclusion. Stranger-turned-friends groups, like Brisbane's Dave Abary, described meeting new people in the past years and returning for the shared residents, such as Alana, called it a 'sense of unison' in vulnerability. The mix of euphoria, joy, and shock during the run and swim is cited as a ritual that bonds year set a new record for participation, up to 3,000 swimmers. Safety measures include 40 lifeguards, briefing sessions, and on‑site thermal blankets and tea for post-swim Mofo, the swim, winter feast, and other events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Nude Swim is the festival's biggest single ritual moment—a bold communal act in the depths of winter.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What drives thousands of Australians to swim nude in winter? Inside the Dark Mofo tradition
Thousands gathered at Hobart's Long Beach before dawn on 21 June for the annual Nude Solstice Swim . The dip marks the end of Dark Mofo , Tasmania's winter arts festival. On the morning of Saturday, under the rising winter sun, nearly 3,000 participants, wearing only red swim caps, rushed naked into the cold Tasmanian waters. Lifeguards from Surf Life Saving Tasmania were on hand, and the water temperature was about 12 °C, a few degrees warmer than the chilly air. The Nude Solstice Swim began in 2013 as a community ritual triggered by the winter solstice. Initially banned, it now draws around 3,000 eager participants each year. It caps off Dark Mofo's Winter Feast, Winter Mass, and other events. The festival is designed to explore extremes, light, darkness, warmth, and exposure, with ritual at its core. Why People Do It? Live Events For many, the plunge is about liberation, camaraderie, and self‑challenge. Veteran swimmer Ms Knight, 64, said the swim is 'liberating and empowering.' She said how the supportive atmosphere lets participants 'shed their inhibitions', their bodies, no matter the shape or age, are accepted equally. Others spoke of connection and inclusion. Stranger-turned-friends groups, like Brisbane's Dave Abary, described meeting new people in the past years and returning for the shared experience. Many residents, such as Alana, called it a 'sense of unison' in vulnerability. The mix of euphoria, joy, and shock during the run and swim is cited as a ritual that bonds participants. This year set a new record for participation, up to 3,000 swimmers. Safety measures include 40 lifeguards, briefing sessions, and on‑site thermal blankets and tea for post-swim warmth. Dark Mofo, the swim, winter feast, and other events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Nude Swim is the festival's biggest single ritual moment—a bold communal act in the depths of winter.
Economic Times
15-06-2025
- Economic Times
5 Australia's winter hotspots you won't want to miss
In June, Hobart hosts Dark Mofo, a festival of fire rituals, bold art, and immersive events scattered across the city . (Image: City of Hobart) While most travellers chase sun-soaked beaches and balmy skies, Australia's cooler months offer a different kind of magic, crackling fires, misty mountains, and seasonal festivals that make you embrace the chill. From mulled wine under the Blue Mountains' frost-tipped trees to truffle hunts in Canberra's crisp woodlands, winter down under isn't something to escape; it's something to savour. From fire-lit rituals in Tasmania to truffle hunts in the ACT, here are five top destinations worth exploring this season . (Image: City of Hobart) In June, Hobart hosts Dark Mofo, a festival of fire rituals, bold art, and immersive events scattered across the city . The festival transforms industrial spaces into Dark Park, where outdoor installations fill vacant lots. Evenings are warm and lively in Salamanca's pubs. The Nude Solstice Swim at Sunrise Beach is a daring highlight. Thousands strip off in freezing dawn waters to mark the shortest day. Want something less exposed? Alternative solstice celebrations offer comfort and festivity. (Image is from Tourism Australia) Just 90 minutes by train from Sydney, the Blue Mountains become Australia's festive heart each July . Yulefest, started 43 years ago, transforms heritage hotels with six‑course Christmas dinners, Santa visits, and valley views . Nearby Fairmont Resort and Nepean Belle steamers add buffet lunches and cruises. Clear skies and crisp air make winter ideal for rides across Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley, capped off with mulled cider in Bilpin . (Image is from Official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) Every August, Winter Sounds brings chamber music and acoustic performances to historic churches, heritage train carriages, and bush halls . The festival is 90 minutes from Melbourne and offers intimate shows in Art Deco theatres. Visitors can also relax in thermal springs or enjoy spa treatments between concerts . (Image is from Visit Adelaide) From July 25–27, Winter Reds Weekend invites visitors to 30+ wineries for fireside lunches, live music, and full-bodied reds . Cottages in Stirling and Hahndorf take on a European feel. Enjoy hearty local fare, stews, venison, and produce, paired with elegant wines. Make sure to leave space for bottles to take home . (Image is from Visit Canberra)Canberra's truffle season offers guided hunts with trained dogs between June and September to unearth black winter truffles . After digging, enjoy cooking classes and menus built around freshly harvested a sensory delight, 'dirt' with a decadent twist. You literally excavate and taste your dinner on the same day .Australia's winter landscapes and cultural events offer experiences you can't find in summer. Think fire, ice, music, wine, cold-water rituals, and foraged delicacies. And with off-peak travel, you enjoy fewer crowds and better deals. Whether you crave creative installations, festive feasts, or culinary excursions, winter in Oz delivers.
