Nubeena: History, Festivals and Its Location Above Parsons Bay

Nubeena is situated above picturesque Parsons Bay and is now the district’s administrative and service centre. Its position above the bay and its central role in the district give the town several distinct facets. These are complemented by a rich local history and offerings ranging from festivals to a café.

History and Getting There

During the convict era, Nubeena was known as Wedge Bay (1843–46) and was home to a probation station. When the Tasman Peninsula was opened for settlement, Nubeena was surveyed. The name Nubeena is a local term for crayfish. The historical accounts tell different stories: the first places the town in the convict era, while the second records a local meaning of its name.

Nubeena is 102 kilometres southeast of Hobart, a drive of approximately 90 minutes. Traffic and road conditions can affect the actual travel time, so allow some extra time. For your journey, the kilometres indicate the distance, while the driving time provides an approximate guide.

Activities and Local Festivals

Judd Park has a skate park. Nubeena’s civic spaces are used for festivals celebrating food, crafts and music. This brings together a sporting attraction and a range of event formats. When planning your trip, you can take these different occasions into account without treating them as a single programme.

One specific example of a locally focused festival is Tasman Feast. It is held every year at the Nubeena Recreation Ground, 21 Clarke Street, Nubeena, and showcases local produce. If you are considering the festival as a reason to travel, check the dates for your preferred period. Its focus on regional produce gives it a different emphasis from events centred on crafts or music.

The Nubeena Bee Festival is planned as a community-run festival. Volunteers plan and coordinate it together with the Tasman Peninsula Rotary Club. It is intended to feature celebrations and educational activities about the important role of bees in the ecosystem and the significance of honey in everyday life. The planned venue is the Civic Centre in Nubeena. The concept thus combines knowledge about nature with an everyday food. If you would like to include the planned festival in your travel plans, check in advance whether a date is scheduled for your chosen period.

Food and Local Connections

The Nubeena Cafe serves café-style dishes, burgers and gourmet toasted sandwiches; homemade baked slices and desserts are also available daily. The menu therefore ranges from savoury dishes to baked goods and desserts. The café sources its coffee beans from South Roast, a local Tasman Peninsula business. The menu and bean supplier may change. If you are visiting for a particular dish, check with the café in advance.

Nubeena as a Place to Stay

If you are considering staying in Nubeena, you can base your decision on your travel interests: its location above Parsons Bay, its local history or its festivals and food. The drive from Hobart is another factor to consider when planning. If Nubeena suits your plans, look for hotels in town and check the specific accommodation details for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Cranbrook, Pipers Brook, Zeehan, Richmond, Taranna, Primrose Sands, Hagley, Granton.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.