If you want something more sedate to do while you listen to the rain, why not sit down with one of our fascinating longer reads this week? Our education reporter Caitlin Jarvis went to Northern Tasmania’s Steiner Schools to find out what the play-based learning alternative actually does. Or read about the past several decades of Tasmanian news through the eyes of legendary journalist Kerry O’Brien: we sat down with him while he was in Launceston launching his latest book, and have his insights here for you in parts one and two. We’ve also launched our online interactive puzzles this week.    

A bit of rain definitely won’t keep country music diehards away from Summer Moon. The inaugural outing of this 5000-capacity country music festival is finally here! Held at Josef Chromy’s, and paired with their world-class food and wine, this highly anticipated event is likely to become one of Northern Tasmania’s festival winners. This year stars Lee Kernaghan, the McClymont and Catherine Britt.

Indoors, there’s a new art exhibition at Gallery Pejean, carols from Allegri Ensemble at Holy Trinity Church, and a new french fry emporium to try. 

And if you really want to get wet: here’s our guide to the West Coast’s best day walks. 

Have a great weekend Northern Tasmania!