Three thousand brave souls plunged into Hobart’s icy River Derwent at sunrise this morning for the annual Dark Mofo nude solstice swim, officially closing the festival for 2025.
Dark Mofo, which ran for more than two weeks across Hobart and parts of northern Tasmania, attracted over 480,000 entries across its various locations.
Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said the festival had successfully rebuilt after two years of planning.
“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,” Twite 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 festival featured boundary-pushing art installations, Australian-exclusive musical acts and signature events including Paula Garcia’s Crash Body at the Regatta Grounds, the Ogoh-Ogoh Burning at Dark Park and the popular Winter Feast.
More than 103,000 tickets were sold, generating $4.6 million at the box office.
The Night Mass party in the old Spotlight store on Liverpool Street drew a record 16,500 revellers across two weekends.
Food and drink spending increased 20% compared to 2023, with patrons consuming 370 litres of mulled wine.
The Mona museum welcomed 19,000 visitors during the festival.
Executive Director Melissa Edwards said her team is grateful for the support received from the community.
“We could not be more thankful for the ways that everyone has come together to return Dark Mofo to Tasmania this year,” Edwards said.
“From local businesses and residents Painting the Town Red to the generous support from state and local government, to the community and our visitors showing up in vast numbers and embracing everything the festival has to offer, we’re feeling deeply encouraged and positive for the future.”
