Tassie's Top Tourism Town 2020 finalists

Locals are letting you in on their towns’ best kept secrets in order to take out the title of Tassie’s Top Tourism Town for 2020. They will inspire you to revisit old favourites, explore new places or discover a piece of history - you might just find yourself a new favourite town or two. 

Here’s a shortlist of the 11 finalists. Scroll down to find out which towns took out the Gold, Silver and Bronze titles.

“Every café, restaurant and eatery has water views.  Accommodation houses also take in the outlook of the Tamar River, providing an endless aesthetic of passing river craft and reflections of sunrise and sunset.  It’s a great town to base yourself for food & wine touring of the greater Tamar Valley region, with over 20 vineyards within an hour and the likes of truffles, artisan smallgoods, salmon, abalone and other delicacies all part of day excursions.”

“On Marion Bay Beach, you are likely to find yourself alone to contemplate life with the shorebirds and the crashing waves. Walk the perfect stretch of white sand or take to the water for a dip or a kite surf.  If you’re visiting on the first Sunday of the month, the Bream Creek Farmers Market sees a meeting of close community, creative minds and fine produce.  Locally made breads and pastries, cheese, meat, award winning Bream Creek Vineyard Wine, community garden vegetables . . . how food should be.”

"There are some really beautiful spots ...  islands, beaches, mountains, just the countryside, but the attitude of the locals smiling and always willing to share their favourites makes it a great community to live in ... or visit for that matter.  Bridport itself, is well described as the village by the sea. It's got that village feel. The kids can ride their bikes down the street to get an ice cream. You might not allow them to do that in a city.  They can walk to the beach and exercise on the fantastic walking tracks too."

“The southern extremity of Tasmania, wedged between the waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the mountainous forests of the Southwest Wilderness.  The charming fishing village of Dover sits just over an hour’s drive south from Hobart and provides the centrepiece for…the Tassie’s southernmost region.  It’s not a big area, but it would be a mistake to dismiss it as a daytrip. For nature lovers and those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, a few days in this region offer unforgettable experiences.”

“A scenic 40-minute drive through the hills south from Hobart, will find you in the picturesque, riverside village of Franklin.  Here you will discover why this place is christened the “Jewel of the Huon Valley”.  The broad, slow-flowing Huon River is its life-blood, and home to an eclectic mix of river craft, from the resident tall ship Yukon, to the tiny rowboats bobbing in the currents.  The coffee-coloured water flows from button grass plains upstream, and creates the amazing sharp reflections that are a photographer’s dream.”

“Put Lilydale on top of your list.  The northern Tasmanian town famous for its painted poles and enjoyable provincial pace, is just a twenty-minute drive from Launceston in Northern Tasmania and is one of the state's hidden gems.  It's the perfect destination for couples seeking a quiet getaway with a splash of fine wine, a generous serving of good food and side of adventure.  Lilydale is nestled at the foot of majestic Mount Arthur and is surrounded by tall timbers, secret mountain creeks and lush, undulating pasture dotted with livestock and homesteads.”

“Nestled in a valley between Mount Lyell and Mount Owen, Queenstown (of the Tasmanian variety) is the largest town on the West Coast.  Surrounded by dramatic hills that provide stark evidence of a history that once made it one of the richest mining towns in the world.  Today, Queenstown is experiencing a rebirth with a growing tourism and arts culture.”

“Beauty comes naturally for Sheffield. The streetscape is old-school quaint.  Striking Mount Roland is the town’s wall hanging.  Country roads lead in past curious letterboxes.  Neighbours are the likes of Promised Land, Cradle Mountain and Paradise.  Is there substance beneath the handsome good looks? For those who give this region time, the finds are far from ordinary.”

“Once a busy fishing village, this picturesque town is now a tourism hotspot - once the word got out about the stunning scenery and lifestyle of the area, there was no stopping visitors from wanting to explore and immerse themselves in the enviable ‘coastie’ life… and really who can blame them. The people of the coast are a chilled out and friendly crew that appreciate the simple things in life; Freshly caught cray and oysters, a refreshing morning surf before work and a hectic MTB ride in the afternoon all washed down with a craft beer.  If you ask them nicely, they will share all their local secrets with you, so long as you promise not to tell a soul.”

“Perched at the edge of the world, the tiny fishing hamlet of Stanley in far north west Tasmania lures those seeking a path less travelled. Woven into its very core is the true essence of Tasmania – dramatic history, gourmet indulgence and rugged beauty beyond compare.  It’s a wild spirit that etches itself into one’s soul.  In the same way that intrepid explorers Bass and Flinders saw it from the ocean in 1798, travellers to Stanley continue to pause in silent awe of Moo-Nut-Re-Ker, or simply ‘The Nut’. Whilst volcanic rock once spewed into these skies, this huge rocky monolith now dominates the landscape anchoring the township nestled snugly at its base.”

“Set in its protected heart is the historic township of Triabunna, which is framed on its eastern horizon by the stunning silhouette of Maria Island. Settle in and wander along the Marina where hard working fishing boats and the Island ferry jostle with pleasure crafts just back from chasing game fish in the rich waters. Grab a coffee, a feed of fish and chips or sip a beer and let the colours of the sunset reflected in the still waters of Spring Bay wash over you.”

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.