Tassie's Top Tourism Town 2021 finalists

This year ten beautiful towns were in the running to be crowned Tassie’s Top Tourism Town for 2021. From old favourites worth revisiting time and time again to charming new places that are waiting to be discovered. Hear what locals have to say about their towns below and then scroll down to find out which towns won!

‘The small riverside town of Beauty Point is one of Tasmania’s best-kept secrets. Perched on the northern shores of the Tamar River, the town’s star attraction are seahorses and the world’s first seahorse aquarium. But there’s so much to discover here: from award-winning wineries to the enchanting Narawntapu National Park, you’ll soon discover seahorses are just one of the many things Beauty Point offers its visitors’.

‘Bream Creek was discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642. He spent a few days here, hoisted his flag and left. Records of his voyage state that he saw signs of life. At a mere thirty-minute drive from Hobart Airport, it’s easy to discover Bream Creek again. The signs of life — pure, vibrant, sustainable, beautiful — are everywhere.’

‘There’s something special happening in this little town in the North East of Tasmania. Derby is a scenic 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Launceston, through the rolling countryside and moody rainforests that have become synonymous with Tasmania. This charming town has been reinvented into an adventure packed destination for those seeking adrenaline and eco-luxe experiences. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the town with a historic past and exciting future.’

‘Lilydale is the gateway to so many purely Tasmanian experiences: chase waterfalls, visit celebrated cellar doors, chase adrenalin on a mountain bike at Derby, chip a birdie at Barnbougle or be charmed by fields of violet at Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Book a trip to this town at the top of Tasmania and restore your senses.’

‘Much of what makes New Norfolk so special comes from the wondrous Derwent River. Aside from being picturesque, the locals also claim it has magical powers: like a calming energy mesmerising those brave enough to explore it, or an ability to change the direction of the wind at any given time.’

‘Port Arthur is a peaceful community built on history, survival, and strong kindred spirits. Do not be fooled by our size, as this township and region will leave you in wonderment. What lies within our boundaries, are some of the most breathtaking landscapes you will ever see. Immerse yourself in everything that Port Arthur has to offer.’

‘Whether its zen, fun or connection to the environment or the local ‘coasties’, St Helens will inspire, intrigue and keep you wanting to come back for more. The people of the coast are a chilled out and friendly crew that appreciate the simple things in life. If you ask them nicely, they will share all their local secrets with you, so long as you promise not to tell a soul.’

‘It takes a long time to get here. Maybe that’s what makes it so special. This old-worldly fishing hamlet in Tasmania’s far north-west offers an almost magical solitude and mindfulness to those seeking respite from the crowds. It rewards those who venture with secluded beaches, wild landscapes and an off-beat charm that only salt of the earth Tasmanians can provide.’

‘It goes without saying that Richmond is famous for its historic landmark, Australia’s oldest bridge. But locals will tell you, and visitors quickly discover, that there is so much more to see and do when you go beyond the bridge. For a place that creates the feeling that you have stepped back in time, Richmond and the surrounding Coal River Valley certainly has its fair share to discover.’

‘Do you long for a break and a chance to live a simple life? Why not come to a place where time is measured in morning walks and afternoon swims, picnics on the beach and a slow pub dinner by a roaring open fire. Here is a place where time is full of simple pleasures. This is Triabunna.’

And the winners are...

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