Australia's top tourist town for 2024 named

A coastal city packed with views galore and proximity to Tasmania's best natural wonders has stepped out of the shadow of Hobart and Launceston to claim its moment in the spotlight.

David Smiedt

less than 2 min read

September 10, 2024 - 10:22AM

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And there's not a Dark Mofo in sight.

Devonport has been named as the winner of Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024. While some travellers may know it as the landing points of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries, the Australian Tourism Industry council gave it the nod as it has evolved into a destination in its own right.

Part of the reason is its proximity to ocean, mountain and river attractions. It is also home to an emerging culinary scene which is developed exponentially with farm to table dining and a host of agricultural producers on its doorstep. The Mrs Jones restaurant, for example, has become a bucket list eating experience for those travelling in Tassie's northwest.

Devonport is just 90 minutes away from Cradle Mountain.

“Congratulations to Devonport, Tasmania for winning the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024. This award highlights Devonport’s role as a vibrant gateway to Tasmania’s northwest, making it a key regional destination and a must-visit town in Tasmania,” said Erin McLeod, CEO of the Australian Tourism Industry Council.

While Devonport took out the top gong (for a town with a population over 5000), there are also several other award winners worth a mention. The Small Tourism Town of the year for 2024 (with a population under 5000 but over 1500) is Exmouth in WA and Huskisson on the NSW South Coast claimed gold in the Tiny Tourism Town category.

The stunning Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Western Australia.

It's not just places that were recognised, it's people too. Adam Hinks from Aquascene Magnetic Island in Queensland was crowned as Australia’s Top Tour Guide.

Rounding out the overall Top Tourist Town category were Bendigo in Victoria and Roma in Queensland. In the Small Tourism Town category, Daylesford in Victoria and Richmond in Tasmania took out the silver and bronze awards respectively. In the Tiny Tourism Town category, Tassie again featured with Stanley awarded silver and Gundaroo in NSW pocketing bronze.