Surprise Australian state named top holiday destination for 2024

Booking a holiday in 2024? A highly anticipated travel list has been released, and one surprising Aussie destination made the cut.

Chloe Whelan

2 min read

January 11, 2024 - 1:14AM

Tasmania may no longer be Australia’s best kept secret after it was declared one of the top places in the world to take a holiday this year.

Australia’s smallest state — both by size and population — scored a top 30 spot in the New York Times’s highly anticipated Best Places to Visit in 2024 list.

The list is released annually to much fanfare and sends hordes of travellers to each destination.

Cape Hauy's hiking track in Tasman National Park, Tasmania. Picture: iStock.

Tassie was recognised for its thriving foodie culture and picturesque natural environment that brings beaches and bushland to travellers’ fingertips.

Travel contributor Nora Walsh highlighted the island’s Indigenous heritage and stunning scenery.

“Venture outside and help protect vulnerable species in Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, with several new guided walks,” she wrote.

“To get a taste of the island’s Indigenous culture, join members of the local Palawa community on multi-day treks through the powder white sands of Wukalina (Mount William National Park) and orange-lichen-covered rocks of Larapuna (Bay of Fires).

“Or to get an actual taste of the island, forage for ingredients like wattle seeds and pepperberries with guides from Palawa Kipli, a company that is Indigenous-owned and operated — the experience ends with a tasting menu that includes smoked payathanima (wallaby).”

Taylors Beach in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, which was highlighted by the NYT. Picture: iStock.

Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark said, while Aussies have long understood the draw of Tasmania, it was a joy to be recognised on the international stage.

She described making the New York Times list as “one of the highest accolades for a destination”.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be included and have so many unique experiences represented,” Clark said.

“We know Tassie has been top of mind for Australian travellers for a while and it’s great to see that now it will be on the bucket lists of international travellers as well.”

The NYT recommended visiting the “orange lichen covered rocks” of the Bay of Fires. Picture: iStock.

Tasmania’s acting premier Michael Ferguson said he was confident the ranking will boost tourism numbers.

“This list will be an essential, trusted source of travel inspiration for many global travellers and we have no doubt it will influence readers to come and visit Tasmania,” he said.

“We know Tasmania has what the world wants, with our world-class produce and beverages, our beautiful regions, festivals, world heritage sites, events and rugged walks offering something for everyone.”