Of all the islands in the South Pacific, Tasmania is named No. 1

There are thousands of islands in the South Pacific – and around the world – but readers of a glamorous international travel magazine think ours is the best. Bar none. SEE WHY >>

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TASMANIA has come up trumps in an international magazine’s list of the best islands in the world getting more tourism promotion than money can buy as the travel industry reawakens.

Conde Nast Traveller has released its 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards and Australia’s island state was rated as number one in Australia and the South Pacific with Kangaroo Island, off South Australia, named second.

”In a year when many places have been out of reach for most Australians, there are two islands named by readers of Conde Nast Traveller as the best in world, which are close enough, safe enough and, hopefully soon, will be taking visitors from the rest of Australia,” the magazine said.

Honeymoon Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Tasmania has secured the No. 1 spot in the magazine’s prestigious annual readers’ choice awards for its natural beauty and wilderness from the spectacular pink granite mountains and stunning beaches on the island’s eastern coast, and Cradle Mountain, part of the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness, to the west.”

The travel guide gave a nod to MONA, Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art, known for its “provocative and controversial exhibitions” described as “interesting: but not for everyone”.

The recognition is well timed with Tasmania’s borders opening to some other states at the end of the month.

Freycinet National Park

International fans of Tasmania will have to wait longer to tick the island off their travel bucket list with no clear indication yet when travellers from other parts of the world might be able to land.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said the State would take the accolade with open arms.

“When you think about the competition – all the islands in the South Pacific – we will take this award and the promotion it brings,” Mr Martin said.

“It provides a shot of adrenaline at a pivotal time. The industry is optimistic that by Christmas we will have close to a national tourism market again after a very tough six month.

“The timing of this accolade could not be better.”

Readers declared Folegandros Island in Greece as the best in Europe, the Bazaruto Archepeligo in Mozambique as the best in Africa and Cebu, Philippines as the best in Asia.