Tasmanian towns feature in the 100 best places to visit in Australia

A travel publication has discovered what many Tasmanians already know — this state has some of the best rural towns, coastal hubs and islands in the nation.

The main street of Huonville. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

AUSTRALIAN Traveller has discovered what many Tasmanians already know — this state has some of the best rural towns, coastal hubs and islands in the nation.

Richmond, which has long been a tourist mecca, was joined on a list of the top 10 rural towns in Australian Traveller’s compilation of 100 “awesome” places to spend more time in, by a surprise standout — Huonville.

A winemaker who opened a cellar door in Huonville last year said the town’s natural beauty and proximity to Hobart were two of its main drawcards.

“There is also a great demographic diversity in Huonville,” Kate Hill from Kate Hill Wines said.

This statue is a tourist landmark at Penguin.

“There are mountains, the mighty Huon River and while living here is convenient because we are just 30 minutes drive from Hobart, Huonville maintains its lovely, rural feel.

“And of course, it is a premium cool climate grape growing area and a great place to set up a business.”

The beachside town of Penguin on Tasmania’s North-West Coast came in at number four on the list of best coastal haunts, which looked at our most spectacular shores.

King Island — renowned for its cheese and beef, and now golf tourism — was the only Tasmanian entry on the list of top 10 foodie spots in the nation, with NSW taking out the top two spots.

Launceston was among Australia’s “super second cities” along with Bendigo in Victoria and Fremantle in WA.

The up-market Hobart suburb of Battery Point was mentioned as a top neighbourhood watch area and nearby Sandy Bay was number four on a list of “burgeoning burbs.”

Bruny Island and Satellite Island, in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, were listed among Australia’s idyllic islands as offshore retreats.