Unlikely Tassie town Devonport wins Australia’s Tourism Town of the Year for 2024

Tasmania has claimed a podium finish in each category of the National Top Tourism Town Awards this year with one unlikely town taking home to top gong. Find out where >>

Sunset at Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, Devonport, Northern Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania has claimed a podium finish in each category of the National Top Tourism Town Awards this year.

Devonport took out the top accolade and was announced as Australia’s top tourism town for 2024 in Canberra on Tuesday.

West By North West regional tourism CEO Gabriella Conti said Devonport was a “remarkable destination”.

“Devonport is… home to the Spirit of Tasmania, surrounded by fertile agricultural land, and alive with exciting developments like the reopening of Tiagarra Cultural Centre, the new Bass Strait Maritime Centre, and the spectacular Sky to Sea Light Show,” she said.

She said the win was national recognition of the appeal of the region.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said this was the most successful year on record for Tasmania at these awards.

She said the results should give regional towns a “real boost” heading into the spring and summer seasons.

She said Devonport serves as a vibrant hub for the Cradle Mountain Region and an “ideal launch pad for unforgettable day trips”.

“Nestled along Tasmania’s North-West coast, where mountains meet the sea, Devonport seamlessly blends natural beauty with a refined urban charm,” she said.

Ms Hills said towns in Tasmania play a crucial role in the visitor economy, and Devonport’s gold medal showed “how well we do things in Tasmania”.

The North-West scored another medal with Stanley taking out silver in the tiny town category.

Down South, Richmond was awarded the bronze medal in the small town category.

Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the accolade was a well-deserved honour for the hundreds of locals involved in the thriving Coal River Valley tourism industry.

“Both Richmond and Stanley are iconic towns that pack a powerful punch. The heritage, natural beauty, local culture and charm are on full display and is what makes these destinations so special and popular among tourists,” Ms Hill said.

The National Top Tourism Town Awards are hosted by the Australia Tourism Industry Council.

The winning towns were determined by a national judging panel and incorporated consumer review scores for tourism products within each town.