Australian holidays: Tasmania named in New York Times’ best places to visit in 2024

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.

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).”

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.”

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.”

Taking out number 29, Tasmania was one of just two Australian destinations to make the list. Brisbane came in at number 39.

The NYT’s best places to visit in 2024

1. The Path of Totality, North America
2. Paris, France
3. Yamaguchi, Japan
4. New Zealand by Train
5. Maui, Hawaii
6. Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, Arizona
7. Singapore
8. O’Higgins, Chile
9. Ladakh, India
10. Geneva, Switzerland
11. Dominica, The Caribbean
12. Manchester, England
13. Creators of the Moon, Idaho
14. Baltimore, Maryland
15. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
16. Negombo, Sri Lanka
17. Massa-Carrara, Italy
18. Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales
19. Morocco
20. Valencia, Spain
21. Kansas City, Missouri
22. Antananarivo, Madagascar
23. Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
24. Lake Toba, Indonesia
25. Almaty, Kazakhstan
26. Quito, Ecuador
27. Mingan Archipelago, Quebec
28. Montgomery, Alabama
29. Tasmania, Australia
30. Waterford, Ireland
31. Tsavo National Park, Kenya
32. Brasilia, Brazil
33. El Salvador
34. Koh Ker, Cambodia
35. Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
36. Montevideo, Uruguay
37. Mustang, Nepal
38. Vienna, Austria
39. Brisbane, Australia
40. Pasadena, California
41. Hurghada, Egypt
42. Boundary Waters, Minnesota
43. Thessaloniki, Greece
44. Normandy, France
45. Grenada, The Caribbean
46. El Camino de Costa Rico
47. Albanian Alps
48. Whitehorse, Yukon
49. Choquequirao, Peru
50. Dresden, Germany
51. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere, Mexico
52. Flamingo, Florida