Devonport, a city nestled in northern Tasmania, has claimed the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024, bringing well-deserved recognition to this vibrant hub. The award highlights Devonport’s growing appeal and places it firmly on the map as a destination with much to offer both locals and visitors. The National Top Tourism Awards, hosted by the Australian Tourism Industry Council in Canberra, celebrated the city for its blend of natural beauty, cultural offerings, and well-thought-out developments, particularly its recently enhanced waterfront precinct.
The honour was enthusiastically received by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who described Devonport as a “worthy winner.” For Rockliff, this win is more than just a badge of honour for the city but a testament to the region’s ability to encapsulate the spirit of Tasmanian tourism. Devonport, in his words, serves as a gateway to the iconic Cradle Mountain region, positioning itself as the perfect launchpad for day trips and adventures in Tasmania’s rich landscapes.
Rockliff’s remarks are particularly significant in the broader context of the state’s tourism strategy. Tasmania has been steadily growing its tourism reputation, and regional towns play a pivotal role in that narrative. The Premier’s comment on Tasmania’s diverse tourism offerings highlights the state’s impressive array of attractions, from its rich agritourism opportunities to its history, heritage, arts, and natural landscapes that remain unparalleled worldwide. Devonport’s win signals that it has successfully tapped into that winning formula, providing an experience that resonates with travellers seeking authenticity and connection to place.
It wasn’t just Devonport that put Tasmania on the winners’ podium. Two other Tasmanian towns also received national recognition. Richmond, with its charming historic streets, was awarded Bronze in the Small Town category, while Stanley, known for its stunning coastal views and the towering Nut, took home Silver in the Tiny Town category. These towns may differ in size, but they share a common thread — each one offers a unique Tasmanian experience that stays with visitors long after they’ve left.
For the Tasmanian tourism industry, these wins mark another chapter in what has become a story of growth and success. Employing one in eight Tasmanians, the sector plays a vital role in the state’s economy. These towns aren’t just spots on a map; they represent the heart of communities that thrive on sharing their way of life with others. As Rockliff pointed out, visitors to Tasmania are drawn to the chance to engage with locals, learn the stories behind products, and experience the rhythm of farm life. It’s this authenticity that has helped the state’s tourism offerings stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Devonport’s waterfront development is a particularly shining example of how thoughtful, sustainable development can enhance a town’s appeal while respecting its roots. By carefully balancing modern amenities with the preservation of natural beauty, the city has created a space that invites both exploration and relaxation. For a town like Devonport, already rich in natural wonders, the waterfront is a further invitation for visitors to linger a little longer, discover something new, and engage with the local community in a meaningful way.
The broader tourism landscape in Tasmania also reflects a careful balancing act. While the state continues to welcome a growing number of visitors, efforts are being made to ensure that the industry remains sustainable and that the unique environments that draw visitors in the first place are preserved for future generations. This balance is a key element of Tasmania’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, an ambitious plan that seeks to build on the success of the state’s tourism sector while safeguarding the natural and cultural assets that make it so special.
An additional $12 million investment, part of Tasmania’s Strong Plan for the Future, is aimed at ensuring the state’s tourism industry continues to grow without compromising its core values. This includes supporting regional towns like Devonport, Richmond, and Stanley as they continue to build their tourism credentials. These investments are about more than just boosting visitor numbers; they’re about enhancing the experiences on offer and ensuring that tourism benefits flow back into local communities.
The recognition for Devonport and its fellow award-winning towns comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with Tasmania’s appeal. From the moment visitors step off the Spirit of Tasmania or disembark from a flight, they are met with a sense of place that is distinct and unhurried. It’s a place where time seems to move a little slower, and people are happy to share their stories, their landscapes, and their way of life.
At the heart of Devonport’s success is its ability to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover drawn to the rolling hills and craggy peaks of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a foodie keen to explore the region’s growing reputation for farm-to-table dining, or a family looking for a relaxing getaway by the water, Devonport delivers. The town has embraced its role as both a destination and a gateway, serving as a starting point for adventures in the north-west and beyond, while also being a place worth exploring in its own right.
For those who visit, it’s easy to see why Devonport took home the top prize. It’s not just about ticking off landmarks or rushing through itineraries. It’s about taking the time to truly experience the area, from its bustling local markets to the quiet beauty of its parks and reserves. It’s about enjoying the view from the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse or wandering through the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the deep history of the area’s first peoples. And, of course, it’s about connecting with the locals, whose warmth and pride in their home shine through in every interaction.
Devonport’s title as Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024 is a well-deserved accolade, one that will undoubtedly see more people adding it to their travel plans. But more than that, it’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication of those who call it home — those who have shaped it into the welcoming and vibrant place it is today. For Tasmania, it’s another proud moment, a reflection of the state’s enduring appeal, and a sign that its best days, both in tourism and beyond, are still to come.
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