B
icheno has been named Australia’s top town in Australian Traveller magazine’s annual list of the country’s 100 best towns to visit, placing Tasmania firmly in the national tourism spotlight once again.
The East Coast town claimed the number one position overall and also led the publication’s Emerging Towns category, with nine other Tasmanian locations making the broader list.
The recognition adds to a growing run of tourism accolades for Tasmania in 2026, as regional destinations across the state continue attracting attention for food, nature, heritage and coastal experiences.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said the result reflects the work of tourism and hospitality operators across Tasmania, particularly in regional areas where visitor spending supports local jobs and businesses.
“Bicheno topping the list as Australia’s best town is a fantastic result, and a real testament to the passion of our tourism and hospitality operators who work hard to showcase the best of what our regions have to offer,” she said.
Tourism remains a major contributor to Tasmania’s economy, with the government noting one in six jobs across the state are supported by the sector. On the East Coast, tourism accounts for roughly one in three jobs, making it one of the country’s most tourism-dependent regions.
Howlett said the national recognition would provide a boost for local communities and operators ahead of future travel seasons.
“This recognition is a huge win for our tourism operators and communities who are passionate about their towns and regions,” she said.
Tourism Tasmania chief executive Sarah Kingston Clark said travellers are increasingly looking for regional destinations that offer personal and authentic experiences rather than heavily commercialised tourism.
“Travellers today want more than a destination. They want to meet the people behind the produce, understand the stories that shape a place, and feel like they belong, even if only for a few days. Bicheno does this quietly and genuinely,” she said.
She pointed to the town’s mix of seafood, local produce, coastal scenery and community atmosphere as factors behind its appeal.
“From whisky distilleries and fresh seafood to local beers, wine, and morning ocean swims with the locals, it is the kind of place that earns recognition like this simply by being itself,” she said.
Australian Traveller’s rankings included towns from across the country and were divided into categories recognising emerging destinations, heritage locations and established tourism centres.
Tasmania’s strongest performer after Bicheno was St Helens, which placed 13th nationally, followed by Stanley in 17th place. Stanley also topped the History and Heritage Towns category. Richmond ranked 18th, while Launceston placed 26th.
New Norfolk, Bridport, Evandale, Strahan and Sheffield also secured spots in the top 100.
The latest recognition follows several high-profile mentions for Tasmanian destinations this year. Port Davey and On Board Expedition were included in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list, while the Bay of Fires featured in the BBC’s World’s Best Beach Escapes. Wineglass Bay was also named among the World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Tourism operators across Tasmania have welcomed the growing national and international attention, though industry groups have also previously noted the need to balance visitor growth with housing pressures, seasonal workforce shortages and infrastructure demands in smaller regional communities.
Even so, the latest rankings are expected to strengthen Tasmania’s position as a sought-after domestic travel destination, particularly as more Australians continue to prioritise local holidays and regional experiences.
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