Tasmania, Brisbane and New Zealand by rail have all been included in the prestigious ‘52 Best Places to Visit in 2024’ list published by The New York Times.
The much-anticipated list is compiled annually by The New York Times’ travel editors and travel experts and is viewed internationally as a distinguished selection of the most desirable global travel destinations.
This year, Tasmania was recognised in the list for its rich indigenous culture, abundance of nature and elevated dining experiences, profiling several Tasmanian operators.
“Venture outside and help protect vulnerable species in Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, with several new guided walks. Tasmanian Walking Company, in partnership with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, offers a three-day trek across rugged Bruny Island to map flora and collect seeds for the gardens seed bank,” Nora Walsh, said in the article.
BrisbaneStephanie Pearson wrote of her travels in New Zealand by rail. Specifically a 17-day journey on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine services offered by KiwiRail’s tourism division, Great Journeys.
“The last leg on the TranzAlpine starts on the lush Canterbury Plains then climbs over the Southern Alps, with views to white-capped peaks, rushing rivers and alpine lakes.
“Accommodations are in four-star properties at stops along the way. Coming in spring: carriages with luxurious reclining seats, panoramic windows and partial glass ceilings,” Pearson wrote.
Pearson also profiled Brisbane for the publication and spoke of its “facelift” ahead of the Olympic Games.
TranzAlpline service in New ZealandThe review covers off the expansion of the Queen’s Wharf area, new hotels and restaurants, the 820-foot-long Sky Deck and the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Sarah Clark, CEO, Tourism Tasmania described the New York Times Best Places to Visit 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. 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.”
“The island has stunning natural beauty, world-class and easily accessible wilderness, an outstanding culinary and gastronomy scene, a tight-knit community of innovators and creatives, as well as a rich and deep cultural heritage.
It really has it all for those who are looking to venture off the beaten path of Australia, and on top of that, Tasmanian hospitality is second to none. All in all, Tassie is an excellent travel destination and we’re very happy it’s getting the recognition it deserves.”
Tasmania featured in the list alongside Queensland’s capital city Brisbane, and other diverse global destinations set to inspire travellers around the world, such as Grenada in The Caribbean, the Albanian Alps and Geneva in Switzerland.
The list acts as an essential, trusted source for travel inspiration, sharing the top destinations for travellers to consider for their travel plans for the following year.
