Tasmania proved its worth at the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2013 Travel Awards, taking home four awards and coming in as a runner-up in one category. The quietly unassuming state, whose star has been rapidly on the rise in recent years due its vibrant restaurants, intriguing mash-up of old and new, and an energetic arts scene spurred by the arrival of cultural icon MONA, showed why it is now firmly on many travellers' list of must-visit destinations.

Tasmania's capital Hobart beat Melbourne to take home the title of 'Best Weekend Away' (readers' choice). MONA was crowned 'Best Cultural Attraction' (readers' choice) and Standout Australian Travel Experience (expert panel) just prior to the much-anticipated opening of their new exhibition The Red Queen, usurping Australian icon the Sydney Opera House in the process. Luxe jewel, the Islington Hotel, was also named 'Best City Boutique Accommodation' (readers' choice) in recognition of its outstanding elegance and enduring appeal.

THE TASMANIAN WINNERS IN THE AUSTRALIAN GOURMET TRAVELLER 2013 TRAVEL AWARDS

• Best Weekend Away (readers' choice) winner - Hobart
• Best City Boutique Accommodation (readers' choice) winner - Islington Hotel
• Best Cultural Attraction (readers' choice) winner and Standout Australian Travel Experience (expert panel) winner - MONA
• Best Resort or Lodge (readers' choice) runner-up - Saffire Freycinet
  
  

  As Australian Gourmet Traveller noted, while MONA has "put the Tasmanian capital firmly on the itineraries of art lovers here and beyond", Hobart "is not short of pilgrimage-worthy accommodation, eating and attractions, waiting to be discovered".

   

  Tasmania's cool climate makes it a wonderful place to navigate in winter, whether trekking through Hobart and exploring its many hidden cafes and shops on foot with Gourmania Food Tours, being moved by the stories ready to be uncovered at the recently redeveloped Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, or heading to the subterranean labyrinth that is MONA. At day's end, retreat to the cosy comfort of the Islington Hotel, where log fires beckon in the lavishly furnished drawing rooms and conservatory, and life's pleasures await in the form of a stiff drink or soothing cup of Chado Tea.

   

  Held annually, the respected Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards acknowledge the stand-outs in the travel field, short listing four finalists across 16 categories before opening voting up to readers to determine the winners. The Travel Awards Expert Panel is confined to the judges only, and selects seven winners deemed by them to be Australia's best.

   

  For itineraries that will take visitors to the intriguing places hinted at in Australian Gourmet Traveller, visit discovertasmania.com

   

  Travel to Tasmania

  Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Qantaslink, Tiger Airways, Sharp Airlines or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

   

  Background Notes

  Tourism Tasmania's role is to maximise the contribution of tourism to Tasmania's economic growth. Tourism Tasmania is a Statutory Authority operating under the Tourism Tasmania Act 1996, and is part of the Tasmanian Government's Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts.

   

   

  Media Contact

   

  Tina Orr
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  Email: tina@mediamoguls.com.au

  
  Caryn Ng
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  Email: caryn@mediamoguls.com.au