Ripe for the Picking: Tasmania Is One of the World's Top Regions to Visit in 2015 (According to Lonely Planet)

When the world's most trusted travel publisher announces internationally that Tassie is 'ripe for the picking' we can't help but feel rather chuffed. Today, Lonely Planet named Tasmania one of the world's top regions to visit in 2015 – the only destination in Australia or New Zealand to make the list.

They're literally salivating over Bruny Island oysters and modern Tasmania's serving of wilderness, flavours, culture and events, coining Australia's island state 'wild and dramatic, cultured and quirky, isolated yet accessible.'

Naming Tasmania as number four in the “Top 10 Regions in the World to Visit in 2015” in their Best in Travel 2015 publication, Lonely Planet says 'the Tassie food scene is a gourmet's paradise, best exemplified by the diversity of produce found in the wilds of Bruny Island. Whether it's getting a frisky fill of oysters at Get Shucked Oyster Farm, downing a few glasses of pinot noir at Australia's most southern winery, or gorging on freshly picked berries from the local berry farm, there's no better place to taste Tassie on a plate.'

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“There's a spotlight shining on Tassie at the moment, and it's only going to get brighter following this latest announcement by Lonely Planet” said John Fitzgerald, CEO of Tourism Tasmania. “Tassie has always had so much to offer visitors who journey to Australia's island state, and the latest accolade from Lonely Planet cements our place globally as a destination of world-class natural, cultural, heritage and gourmet experiences, all within easy reach of each other.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O'Sullivan, said that with three Lonely Planet accolades in the past five years, Tasmania is rapidly losing its long held status as one of Australia's 'hidden gems'. “The awards just keep coming for Tassie, and hopefully with them many more international visitors, lured by an island which epitomises some of the key strengths of Australia's international appeal – raw, unspoilt natural beauty and incredible fresh food, wine and culinary experiences”, he said.

Mr O'Sullivan noted that Tourism Australia's latest global food and wine campaign – Restaurant Australia – culminates in Tasmania next month, with a gala dinner at MONA for 80 of the world's most influential food and wine figures. “The timing of this latest Lonely Planet accolade couldn't be better, with the focus of the world's media soon to fall upon Tassie, and the island getting the perfect first-hand opportunity to showcase its award-winning credentials”, he said. Just in time for dinner, Lonely Planet chimes in that 'The diversity of offerings from Tasmania's plate may require multiple helpings.'

Lonely Planet Asia Pacific Sales & Marketing Director, Chris Zeiher said of the inclusion, "Sparked by the brilliant revival of super-cool Hobart, today's Tasmania is fresh, hip and inclusive. The state can boast a year-round calendar of events for all tastes; some of Australia's most diverse, remote and wild outdoor experiences; and a gourmet scene that's nothing short of a foodie's paradise."

But it's not only the flavours that feature. Lonely Planet encourages travellers to 'descend the spiralled staircase of Hobart's uber-trendy subterranean MONA,' applauds Tasmania's wilds, and highlights the much anticipated opening of Australia's premier coastal bushwalking experience, the Three Capes Track.  Tasmania's regions are also acclaimed, with the Tarkine, Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires and Franklin River among the 'diverse, remote and wild outdoor experiences' highlighted by Lonely Planet.

Tasmania's events are highlighted in a way that suggests Lonely Planet is keen to join the party, detailing the must-visit summer events including the Taste Festival on Hobart's waterfront and the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Plus there's the biannual arts festival, Ten Days on the Island, and the undeniably cool MONA FOMA.

As Lonely Planet sings international praises for Tasmania, the island state is already quietly pumping its fist in celebration of other recent accolades including the world's best whisky, best golf links course and arguably the cleanest air on the planet.

We could go on, but Lonely Planet have already deemed that Tasmania is ripe. So before all the plates are licked clean, make Tassie your pick for 2015.

For more information on Tasmania, visit www.discovertasmania.com.au.