Tasmania is rated 'a place to go'

• The spectacuclar view from Mt Wellington, Hobart

Tasmania has been recognised by The New York Times as a top travel destination, and is the only Australian location included in the publication's prestigious list of 'The Top 44 Places To Go' in 2009.

This international accomplishment follows the recent announcement of Tasmania being named the 'World's Best Island for 2008' in Australia by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. In addition, Tasmania took out a host of awards in The Weekend Australian, Travel & Indulgence section's 2009 annual Travel & Tourism Awards. Lonely Planet also recently applauded the island state, naming the Bay of Fires as one of its 'Top 10 Regions' for 2009.

Tasmania was singled out specifically on The New York Times list as a top gourmand destination, with special mention of its vibrant cultural scene - in particular MONA FOMA, an edgy new urban festival of music and art, which recently hosted musical acts including Nick Cave and the Violent Femmes in the trendiest sites in and around Hobart, as well as the acclaimed art museum at Moorilla Estate.

The Times list particularly praised the wine and wineries in Tasmania, stating that "Some of the world's most delectable pinot noirs, chardonnays and sparkling wines are being grown in Australia's remote island state."

With thousands of iconic and unique travel destinations in both Australia and around the world, it is an incredible achievement for Tasmania to be ranked amongst the top 44 of the list's tourism highlights, listed alongside destinations including Galapagos, Las Vegas, Alaska and Madagascar.

Closer to home, last weekend Tasmania took out four titles in The Weekend Australian, Travel & Indulgence section's annual Travel & Tourism Awards. Tasmania was voted best in the categories of Best Lodge Accommodation (The Lodge at Tarraleah), Best Eco-Wilderness Experience (Bay of Fires Walk), Best Heritage Tourism (Port Arthur Historic Site) and Best Food Experience (Stillwater Restaurant and the Mill Providore, Launceston).

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Qantas or Tiger Airways, or take the 9 hour Sprit of Tasmania ferry from Station Pier in Port Melbourne (VIC) to The Esplanade, East Devonport (TAS). For more information, visit www.discovertasmania.com

-Tourism Tasmania