St Helens is TICT’s Top Tourism Town 2020

The jewel of Tasmania’s north-east, St Helens, has been named the inaugural Spirit of Tasmania Tassie’s Top Tourism Town

The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT) judging panel assessed eleven towns’ entries for their creativity and quality in best showcasing their town and region.

These judges scores were combined with the public vote to determine the overall results, with St Helens coming out on top

One of Tassie’s favourite traditional holiday spots, St Helens has invested heavily into its tourism infrastructure over the past few years, including its new world-class mountain biking network.

It is on the doorstep to the iconic Bay of Fires and some of the most pristine coastal areas in Tasmania with sweeping sea views.

“Once a busy fishing village, this picturesque town is now a tourism hotspot – once the word got out about the stunning scenery and lifestyle of the area, there was no stopping visitors from wanting to explore and immerse themselves in the enviable ‘coastie’ life… and really who can blame them,” said the town’s entry in the competition.

Runner-up in the awards was Stanley in north-west Tasmania.

Stanley also won The Mercury Reader’s Choice Award for receiving the most public votes over the past two weeks. Over 5,000 public votes were cast.

Their entry focused on the small things that Stanley does well. “Venture to this quiet Tassie corner and be well rewarded. Small but diverse, Stanley is ripe for the adventurous family, the dedicated foodie or the luxury road tripper. Filled with salt of the earth characters, you’ll be genuinely welcomed.”

Third-placed was the town of art, mazes and landscapes, Sheffield. The northern town has a growing reputation for its festivals, murals and as the gateway to Cradle Mountain and Mt Roland.

Other towns entering the awards were Queenstown, Bream Creek, Dover, Lilydale, Franklin, Beauty Point, Bridport and Triabunna.