On Top Downunder: Hobart is One of the World's Best Cities to Visit in 2013 (According to Lonely Planet)

Hobart has been a convict settlement, whaling hub, ship-building port, and picturesque seaside town, but from its flawed and conflicted past, the unassuming township has risen to capture the attention of the world. The only Australian city to make the cut, Hobart was today named one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities to visit in 2013 in the publisher's Best in Travel 2013 tome. And the publication's advice to travellers? 'Now is the time to discover what's going on down there before the rest of the world catches on'.

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"Being named as one of the world's Top 10 cities to visit by such an internationally-respected travel publication is a great accolade for Hobart," Mr Tony Mayell, CEO of Tourism Tasmania said. "Hobart has flown under the radar for a while, so it's pleasing to see the city finally getting the global recognition it deserves. This announcement provides another good reason for Australian and international visitors to come and experience the state now instead of putting it off until later."

Managing Director of Tourism Australia, Mr Andrew McEvoy said of the inclusion, "For Hobart to be included in Lonely Planet's top ten cities in the world to visit in 2013 is a huge coup. It's a massive achievement and testament, I believe, to just how far Tasmanian tourism has come in recent years in developing experiences, attractions and events which are unique, distinct and genuinely world class."

"On the back of the state's recent inclusion as part of the Australian National Landscapes Program, and some pretty significant boosts in aviation capacity, Tasmania is perfectly placed to reap the tourism benefits of such national and international acclaim," Mr McEvoy added.

MONA FOMA2012

Described by Lonely Planet as 'a historic city reinventing itself', Hobart's ranking is largely attributed to its bustling arts scene, with homage paid to the infamous MONA and soon-to-be-unveiled makeover of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) - the second oldest museum in Australia and one of only a few institutions worldwide that combine a museum, art gallery and herbarium. The city's nifty free ArtsBike scheme, a result of the arts revival, was also given a nod, as was the slightly offbeat, but undeniably cool MONA FOMA - the Brian Ritchie (ex Violent Femmes) curated festival of music and art (on in 2013 from 16 - 20 January).

Taste Festival

Also rating high on Lonely Planet's agenda was the city's 'already burgeoning gastronomic scene [and rising] culinary credentials'. Iconic foodie mecca, Garagistes and Ethos were hailed both for their culinary brilliance and focus on organic, sustainable, biodynamic and local ingredients, with Lonely Planet also suggesting visits to Saturday institution, the Salamanca Market, and the Farm Gate Market on Sundays, where excellent produce and some of the greatest food stands from Hobart and surrounds are on show.

Louisa's Walk

Tours taking in the island's struggles and convict past were also noted as 'life-changing experiences'. Louisa's Walk - a chilling performance slash tour of the story of Louisa's conviction and transportation to Hobart's infamous Female Factory during the city's darker days - is an unforgettable way to immerse oneself in haunting history and culture. The antidote post-experience as recommended by Lonely Planet?  A tour of Lark Distillery and a dose of its silky smooth whiskies.

Finally, Lonely Planet also highlights several must-visit events in summer, including the Taste Festival (28 December 2012 - 3 January 2013) on Hobart's waterfront; the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (26 December 2012 - 1 January 2013); and biannual arts festival, Ten Days on the Island (15 - 24 March 2013).

And the best place to unwind (according to Lonely Planet) is the stately Islington Hotel in Hobart's former dress circle. Built in the Regency style in 1847, this grand residence is the pinnacle of boutique hotel luxury, with stunning views of Mount Wellington from the light-filled modern conservatory. Luxurious rooms filled with antiques, artefacts and contemporary art will leave guests feeling like royalty from the Victorian era.

For more information on Tasmania, visit www.discovertasmania.com/hobart2013.   

*Also look out for Tasmania's Walls of Jerusalem National Park, which is listed as one of the 'great wall walks' in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013 publication.