When people overseas think of Australia, the country’s beaches, Sydney Opera House or the vast expanses of the outback likely come to mind.

However, Down Under has much more to offer and it appears people abroad are finally waking up to this.

The New York Times has released its list of 52 places to visit in 2024 and this year, two Australian locations have made the cut … but they’re probably not the places you would expect.

This list covers all corners of the globe, but many well known, loved and obvious travel locations have been left off.

Instead, the list is made up mostly of cities and places that are off the beaten track.

Tasmania’s beauty and ‘wild’ food

First on The New York Times’ list for Australia is the state of Tasmania.

Many Australians can attest to the beauty of the island state and it was award-winning journalist Nora Walsh’s pick for 2024.

Walsh suggests getting outside to help vulnerable species, taking it all in on guided walks, pointing readers to the Tasmanian Walking Company, which has partnered with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to showcase Bruny Island over three days.

She also urged people to get a taste for the Indigenous culture in Tasmania.

‘‘Or to get an actual taste of the island, forage for ingredients like wattle seeds and pepperberries with guides from Palawa Kipli, a company that is Indigenous-owned and operated – the experience ends with a tasting menu that includes smoked payathanima (wallaby).’’

Noting that locally sourced produce is available throughout Tasmania, Walsh thinks all eyes should be on Analiese Gregory, a chef who is an expert in ‘‘wild cooking’’ and will be opening a restaurant in 2024.

Tasmania has plenty of things to see, including stunning national parks and wild food. Photo: Getty

Brisbane before the Games

The second Australian travel destination deemed to be a place to go in 2024 is Queensland’s capital city Brisbane.

Sometimes overlooked for the southern capitals on the east coast, Stephanie Pearson had a few compelling reasons as to why Brisbane should be visited.

For starters, with the city getting ready to host the Olympics in 2032, several changes have been made that will surely attract people before the global sporting event.

Part of the investment in the 2032 Games includes the expansion of Queen’s Wharf, with part of it open this year.

Pearson notes the development includes the restoration of historic buildings, new hotels, parks and public spaces, plus bars and restaurants littered along a Sky Deck over the Brisbane River.

Pearson said there was more to Brisbane than the development, thanks to the likes of rooftop bar Agnes, where ‘‘chefs are renowned for their skill in cooking over an open flame’’, and the Calile Hotel.

The Calile Hotel in Brisbane was ranked among the best hotels in the world.

The Calile Hotel was the only Australian hotel to make the list of the World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023.

‘‘Rounding out the cultural experience is Brisbane Powerhouse, a 1920s power station reborn as a cultural hub, the site of the Melt Open, a celebration of queer arts and artists, and Vertigo, a restaurant where harnessed and clipped-in diners eat while dangling four storeys above the ground,’’ Pearson wrote.

‘‘After dinner, they can abseil down the building’s exterior.’’