Gay rights campaigner Rodney Croome has been named Tasmania's Australian of the Year for 2015.

Mr Croome gained international attention in 1994 when he walked into a police station with his partner and confessed to homosexuality.

At the time sodomy was illegal in Tasmania, which was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality.

Mr Croome's actions led to the campaign to repeal the laws all the way to Australia's High Court and the United Nations.

Since then Mr Croome has been a vocal activist for gay rights, campaigning for anti-discrimination protections and the recognition of same-sex relationships and families, including marriage.

The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman has also challenged homophobia in schools and the police force and worked to normalise same-sex relationships.

He said he could never have imagined then that would be honoured for continuing the campaign.

"It really is a symbol of how much Tasmania has changed for the better over the last quarter century that someone who was once arrested for standing up for gay rights now is honoured for that," he said.

Mr Croome will join the winners from all other states across four categories for the national awards, which will be presented on the eve of Australia Day next year.

Professor Henry Reynolds received the honour for Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year.

The historian is one of the country's leading authorities on the history of Australia's indigenous people and was the first academic historian to champion Aboriginal land rights.

The Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year Award went to business mentor Adam Mostogl.

From his Queenstown base, Mr Mostogl has helped young entrepreneurs, small businesses, communities and students innovate and reach their potential.

Smithton's Mary Kay was named the state finalist for the Local Hero award.

The marine radio operator has run the Smithton Coast Guard radio from her home for 18 years, announcing weather reports and answering any distress calls from boaters and fishermen in Bass Strait.