Lonely Planet names Aussie spots in Best in Travel for 2019

Last year Canberra was controversially named one of the best cities in the world for 2018 and now the travel gurus have released their latest list with a few surprises.

The Red Centre of Australia has been named among the world’s best regions for 2019 by Lonely Planet. Picture: totajla/Shutterstock

Last year the ACT basked in the glory when Canberra was ranked third on Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel — Top Cities’ list for 2018. But now the glory has been passed to another Australian territory.

The Red Centre in the Northern Territory has been placed fourth on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions for 2019. The top three spots went to Piedmont in Italy, The Catskills in the USA and Northern Peru.

“At the spiritual heart of Australia’s Red Centre is the country’s most recognised natural wonder, Uluru,” Lonely Planet says.

“In 2019, this sacred site is finally closing to climbers, almost 150 years after explorers decided to ‘conquer the rock’. Instead, visitors will find that this World Heritage site – recognised for its outstanding natural and cultural values – conquers them.”

LIST YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D SEE MALDIVES ON

BALI’S OVER, AND THIS NEW LIST CONFIRMS IT

10 THINGS BETTER THAN CLIMBING ULURU

WHY I DITCHED MY OFFICE FOR THE OUTBACK

The magic of Uluru has earned it a spot on the world’s best list.

“Learn about the unique world view of the traditional custodians of this place,” the book encourages, “and see the stars and the desert with new eyes. Explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock and the Olgas), Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Alice Springs nearby.”

The Northern Territory also features on another of the book’s top 10 lists for 2019 — ‘Best New Openings’ — with Litchfield National Park named number three.

“The most visited park in Australia’s Top End, Litchfield is about to undergo extensive improvements to make it even more attractive to visitors seeking adventure. In total, there will be five new swimming spots, at least three new campgrounds and new routes for both mountain biking and 4WDs.”

Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory. Picture: iStock

LONELY PLANET’S TOP 10 REGIONS FOR 2019

1. Piedmont, Italy

2. The Catskills, USA

3. Northern Peru

4. The Red Centre, Australia

5. Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

6. Russian Far East

7. Gujarat, India

8. Manitoba, Canada

9. Normandy, France

10. Elqui Valley, Chile

But it’s not all red and dust in the spotlight, some other noteworthy Australian destinatinos and attractions to be ranked on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 lists include:

TASMANIA

The Tasman, Hobart was ranked ninth on the ‘Best New Places to Stay’ list

“The Tasman’s doors aren’t opening until 3 June 2019 but it’ll be worth the wait. This luxury hotel is to be set within a group of heritage buildings, including Hobart’s grand, Georgian-style St Mary’s Hospital, built in the 1800s. The historical elements will be merged with modern artworks and cutting-edge glass and steel structures.”

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, officially opens next year in Hobart. Picture: Starwood

VICTORIA

Laura, the restaurant on Point Leo Estate in Mornington Peninsula was named fourth on the ‘Best New Food Experiences’ list.

“This sophisticated merging of food, wine and art on Point Leo Estate enjoys phenomenal sunsets from all angles. Named after a 7m-high cast-iron statue by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, Laura offers views across sparkling Western Port Bay and its sculpture park, one of Australia’s largest privately owned collections.”

Laura restaurant at Pt Leo Estate.

And when it comes to ‘Best New Attractions for Kids’, Live Wire Park in Victoria took out second spot.

“Billing itself as the ‘ultimate elevated adventure’, the park allows children aged between seven and 15 to take part in the Short Circuit, where they have to complete 26 activities involving obstacle courses and suspended trails through the Otway treetops.”

PLUS...

In addition, Darwin’s Royal Flying Doctor Service attraction is highlighted in the book’s “Top Trends” feature on “Augmented Attractions”, while Queensland’s Electric Super Highway is showcased as one the “The Great Places for Electric Road-Tripping”.

A first fast-charging station on Queensland’s electric super highway. Picture: Justin Brierty

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 is out now, RRP $27.99. See lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

For more travel news and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter.

Originally published as Lonely Planet names Aussie spots in Best in Travel for 2019