Lonely Planet names Margaret River best place in Asia-Pacific
Often overlooked by other destinations Down Under, this coastal spot has just put WA on top of the world’s most prestigious travel list.
If you’re a fan of fabulous wine, a stunning coastline and beautiful beaches — you might want to get to Western Australia as soon as possible.
Because the Margaret River has just landed on top of one of the world’s most prestigious travel lists — putting the sleepy town well and truly on the map for tourists around the world.
As part of the Lonely Planet “Best In” lists, the annual vote for the Asia-Pacific has named Margaret River and Southern Western Australia as the number one destination to visit this year.
Sitting three hours south of Perth in Western Australia, the destination beat global cities including Singapore and Beijing to top the prestigious list.
“Take one look at Meelup Beach and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is typical of the coastline stretching from Margaret River to the state’s south,” Lonely Planet said of the win.
“Beyond the sand, some of the country’s slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants lie between tracts of tall-tree forest and kangaroo-dotted farmland.”
Along with nature-based activities like surfing, whale-spotting and coastal hikes, the region also hosts a variety of food and culture festivals.
It’s the first time an Australian destination has taken out the top spot since Lonely Planet started their “Best In” list 15 years ago.
The 2019 Best in Asia-Pacific guide is the fourth edition of the series, and features an edited list of the top 10 destinations to visit over the next 12 months in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Margaret River and Southern WA region was selected by Lonely Planet’s team of independent travel experts because of its breathtaking beaches, long-stretching coastline, award-winning wineries, breweries and restaurants, tall-tree forests and abundant farmland.
Lonely Planet also attributed food festivals, such as the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (now Western Australia Gourmet Escape), Truffle Kerfuffle and Taste Great Southern; world-class surf; whale-watching; and coastal walks as reasons the region gained the prized top spot on the list.
In the year ending December 2018, the Australia’s South-West region had 3,371,100 visitors who spent $1.61 billion. Margaret River alone had 1,690,800 visitors in the same period — an increase of 8.9 per cent on the previous year.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the award was “exciting” for the region.
“It’s so exciting to hear Margaret River and Southern WA have been announced as the top destination in the Asia Pacific for 2019 by Lonely Planet,” he said in a statement.
“This is such fantastic recognition of one of WA’s most popular tourism destinations — one that holds a special place in the heart of all Western Australians.
“This destination is renowned for its spectacular coastline, stunning forests and world-class food and wine.
“The south-west of WA is more than just a destination — it’s a hotspot for once-in-a-lifetime experiences — and it’s wonderful that a travel organisation as reputable as Lonely Planet agrees with these sentiments.
In an interview with The West Australian, Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Pamela Townshend said the international recognition was “amazing”.
“Beauty in its most untouched form — that’s the reason why it is so extraordinary here,” she said. “A lot of West Australians have a deep connection with this region and we welcome visitors, knowing that those who come here for our natural environment will respect this beautiful place and help us preserve (it).”
It’s also the first time the guide has been expanded to include Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Here’s how the rest of the AP region rated:
1. Margaret River & Southern WA, Australia
2. Shikoku, Japan
3. Bay of Islands & Northland, New Zealand
4. Singapore
5. The Cook Islands
6. Central Vietnam
7. Fiji
8. Palawan, Philippines
9. Beijing, China
10. Cambodia
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