Kangaroo Island named the second-best region in the world to visit
It’s loved by Zac Efron and now it’s been named as the second-best region in the world to visit – even beating Tuscany in Italy. Can you guess where it is?
It’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful than the picturesque and divine landscape of Tuscany, with its manicured fields, rustic farms and cypress-lined driveways.
And while no one is denying the romantic Italian village of its obvious beauty, an Aussie island has managed to beat the popular region as a must-visit destination.
Kangaroo Island, also known as Karta Pintingga, in South Australia was named the world’s second-best region to visit on Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ list for 2024.
The Trans Dinarica — the first and only cycle route linking all eight countries of the Western Balkans — has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel experiences for 2024.
The route, which is more than 4,000 km, rolls across and connects Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. It’s set to open next year.
Meanwhile, Tuscany, a region in central Italy known for its plethora of stunning art and buildings — which is no surprise as it’s the home of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Donatello — ranked third on the list.
It was followed by Donegal, Ireland, Pais Vasco, Spain in fifth, Southern Thailand in sixth and Swahili Coast, Tanzania in seventh place.
The US state of Montana ranked eighth, while Saafelden Leogang, Austria came ninth and Far North Scotland took out 10th spot.
Lonely Planet broke down the Best in Travel across five categories — countries, regions and cities worth visiting and the top destinations for sustainable and value tourism.
“Our picks for this year seek to both inspire and follow the instincts of 2024’s traveller,” executive editor Nitya Chambers said.
“Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s heart and soul travel inspiration offering, responding to the urgent enthusiasm of travellers who want to explore the world in a way that is authentic, led by local guidance and has sustainable values at its core.”
There were 50 destinations named in total across all categories with Kanagroos Island being the only Aussie location to represent the country.
With its raw and rugged coastline, impeccably clear waters, natural wonders and wildlife, it’s no surprise it ranked high on the list.
“Kangaroo Island is undoubtedly one of South Australia’s tourism gems, so it comes as no surprise to have been voted as one of the best destinations in the world – the only one in Australia to make the list and even topping well-known tourist hotspots like Tuscany in Italy,” South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison told news.com.au.
The island faced hardship in early 2020 when 38 per cent of it was wiped out after the horrific Black Summer bushfires.
But tourism has picked up after all travel to the island stopped for two years as the bushland regrew and animals returned to their natural habitats again.
“Following the devastating impacts of the bushfires in early 2020 and the global pandemic, it has been nothing short of spectacular to see tourism on the island return so strong,” Mr Bettison said.
“Latest data shows Kangaroo Island has just enjoyed record-high visitor expenditure levels, with a whopping $294 million spent by visitors to Kangaroo Island in the year to June 2023 – well surpassing the region’s target set for December 2025 of $199 million.”
Ms Bettison pointed out the island’s abundant native wildlife and natural experiences, “impeccable” local produce including award-winning wineries and distilleries.
“[It] has some of the nation’s most pristine beaches like Stokes Bay which was recently crowned Australia’s best beach,” she added.
Chris Zeiher, senior director of trade sales and marketing at Lonely Planet, urged tourists to “get there before the rest of the world works it out”.
“2024 is the year to pop KI on your travel list,” Mr Zeiher said in a statement.
“It’s been much lauded of late but 2024 is the year that Kangaroo Island will be set to capitalise on all of the accolades.
“Best illustrated by the reopening of the prestigious Southern Ocean Lodge and the launch of a stunning new visitor centre at the entrance of Flinders Chase National Park.”
Back in 2021, Zac Efron travelled to Kangaroo Island while filming his Netflix docuseries, Down To Earth, having described it as a “gem of a place”.
“All of it is just amazing, it’s a beautiful island,” he said in an exclusive clip for Adelaide Now as he spoke fondly of the destination.
“There’s nature absolutely abundant, everywhere, it’s really come back in a big way since the fires which were pretty devastating. What a gem of a place, I just love it here.”
The High School Musical star swam with the dolphins along the coast of the island, which all tourists have the opportunity to do.
“I’ve never been that close to dolphins, that was mind-blowing. Under water you can hear them talking, communicating … it’s just fascinating, it was really cool,” Efron said.
The island is only 112km southwest of Adelaide and 13km off the closest inland shoreline.
Getting to Kangaroo Island takes 45 minutes via ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw or 30 minutes by flying between Adelaide to Kingscote Airport.
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