Lonely Planet reveals ‘Best in Travel’ list for 2023

Lonely Planet’s guide to the world’s top destinations to visit in 2023 includes this addition in our own backyard.

Cape to Cape Walk Track, Yallingup WA.

Amid a swathe of far-flung countries, cities and regions, a humble spot in our own backyard has been crowned as one of the world’s top destinations to visit in 2023.

Western Australia has been named as one of 30 trending destinations in Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel, joining the likes of Halkidiki, Greece and Fukuoka, Japan on the annual list. Destinations are chosen based on global appeal, commitment to travel-related sustainability and desirability, and are judged by a panel of Lonely Planet writers, experts and publishing partners.

WA’s lengthy border closure during the pandemic has led to pent-up demand among travellers, said Lonely Planet senior director of trade sales and marketing Chris Zeiher. “Given how long WA was closed to the world, people are excited to return.”

“WA covers more land than England, Spain, France, Italy and Germany combined, yet is home to less than one per cent of [Australia’s] collective population,” said Lonely Planet writer Rohan O’Connell. “Space, serenity and scenery; this is the holy trinity of WA.”

Leeuwin Winery in Margaret River, WA.

O’Connell has curated the ultimate seven-day itinerary to experience the best of the state, which includes the Margaret River Region, Pemberton, Manjimup and Bunbury. Exploring the 167-year-old Fremantle Prison and its labyrinth of underground tunnels is one of the recommendations, along with a visit to Perth’s brand new multimillion-dollar WA Museum Boola Bardip and a walk beneath the towering karri trees in Pemberton.

Bhutan, Zambia, Nova Scotia in Canada and Columbia's Parque Nacional Naturales were also recognised in the ‘journey’ category.