Two Australian Cities Named in Lonely Planet❜s Best in Travel 2023

When it comes to all things travel, there are few sources we trust more than Lonely Planet. An oracle of advice, information, guides, and inspiration, Lonely Planet have released its annual ‘Best in Travel’ guides, detailing what’s hot for travel in 2023.

Now, because travel is so subjective—and one person’s dream trip is another person’s nightmare—Lonely Planet have switched things up a bit and introduced a new metric for Best in Travel this year, sorting 30 destination recommendations into five categories: eat, journey, connect, learn and unwind.

Australia has staked a claim to two of these categories, with two Aussie gems making the lists. Needless to say, wanderlust awaits!

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023

Western Australia

Gracing the ‘Journey’ category with its enormous yet serene presence, Western Australia joins the likes of Zambia, Nova Scotia, Parques Nacionales Naturales Colombia, Bhutan and the Istanbul to Sofia Train in the Best in Travel category created to identify travel destinations that will move you—where a transformative journey is even more important than the destination.

Lonely Planet Travel Writer Ronan O’Connell notes, "the antidote to years of suffocating-feeling pandemic life is a visit to one of the planet’s most serene and sparsely populated places. WA covers more land than England, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany combined, yet is home to less than 1% of their collective population." He adds, "Space, serenity, and scenery: this is the holy trinity of WA." Sounds idyllic, right?

If you’re wondering what there is to do in a place so huge, Ronan O'Connell has planned a perfect 7-day journey by car through Western Australia, showcasing the history, natural beauty, Aboriginal culture and beyond that's waiting to be experienced in WA.

Sydney

Making it onto the ‘connect’ list alongside esteemed company such as Accra, Albania, Guyana, Alaska, and Boise, Australia’s epicentre of culture and community is, of course, the beautiful Sydney.

Veiled with beaches and Harbourside views like no other, Sydney is well-known for its aesthetic wow factor. But, this year, the city is being celebrated by Lonely Planet thanks to its iconic WorldPride celebration, running from 17 February until 5 March 2023.

The event is heralded as one that promises energy, adventure, and the chance to connect to culture and community. It is something that, as Sydneysiders, we witness bring beauty, strength, and spirit to the city every year. See you at Mardi Gras!

RELATED:
Australia Among the Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in the World

More Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023 Winners

Best in Travel 2023: Eat 

• Lima, Peru
• Umbria, Italy
• Fukuoka, Japan
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Montevideo, Uraguay
• South Africa

Best in Travel 2023: Journey 

• Nova Scotia, Canda
• Bhutan
• Parques Nacionales Naturales Colombia
• Istanbul to Sofia Train
• Western Australia
• Zambia

Best in Travel 2023: Unwind

• Dominica
• Halkidiki, Greece
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Malta
• Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Best in Travel 2023: Connect

• Accra, Ghana
• Albania
• Sydney, Australia
• Guyana
• Boise, USA
• Alaska, USA

Best in Travel 2023: Learn

• New Mexico, USA
• El Salvador
• Dresden, Germany
• Marseille, France
• Manchester, United Kingdom
• Southern Scotland

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