Kangaroo Island and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park named in best places to go in the world in 2023

Two iconic Australian destinations have been named as two of the best places to visit in the world for 2023. 

Kangaroo Island came in at number seven on the New York Times’ annual list of the 52 best places to go in the world in 2023 while Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park earned a spot at number 29. 

South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is one of the country’s biggest travel hotspots with pristine beaches, incredible hiking trails, picturesque scenery, a gourmet food and wine scene and luxury accommodation. 

The world-famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the heart of the Northern Territory is arguably one of Australia’s most popular and globally-recognisable tourist attractions, home to sacred Indigenous site and world heritage listed Uluru rock. 

The New York Time released its list of the 52 best places to visit in 2023 with Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park also making the cut at number 29

South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is one of the country’s biggest travel hotspots with pristine beaches, hiking trails, picturesque scenery, a gourmet food and wine scene and luxury hotels

The New York Times said: ‘Kangaroo Island is known for incredible wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and its status as an ecological haven — like a zoo without fences.’

Some of the island is being rebuilt following a devastating fire that consumed the island three years ago, destroying the South Ocean Lodge luxury hotel and much of the wildlife and landscape.  

Despite the recovery efforts, the spectacular island the busier than ever as travellers flock to enjoy everything it has to offer. 

Adventurers can explore Kangaroo Island through a range of activities including quad biking, sandboarding, bike riding, kayaking and swimming or find hiking trails along the scenic coastline and lush bushland. 

The New York Times said: ‘Kangaroo Island is known for incredible wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and its status as an ecological haven — like a zoo without fences.’

Adventurers can explore Kangaroo Island through a range of activities including bike riding, kayaking and swimming or find hiking trails along the scenic coastline and lush bushland

For those after a more tranquil and luxurious experience, there are wine tours, lavish hotels and guest stays, and gourmet eateries including a one-of-a-kind restaurant inside the 120-year old fig tree. 

Venturing 1,800km north in the very centre of Australia is the world-renowned Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which was named as the 29th best place to visit this year. 

‘Over 500 million years old, the 1,142-foot sandstone monolith in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a shape-shifter: aflame in pink, orange and violet through the day; its crevices gush with the rain, its surroundings erupt with wildflowers,’ the article read.

Venturing 1,800km north in the very centre of Australia is the world-renowned Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which was named as the 29th best place to visit this year

 The red centre’s natural palette of deep reds, dusty greens and earthy brown contrasted with a bright blue sky create a surreal backdrop for the ultimate holidays snaps

Climbing the rock was banned in 2019 to protect the ancient and sacred Indigenous site, but now visitors can experience its beauty via a nine-kilometre walk around the base. 

The red centre’s natural palette of deep reds, dusty greens and earthy browns contrasted with a bright blue sky create a surreal backdrop for the ultimate holidays snaps. 

Seeing Uluru at sunset or sunrise is a must as the landscape and sky’s colour change before your eyes while guests can also book an incredible dinner package to dine under the stars. 

Uluru and Kangaroo Island ranked highly on 2023’s 52 best travel destinations with the UK capital London coming in at number one while other locations included Auckland in New Zealand, Palm Springs, California and South Africa’s Namib Desert.