NSW region stars in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ destinations for 2027
A holiday region of New South Wales has made it onto an acclaimed list of the best spots to go in the world.
The Tweed, a picturesque region north of Byron Bay, was named as one of the Top 25 Best Destinations to visit in the world in 2027 by Lonely Planet. It was the only place in Australia to make the list.
The Tweed region in NSW has won a top honour. The Tweed
Jessica Lockhart, Lonely Planet Destination Editor Oceania, said the team have had their eye on the area, which is sandwiched between the ever-popular Byron Bay and Gold Coast, get more popular.
“We’ve been watching the Tweed rightfully grow in popularity with domestic tourists,” she told nine.com.au.
“It’s becoming known as a foodie and outdoors destination, especially the opening of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk.
“Now, we think it’s time that we let international tourists in on the secret: The space between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay isn’t one you want to speed through. It’s a destination in its own right – and one that’s worth lingering in.”
The Tweed region in NSW has won a top honour. The Tweed
The main towns include Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, and Tweed Heads. You can also discover the arty rainforest village of Uki.
Tweed Shire Mayor Reece Byrnes called the call out a “wonderful” honour.
“Of course, they are telling us what we here in Tweed already know,” he said.
“This recognition celebrates our spectacular natural landscapes, vibrant villages, rich culture and outstanding local businesses.
“We warmly welcome visitors to experience The Tweed at a slower pace, support local and respect the places and communities that make our region so special.”
The Tweed region includes towns Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, and Tweed Heads. The Tweed
Meanwhile, another part of Australia ranked in the company’s prestigious 2027 Top Experiences Hotlist.
The Northern Territory’s Red Centre arts scene is a must-see, according to the experts.
Jessica said while it is already recognised on an international stage for its art, it “deserves to be just as lauded for its contemporary creativity”.
Northern Territory’s Red Centre arts scene was also called out. Parrtjima
That includes the Wintjiri Wiṟu drone show at Uluṟu, Bruce Munro’s Light Towers at Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs’ immersive Parrtjima art festival.
“These experiences aren’t just visually impressive – they also give travellers greater insight into the landscape and its Traditional Custodians,” she said.
Other places and experiences highlighted in the Pacific also include New Zealand’s Dunedin, and the holiday spot of New Caledonia, with ocean adventures in French Polynesia and experiencing Fa’a in Samoa also named by the experts.
Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ 25 Top Destinations
- Okinawa, Japan
- New Mexico, USA
- Sibenik, Croatia
- Danang, Vietnam
- The Tweed, Australia
- Fulidhoo, Maldives
- Granada, Nicaragua
- Dessau, Germany
- Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Maryland, USA
- Bariloche and the Lakes, Argentina
- Veneto, Italy
- Chengdu, China
- Dunedin and the Waitaki, New Zealand
- Leon, Spain
- Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Rabat, Morocco
- Gujarat, India
- Skanor-Falsterbo, Sweden
- Quebec, Canada
- Montserrat
- California’s Coastal Redwoods, USA
- Oman
- Tsavo East and West National Parks, Kenya
- New Caledonia
Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ 25 Top Experiences
- Take a polar plunge, Antarctica
- Visit Abu Dhabi’s museums, UAE
- Savour the slow road, Minnesota, USA
- Walk St Cuthberts Way to Lindisfarne, UK
- Enjoy wine and fine dining in Valle de Guadalupe
- Hotel-hop South Beach, Miami, USA
- Road-trip through history on the Route Napoleon, France
- Take a safari trek in Gombe National Park, Tanzania
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
- Experience Fa’a Samoa, Samoa
- Dive into an unexpected underwater world, Greece
- Marvel at Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
- Turn temporary keeper at Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA
- Admire Astana’s architecture, Kazakhstan
- Embark on Ocean Adventures, French Polynesia
- Explore Africa’s unsung Island Paradise, Sao Tome & Principe
- Flightsee in the ‘last frontier’, Alaska, USA
- Be wowed by wonderful Killary Fjord, Ireland
- Trek the Michinoku coastal trail, Japan
- Dance sultry tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Immerse yourself in art in the Red Centre, Australia
- Go on a Galapagos expedition cruise, Ecuador
- Follow a foodie trail, Taiwan
- Sail the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
