Two regional Australian gems are ranking among the world's best places

Are they on your radar for travels in 2025?

The Launceston and Tamar Valley region has been ranked one of the best places to see.

By Akash Arora

Updated April 1, 2025, first published October 31, 2024

Lonely Planet has just released its Best in Travel 2025 list, shining a light on 30 incredible destinations around the world. Divided into three categories - the top 10 countries, the top 10 cities and top 10 regions - the list features under-the-radar nations such as Cameroon in Africa, where "pristine, unspoiled beaches" await; lesser-known cities such as Puducherry in India, where Gallic architecture stands next to 18th-century temples; and off-the-beaten-track regions such as the Terai in Nepal, where visitors can see one-horned rhinos in their natural habitat.

Tasmania's Launceston and Tamar Valley is the only Australian region that has made it to the esteemed list (at number four among the regions). And why not? Where else in the world can you go from a stunning riverside city to a top-notch wine region in 15 minutes? Across Bass Strait, Murray River has been ranked among National Geographic's 25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2025. And the best way to experience it? A cruise with Murray River Paddlesteamers out of the Victorian town of Echuca, says Nat Geo. lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel; nationalgeographic.com

NZ's next Great Walk

Dramatic fjords, glass-still lakes, roaring waterfalls and a rollcall of rare wildlife ... Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island is a place of bewitching beauty. But now there's a new reason to visit the region. Weaving its way through lush rainforests, the 60-kilometre-long Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track has just been unveiled as New Zealand's 11th Great Walk.

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Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track

The three-day loop takes travellers to varying terrains - challenging ascents with sweeping alpine views one day; expansive beaches, historic viaduct bridges and old timber settlements the next. And with the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust offering different ways to experience it, you can make it as adventurous or as luxurious as you like. Opt for the Freedom Package if you want to walk the track at your own pace, go with the Guide Package for no-expense-spared luxury, or combine the walk with helicopter transport or a jet-boat ride to dial up the drama. doc.govt.nz

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Avid honeymooners

More than six million Australians would spend more on travelling for their honeymoon rather than on the wedding itself, according to a recent report by ING.

Aussies are getting creative with their honeymoons, and some are considering inviting their friends. Picture by Shutterstock

One third of the survey respondents said they would prefer an overseas honeymoon, with the average Aussie willing to spend $10,613 on the romantic getaway. Bali is the top destination for Australians keen to keep the costs down, with 54 per cent of the respondents voting for it. Other popular destinations include Thailand (47 per cent), Fiji (29 per cent), New Zealand (28 per cent) and Pacific Islands (23 per cent).

What about the Cook Islands?

Speaking of honeymoons, here's an excellent idea if you are planning yours - or any other special-occasion holiday for that matter. The number of Australians travelling to Cook Islands is forecast to grow by 25 per cent next year.

A resort in Cook Islands.

An abundance of world-class beaches, pocket-friendly resorts and direct flights from Australia's eastern seaboard (Rarotonga is just 5.5 hours from Sydney) are the key reasons for the surge. Book your trip

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.