2 Aussie places make New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026 list

Australia has landed two spots on the New York Times’ influential travel list for 2026.

At the start of every new year, prestigious American newspaper the New York Times shares its list of 52 Places to Go that are worth travelling to that year.

When you think about the Earth’s vastness and all the magnificent places that call it home, making it into the top 52 is no small feat. And in 2026, Australia has managed to secure not one, but two spots.

Ranked at number 14, the Top End, Australia, appears well ahead of perennial favourite Melbourne, which came in at number 49. This reflects a growing global appetite for destinations where culture, landscape and local ownership intersect, rather than familiar urban icons alone.

14. The Top End

Gunlom Falls in the Northern Territory — The reopening of Gunlom Falls was the catalyst for the Top End’s inclusion. (Image: Lords Safaris)

The New York Times highlights the reopening of Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park as the catalyst for the Top End’s inclusion, describing it as a stunning waterfall set within an area of profound Aboriginal cultural significance.

Gunlom Falls, known for its dramatic cascade and elevated infinity pool, had been closed for six years following a legal dispute. In a landmark win last year, the Jawoyn people, the Traditional Owners of the land, successfully challenged an Australian parks agency, restoring public access to the site.

Crucially, the new agreement goes beyond reopening gates. Under the revised lease, the Jawoyn people now receive 50 per cent of the falls’ commercial revenue, a significant increase from the 14 per cent previously allocated. The New York Times frames this outcome as part of a broader shift toward more equitable tourism models in Australia’s Top End.

People swimming at Gunlom Falls in the Northern Territory — Gunlom Falls has profound Aboriginal cultural significance. (Image: Lords Safaris)

Kakadu National Park, which anchors the region, is also recognised for its extraordinary ecological and cultural richness. The park spans multiple ecosystems, from wetlands to escarpments, and protects around 5000 Aboriginal rock art sites, making it one of the most significant cultural landscapes in the world.

Darwin, traditionally the gateway to the Top End, also features prominently in the listing. The New York Times notes the upcoming opening of the Larrakia Cultural Centre overlooking Darwin Harbour, which is expected to welcome visitors from September. The centre will showcase the history and culture of the Larrakia people through art and archaeological exhibitions, music performances and hands-on craft workshops.

The inclusion positions the Top End as a destination defined not just by natural beauty, but by living culture, Indigenous leadership and meaningful visitor experiences.

49. Melbourne

Melbourne skyline — Melbourne is a perennial favourite. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Melbourne’s appearance on the list comes as little surprise, with the city a regular fixture in global travel rankings. It also took out Best City to Visit in Australian Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards, last year. This year, however, The New York Times anchors its pick to a specific moment: a major Formula 1 milestone.

In 2026, Melbourne will host the debut of a Cadillac Formula 1 team at the Australian Grand Prix, marking the first new F1 squad in a decade. The event, scheduled for 5-8 March, is tipped to draw motorsport fans from around the world and elevate the race’s global profile.

Beyond the circuit, The New York Times leans into Melbourne’s established appeal as a culinary and cultural capital (it won our Readers’ Choice Award for Best Foodie Destination and Best Cultural or Arts Experience, too). It calls out the city’s cafe-lined laneways, the ever-busy Queen Victoria Market and the riverside Royal Botanic Gardens as essential experiences for visitors.

For car enthusiasts keen to stay off the track, auto-focused attractions such as the Fox Classic Car Collection at the historic Queen’s Warehouse and the Porsche & Coffee street gathering in South Melbourne on 1 March get a mention.

The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road — Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road is worth a stop. (Image: Parks Victoria)

The listing also encourages travellers to venture beyond the city, suggesting a drive along the Great Ocean Road to The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool, a newly opened coastal lookout above a dramatic blowhole a few hours southwest of Melbourne.

While Melbourne may be a familiar name on international lists, its inclusion alongside the Top End underscores the breadth of Australian travel experiences capturing global attention in 2026, from ancient landscapes and Indigenous-led tourism to high-speed racing and world-class food culture.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.