If there could only be one, this under-the-radar region deserves it.
Lonely Planet ’s annual Top Places Hotlist has just dropped, officially naming the 25 destinations set to dominate every traveller’s bucket list in the year ahead. The 2026 global round-up includes a variety of countries and continents, but only one Aussie location made the cut – and it’s a worthy winner.
Which Aussie destination made the list?
So, who snagged Australia’s golden ticket onto the global stage? It may not be where you’d expect – unless you’ve been there yourself. In which case, it makes perfect sense.
Tucked away in the heart of South Australia, Ikara-Flinders Ranges was named on the Top Places Hotlist for 2026. Not only that, it made the top five, coming in fourth place after Botswana, Peru and Jeju Island in South Korea.
“I’m ecstatic to see the epic Ikara-Flinders Ranges and wider South Australian outback on our prestigious list. It’s one of the world’s most breathtaking environments, perfectly primed for the world to discover in 2026," says Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet’s senior director of trade sales and marketing.
The ancient landscape has long flown under the radar, often overshadowed by other Aussie outback icons like Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Watarrka national parks. But its beauty is just as astounding, its history just as rich and its cultural significance just as deep – all shaped by a geological landscape entirely its own.
How to experience Ikara–Flinders Ranges
Around a five-hour drive from Adelaide, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park spans 934 square kilometres across the South Australian outback. While its terrain is vast and remote, it’s a place of natural wonder and ancient culture.
One of the best ways to experience the Ikara-Flinders Ranges is the three-day Arkaba Walk, one of the Great Walks of Australia. Guests will be led by an experienced guide, learning about the region’s wildlife, conservation efforts and cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll sleep in bush camps and enjoy chef-prepared meals before spending the final night at Arkaba Homestead – a Luxury Lodge of Australia .
Another great option is a stay at Discovery Resorts – Wilpena Pound , the only accommodation within the national park itself. The site includes 15 glamping tents, 60 resort-style rooms and a large campground, as well as plenty of dining options, a general store and a swimming pool.
The best part? As its name suggests, the resort is located near Wilpena Pound, a grand natural amphitheatre that has to be seen to be believed. Join a hike led by a local Adnyamathanha guide to explore the region on foot or take a scenic helicopter ride over the 800-million-year-old crater.
If you’re just visiting for the day, there are four walks and 14 hikes within the park, all self-guided. The one-kilometre Living with Land Walk is a great option for beginners, taking just two hours to complete. Looking for something a little more in-depth? Try the eight-kilometre Trezona Hike, which is a four-hour return trip.
For those chasing a real challenge, tackle the Heysen Trail , a 1200-kilometre trek from Ikara-Flinders Ranges to the Fleurieu Peninsula.
What to remember when visiting
Long before it became a national park, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges was – and remains – home to the Adnyamathanha people, the land’s Traditional Owners. Their connection to Country stretches back tens of thousands of years, with ancient rock paintings, engravings and middens still present across the landscape.
Today, the park is co-managed by a board of Adnyamathanha and Department for Environment and Water representatives to ensure its history is preserved and its future conserved. Traditional Owners still care for Country here, and the state government manage water and energy resources, as well as maintains natural and built heritage.
While the entire park holds deep cultural significance, certain sites are considered especially sacred. In these areas, access may be restricted or special protocols may be in place to protect them. Visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners and to treat the land with care and reverence.
Lonely Planet’s best experiences list
But wait – there’s more! Alongside its Top Places Hotlist, Lonely Planet also released its Top Experiences Hotlist for 2026 – and it features not one, but two Aussie mentions.
The list, which highlights 25 must-have experiences for travellers in the upcoming year, includes Victoria’s Bathing Trail in 10th place and Melbourne’s foodie scene in 17th place – worthy additions indeed.
