The only Aussie destination on Lonely Planet's Top Places Hotlist

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.

Ikara-Flinders Ranges, South Australia — Ikara-Flinders Ranges stole fifth place on Lonely Planet’s hotlist. (Image: Emile Ristevski)

“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.

Arkaba Homestead, South Australia — Arkaba Homestead is a Luxury Lodge of Australia (Image: Isaac Forman)

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.

Hit the hay at these incredible stays.

Stretching 430 kilometres from Crystal Brook in South Australia’s mid-north to the glittering salt lakes on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the Flinders Ranges is a vast and alluring region that simply begs to be explored. One of the most accessible parts of the Australian outback, it’s a land of sun-bleached river reds towering over arid plains, ancient mountain ranges that light up with a fiery glow every evening and a night sky illuminated by millions of stars.

But settlements are few and far between in this vast wilderness, so it’s vital to do a little planning when deciding where to stay. Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury, a family-friendly caravan park or a remote campsite to share with the local wildlife, read on and you’ll find the perfect Flinders Ranges accommodation option for every type of trip.

1. Arkaba Homestead

Price: $$$$$

If you want to get a taste of outback life without roughing it in the slightest, start saving up to visit this former sheep station that’s been transformed into a 25,500-hectare wildlife conservancy.

the Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges — Arkaba Homestead is formerly a sheep station. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

There’s only room for ten guests at a time in the 1851 Arkaba homestead , and they have the run of the property with included activities including guided bush walks, 4WD safari drives and birdwatching excursions.

an aerial view of the luxury lodge in Arkaba Homestead — Go off-grid at Arkaba Homestead. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Add in meals prepared by a chef who makes liberal use of the onsite garden, an inviting outdoor pool and an extensive wine selection and this eco-retreat boasts everything you could want (except wi-fi, because the owners want guests to get out and explore).

the luxury lodge in Arkaba Homestead, Flinders Ranges — There’s only room for ten guests at a time. (Image: Isaac Forman)

2. Rawnsley Park Station

Price: $-$$$$

You could spend weeks exploring the 12,000-hectare property at Rawnsley Park Station, and almost as long checking out all of the accommodation options.

the Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges — Immerse yourself in nature at Rawnsley Park Station. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

A well-vegetated campground and budget cabins are perfect for families travelling on the cheap, while the comfortable holiday units are a step up and include decks so you can enjoy views of the weathered sandstone ranges that encircle the property.

the deck at Rawnsley Park Station accommodation — Enjoy outback views from your deck. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

But once you greet the day with mobs of roos and brilliantly coloured ringneck parrots circling the roomy decks outside the premium eco-villas, you won’t want to leave.

a woman standing in the outdoor pool area at Rawnsley Park Station — Cool off after a busy day. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

3. Prairie Hotel

Price: $$$$

More than simply a place to stay while visiting the region, this legendary pit stop is a destination in itself.

an aerial view of the Prairie Hotel in the Flinders Ranges — The Prairie Hotel is a destination in and of itself. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Thousands of travellers make the pilgrimage to the onsite restaurant every year to sample a smorgasbord of native proteins, but it’s worth sticking around until sunset to see nearby ranges glowing bright red like a giant ember.

an al fresco seating and dining at Prairie Hotel, Flinders Ranges — Relax with a drink in hand. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Once night falls, relax with a drink in the stylish private lounge before retiring to one of the Prairie Hotel’s country chic rooms decorated with cowhide rugs and contemporary artwork.

a top view of the Prairie Hotel, Flinders Ranges — Prairie Hotel is a legendary pub and accommodation. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Wilpena Pound Resort

Price: $$$

Love the idea of camping but not so keen on long drops and creepy crawlies? Then the circle of 15 glamping tents at Wilpena Pound Resort has your name on it.

a woman relaxing inside her tent at Wilpena Pound Resort — Go glamping at Wilpena Pound Resort.

Each safari tent includes a kingsize bed, ensuite bathroom, fridge and aircon so you can relax in comfort, but the private deck and firepit keep you connected to the natural environment.

a couple sitting by the fire outside their tent at Wilpena Pound Resort — Sit by your private firepit.

You’ll also find a bricks-and-mortar resort and campsites at the only accommodation located within Ikara (Wilpena Pound), and a range of guided tours run by the Adnyamathanha traditional owners help you to take in both the sublime natural beauty and the rich cultural history.

a guided tour at Wilpena Pound — Join a guided tour around the scenic Ikara (Wilpena Pound).

5. Jacka Brothers Brewery Guesthouse

Price: $$$

Founded in 1840, Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and it’s no surprise that it also housed the region’s first brewery. After lying vacant for some 90 years, the bar in the fortress-like four-storey brewery recently began pouring beers again and the former bottling plant next door is also being put to good use. Now functioning as a boutique B&B, Jacka Brothers Brewery Guesthouse has four spacious bedrooms arrayed around an enormous common area that’s ideal for entertaining. And while original elements including giant timber trusses and solid masonry have been preserved, a thoroughly modern kitchen and ensuites allow guests to enjoy a very comfortable stay.

6. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Price: $-$$

At the far northern end of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the main hub of the breathtakingly beautiful Gammon Ranges.

an aerial view of the Arkaroola Village — Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the main hub of the Gammon Ranges. (Image: Matthew Storer)

A caravan park with powered sites and bush camping gives you front-row views of the 60,000-hectare property, while those who prefer a roof over their heads can choose from a range of suites, incredibly well-priced motel-style rooms and several self-catering cottages.

camping under the stars at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary — You can sleep under the stars. (Image: Matthew Storer)

Just don’t expect to spend a lot of time inside: days are spent tackling the 4WD tracks that cross this formidable landscape and nights are devoted to starwatching at one of three onsite astronomical observatories.

Under The Stars Tour at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary — Stargaze at one of three onsite astronomical observatories. (Image: Matthew Storer)

7. Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Price: $

One of the last stops before the tarmac gives way to the Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks, the former coal mining town of Leigh Creek once boasted a population of 5000 but is now home to fewer than 100 permanent residents. The upside of that is that guests at the Leigh Creek Outback Resort can access the local swimming pool, gym and tennis and squash courts.

Less a traditional resort than a collection of ’70s-era motel rooms and cabins spread over several streets, it also has an affordable restaurant and is located near the supermarket and shopping precinct.

the bedroom at Leigh Creek Outback Resort — Rest your head at the budget Leigh Creek Outback Resort.

8. Flinders Ranges Motel

Price: $

Quorn is one of the first major towns you’ll encounter as you approach the Flinders Ranges from the south, and the grand two-storey pubs lining the main street give a sense of its former importance. A dozen motel rooms located behind the town’s former mill are basic but spacious, and the location at the end of the main street means it’s a short walk to all the main sights. Friendly owners Paul and Kylie can point you in the right direction if you want some local tips, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to stay in and play with Fez the friendly house cat instead.

For more inspiration and itinerary tips, read our travel guide to the Flinders Ranges.

The only Aussie destination on Lonely Planet’s Top Places Hotlist 2026