Every year, the publication Lonely Planet, comes out with a list of 50 top destinations to visit, and for travel in 2027, Australia has two mentions.

The Lonely Planet publications and their other media channels reach millions of travellers every year, so it’s a big deal to make their lists and the two Australian regions are well deserving of their placings.

We’ve been on caravan holidays to both of the regions that made the cut, so here are my tips for the best in travel 2027…The Red Centre, and The Tweed region.

The Red Centre

The heart of Australia, this region includes the town of Alice Springs as well as the incredible natural rock formations of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka (Kings Canyon National Park).

The Anangu people are the custodians and first nations people of this area and you can take part in Aboriginal cultural tours, see rock art as you walk through spectacular canyons, buy art in Alice Springs and feel fully immersed in the spiritual draw that these ancient rock formations have.

The best time to visit the red centre is in the winter months from June through to September, when temperatures average a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. Being a desert area though, temperatures do dip sharply at night so make sure to be prepared.

Many people may not be aware that the main attraction of Uluru is actually 465 kilometres from the town of Alice Springs, and a destination that you need to stay in and experience over a few days.

Uluru is simply amazing and the closer you get to it, the more of a deep effect it has on you, don’t ask me why, but it definitely has an aura to it. There are numerous ways to see and feel the grandeur of ‘the rock’, including a self-drive around, Segway tours, motorbike tours and different walks to take, so it’s up to you how best to see the monolith which is 9.4 kilometres in circumference and 348 metres tall.

Some things that are an absolute must are, to see the rock at sunrise and sunset, and witness the changing colour and life in the desert and also go and experience ‘Field of Light’, the magical Bruce Munro light installation that transforms the desert environment into an ethereal garden of 50,000 lights.

For caravanners and campers, you can stay within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at the campground, which is the closest place to stay near the rock and other attractions.

Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga) is around 40 kilometres west of Uluru and is a series of rock domes that are just as incredible to see up close. There are a number of walking trails to take to experience the landscape as well as a dune viewing area to watch the changing colours at sunset.

Another must see in the red centre is Watarrka – Kings Canyon National Park which is 324 kilometres north east of Uluru. There is a caravan park there, and some terrific walks to take in and around the canyon.

The degree of difficulty varies on the walks so make sure to read up on them and decide what suits your abilities best. There is everything from a 2.6 walk along Kings Creek to reach the floor of the canyon right up to the Kings Canyon Rim Walk which is a more demanding 6 kilometre walk, but the staggeringly beautiful vistas are worth it, if you can.

Alice Springs is a further 328 kilometres north east from Kings Canyon and it’s a destination that you can easily spend another week in, with more incredible landscapes to discover in the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

Gorges, waterholes to swim in, rock art, towering gum trees and more stories await in Alice Springs and the MacDonnel Ranges, and there are a few caravan parks to stay in that cater for families with all the bells and whistles or smaller parks including the G’Day Mate Tourist Park, which suited us being within walking distance to the Alice Springs Brewing Co.

The Red Centre is well worthy of its place on the list of 50 Best in World Travel Destinations for 2027.

The Tweed Region

This region of northern New South Wales is the other Aussie destination on the list and the area covers the Tweed coast, valley and river, a region roughly between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast in Queensland.

When we visited we stayed at the Big4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park which has incredible facilities and a tidal billabong within the park. It’s a great base for discovering this region which has a whole host of nature trails, wellness activities and beaches with world class waves and surf breaks as well as nearby forests, mountains and rivers.

A must see is the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, an art gallery that also has beautiful views of the hinterland area and is a noted regional art gallery, often featuring exhibitions of famous Australian artists. Nearby you can also immerse yourself in the green and gorgeous nature of the World Heritage listed Wollumbin National Park.

Throughout the Tweed region you’re also spoilt for fresh produce with local markets, and a whole host of cafes and restaurants to try.

The Tweed, is another worthy standout region that features in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2027.

Enjoy your travels,

Glenys