Ikara-Flinders Ranges named among world’s top destinations
The Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Outback has just been named one of the world’s top travel destinations for 2026—the only Australian location to feature on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list.
This international recognition puts South Australia’s ancient outback landscapes on par with global icons such as Peru and Mexico City, celebrating the region’s deep history, raw beauty, and cultural significance.
Long admired for its rugged scenery, Aboriginal heritage, and prehistoric wonders, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges offers travellers a rare connection to the past.
Within its ancient rocks lie fossils that mark the earliest evidence of complex life, making it one of the most significant geological sites on Earth.
From the sweeping amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound to the ochre-red ridges that glow at dusk, this landscape tells stories that have shaped both land and culture for millennia.
This new accolade follows a wave of recognition for South Australia.
Adelaide was recently named Yahoo! Creators’ #1 Best Place to Travel in 2026, and the state was crowned Best Event State at the 2025 Australian Event Awards.
Together, they highlight South Australia’s growing reputation as a world-class travel destination.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the Lonely Planet listing is a milestone moment.
“South Australians know the Flinders Ranges and Outback is one of the world’s best destinations, and now it’s official,” she said.
Bettison added that the timing couldn’t be better, with the region edging closer to UNESCO World Heritage status.
“As the only Australian destination to make the list, this global recognition strengthens its standing as a must-visit region for travellers everywhere.”
For Lonely Planet, the choice was clear.
Senior Director Chris Zeiher described the Ikara-Flinders Ranges as “one of the world’s most breathtaking environments perfectly primed for the world to discover in 2026.”
Each destination on the Best in Travel list is chosen through real recommendations from the Lonely Planet team and local experts, ensuring every pick reflects genuine and meaningful travel experiences.
Every year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel celebrates destinations that embody authenticity, sustainability, and transformation.
For the Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Outback, this honour recognises its incredible natural and cultural heritage—and the people who continue to protect and share it.
The rest of the world may just be discovering it, but for South Australians, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges has always been a timeless treasure waiting to be explored.
