The world's most reputable travel hot list is out, with only two Aussie entries
One's a city and one's a state; can you guess?
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the New York Times' 52 Places to Go lineup is one of the travel world's most reputable guides, so it's gratifying to discover two Australian destinations featuring in its 2025 edition. Sydney leads the charge, appearing in the 10th spot thanks to the city's brand-new - and rather world-class - Metro train network, the $60-million refurbishment of the legendary Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and the imminent opening of the new Sydney Fish Market.
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Western Australia appears on the 42nd spot for being the home of Australia's Longest Electric Vehicle Network, which - when completed later this year - will connect 110 charging stations along 7000 kilometres, from Kununurra in the north to Esperance in the south. Other destinations to have made the cut include the southwest of England, which will erupt this year with events celebrating the 250th birth anniversary of Jane Austen, and the Galapagos Islands, which has doubled the entry fee ("a good thing," the newspaper says) to $US200 ($324) per person for the first time in 26 years, directing more funds towards conservation.
Keeping it cheap and cheerful
Almost three in five - or 56 per cent of Australians - are keen to book a holiday in January to boost morale, according to a new report by Skyscanner. Despite the enthusiasm, travellers face challenges, says the report based on a survey of about 2000 people. For 63 per cent of the respondents, cost is a significant barrier. Skyscanner has, therefore, analysed millions of airline fares for 2025 and come up with a list of domestic and international airports that are likely to result in the cheapest holidays.
Ballina in NSW, Launceston in Tasmania, Hamilton Island in Queensland, Broome in WA and Uluru in the NT are the local stars on the list, while Queenstown in New Zealand, George Town in Malaysia, Chongqing in China, Honolulu in the US and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina promise the most pocket-friendly holidays overseas.
Rotto's hot new haunt
Everyone should visit Perth's Rottnest Island at least once in their life: if not for some of the country's most scenic beaches and cycling trails, then for the Instagram-friendly quokkas. And the opening of the Lodge Wadjemup is an excellent reason to tick the island off your bucket list: check in to one of the Lake rooms, which are not just super-spacious but also face the famous salt lakes of the island, which is often pink in colour. thelodgewadjemup.com
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Festive fever
It's hard to believe, but autumn is not far away. It's a season when some of Australia's most magnificent festivals take place - and the time to book a trip to one is now. Here are three we love. Parrtjima - A Festival in Light will return to Alice Springs from April 4-13, with a stellar calendar of free workshops, music, talks, and stunning light installations.
The Bright Autumn Festival (from April 25 to May 4) would be a great opportunity to check out the fiery fall foliage in and around the Victorian town, while Tasting Australia (from May 2-11) will showcase the freshest South Australian produce and a chance to learn from famous chefs. parrtjimaaustralia.com.au; brightautumnfestival.org.au; tastingaustralia.com.au
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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