Lonely Planet has set the global travel agenda for the coming year and the Northern Territorys iconic Red Centre has emerged as one of the Top Five Regions on the planet to travel to in 2019.
The spiritual heart of Australia is the only Australasian destination to make Lonely Planets hotly contested Best in Travel lists of Top 10 Regions, Countries & Cities for 2019, and ranks fourth in the world alongside Piedmont, Italy (#1); The Catskills, USA (#2) and Northern Peru (#3).
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss said the announcement is about recognising the Traditional Owners and tourism operators in Australias spiritual heartland who work tirelessly to share stories and culture with visitors.
Lonely Planets Best in Travel shines the global spotlight on the entire Red Centre the MacDonnell Ranges, on Kata Tjuta, on Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon, in addition to the unique art, culture, characters and operators in Australias outback.
Litchfield National Park is the most visited park in the Top End, was included in Lonely Planets Best of Travel Honours for 2019 for Best New Openings.
The listing reinforces the importance of the Territory Labor Government turbocharged investment in developing and opening up new areas and make it even more attractive to visitors.
More than $12 million has been allocated to open five new swimming spots, 4WD tracks, new campgrounds and picnic areas, with all works due to be finalised by March 2019.
