Central Australia has been named among Lonely Planet’s World’s Top 25 Experiences for 2027 – the only Australian experience to make the prestigious, global list.It follows a stellar year of global recognition, with the Top End ranked #14 in the world by The New York Times and Central Australia named among The Wall Street Journal’s 10 best places to visit in 2026. Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering the infrastructure, services, and investment we need to grow our visitor economy – particularly in our regions.
The global spotlight has turned to our ‘Dark Sky Territory’ in spectacular fashion, as Central Australia achieves a remarkable tourism feat.
Iconic global brand, Lonely Planet, has placed the Territory in its Top 25 Must-Do Experiences for 2027, telling its 60 million readers to “Immerse yourself in art in the Red Centre”.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the latest accolade was tangible proof that the world couldn’t get enough of the Territory.
“Earlier this year, the New York Times named the Top End a must-visit destination. Now, we have the world’s biggest travel influencer painting Central Australia as a one-of-a-kind experience,” Minister Boothby said.
“As we reduce crime, rebuild the economy, and restore our lifestyle, we’re making headlines and attracting unprecedented attention – for the right reasons!”
“The world is discovering authentic cultural experiences you can only find here in the Territory, whether it’s the record-breaking events like Paartjima Festival of Lights and Desert Mob, installations like Wintjiri Wiṟu and the Field of Light, or the trail of art centres like Nyinkka Nyunyu in Tennant Creek and Many Hands in Alice Springs.”
“Our job now is to continue turning that global interest into investment, as we attract visitors to some of the furthest-flung regions of the Territory to spend more, stay longer, and experience Territory stories and the Territory spirit for themselves.”
Minister for Arts, Jinson Charls, said: “Central Australian artists continue to shape Australian art, and make a huge impact on the visitor experience, as their creativity and unique stories create jobs and attract visitors to experience it first-hand. That’s why we continue to invest in the Territory’s creative economy, particularly in our regions.”
Lonely Planet Destination Editor for Oceania Jessica Lockhart said: “These experiences aren’t just visually impressive – they also give travellers greater insight into the landscape and its Traditional Custodians.”
Acclaimed artist and owner of Art Tours of Australia, Anna Dakin, said: “Central Australia is a soup of creativity – from the trail of Aboriginal art centres to iconic installations and events like Paartjima. The vast ancient landscape are an endless source of inspiration for artists, both for visitors and the custodians of the culture that has shaped this place.”
“It’s exciting to see this magical, bubbling place recognised in Lonely Planet, and the increasing investment in the Red Centre for tourism and art. You can’t get this anywhere else.”
The announcement comes as the Finocchiaro CLP Government invests in elevating cultural tourism in Central Australia as part of its ambitious Visitor Economy Strategy, with:
New Visitor Information Centres at Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and YularaNT Experience Fund co-investments to deliver J&L Outback Experience’s Kurrku Cultural Stay in Petermann and the Ridgy Didge Creations visitor experience in Alice SpringsA multi-year funding agreement to deliver Desert Mob in Alice Springs though to 2030Over $30 million to local galleries through the Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program
Minister Boothby concluded: “In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are proving that there’s no better place to live, work, visit, invest – or immerse yourself in art and culture – than right here in the Northern Territory, and the results speak for themselves.”
