TIME World’s Greatest Places 2025 lists 3 unique Aussie experiences

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Three unique Australian experiences have been included in this year’s list.

TIME has just revealed its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, highlighting 100 exciting destinations to visit or stay at in 2025. Australia has once again earned its spot among the world’s must-visit locations, with three wonderful experiences being included in the mix.

The list features a diverse selection of destinations that stand out for offering new, exciting, and unforgettable experiences to travellers. TIME editors explain, “Each year, TIME solicits nominations—including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more—from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through an application process, with an eye toward those offering fresh and thrilling experiences. The result: 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay at this year."

Here are the Australian places that made the list this year:

The Ghan

The Ghan Time World's Greatest Places List 2025

The Ghan is one of the most famous and scenic train journeys in the world.

As Australia’s most famous and historic train journey, it’s easy to see why The Ghan has made the list. Since its first cross-country journey in 1929, the 2979-kilometre, 54-hour Ghan route has whisked passengers from Adelaide to Darwin through the heart of the Red Centre. Adventurers travel past sacred Aboriginal sites, vast deserts, ancient mountain ranges, and remote outback landscapes. The recently updated Art Deco cabins bring an extra layer of romance and luxury to the experience, making this unforgettable journey even more extraordinary.

The Lodge Wadjemup

The Lodge Wadjemup Time World's Greatest Places 2025

Experience the beauty of Rottnest Island from this luxurious resort.

Rottnest Island: home to the adorable quokka and some of Australia’s most spectacular beaches and bays. This tiny island off the coast of Perth has recently been gifted with a revitalised accommodation offering to enhance guests’ experience of its natural beauty. Named after the traditional owners’ name for Rottnest Island, The Lodge Wadjemup resort has received a $40 million redevelopment with 46 new boutique-style rooms and 56 refurbished rooms. While the island’s idyllic landscapes encourage exploration, the resort’s two pools, coffee and soft-serve ice cream kiosk, and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving fresh Western Australian produce might tempt you to stay put a little longer.

Stage 1 of the development is now open, with Stage 2 coming mid 2025.

Bluey’s World

Time World's Greatest Places list 2025 Bluey's World

Bluey’s World offers an immersive experience into the playful Aussie universe.

Bluey may be a children’s show, but you’re not alone if you’ve found yourself glued to the couch watching it too. In fact, it was the most-watched show in the United States in 2024, according to Nielsen. The Australian setting and culture give it a distinct charm, and the opening of Bluey’s World in Brisbane offers fans a chance to experience the beloved show in real life. This immersive event celebrates the phenomenon with activities like a dance party in Bluey and Bingo’s wardrobe and decorating jumbo-sized pavlovas in the family’s kitchen. It’s easily the cutest addition to this year’s list. (Watch our first look in the video below).

 

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See the full list here.

Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and gin connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, along with an English major from The University of Sydney, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

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JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

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Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

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Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

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Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

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The Ninch Lindenderry

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The Fullerton Staircase

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Glenayr Farm hot tub

Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

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Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

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