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

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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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).


See the full list here .

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis 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, 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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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.