The Northern Territory (NT) is having its moment on the world stage, with a run of major international travel outlets naming the NT among the world’s best places to visit in 2026 from the tropical Top End to the spiritual heart of the Red Centre.
In January 2026, The New York Times ranked the Top End #14 globally in its annual 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, ranking ahead of major international destinations including Los Angeles (#16), Nagasaki, Japan (#17) and Memphis (#19). Highlighting the Territory as a must-visit destination, the recent widespread media coverage shone a spotlight on the region’s wild landscapes, thousands of ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites, and Kakadu National Park’s re-opened Gunlom Falls.
The Territory’s Red Centre was also firmly in the global travel spotlight, with Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026, including recognition of new ways to experience the national park with Anangu Traditional Owners on the new Uluru Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, opening in April this year.
Meanwhile, Condé Nast reinforced the Territory’s 2026 appeal, naming Uluru in The Best Places to Go in 2026, highlighting high-tech light-and-sound shows Sunrise Journeys and Wintjiri Wiṟu, and the 10th anniversary of Bruce Munro’s Field of Light installation.
Condé Nast also called out Darwin in its Oceania-focused 2026 list, highlighting the city’s growing creative energy, markets and major event calendar that sees it punch above its weight as a travel destination. Special mentions were the Darwin Street Art Festival, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin Festival and the revitalised waterfront.
The international momentum continued with the BBC’s 2026 travel list also including Uluru, adding to the Territory’s standout run of global accolades.
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop said the recent international accolades reaffirmed the Territory’s prominence among global travellers, with the NT coming in as the highest Australian destination on The New York Times’ 2026 list.
“It’s great to see the hard work of our team come to fruition where now the world is seeing what we have always known.
“The wave of global recognition reflects what travellers are craving right now: authentic culture, epic landscapes, meaningful experiences and a sense of discovery.
“Over the last few months, some of the world’s most influential travel editors have pointed to the NT as the place to go in 2026 – and they’re right.
“Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, heading to BASSINTHEGRASS music festival in the Top End, exploring the iconic Parrtjima festival in Alice Springs, or basking in the beauty of sunrise and sunsets at Kings Canyon, the NT is ready and it’s never looked better,” she said.
International editors praised the Top End’s incredible nature and wildlife, ancient stories, and unforgettable open-air adventures anchored by icons like Kakadu National Park.
The Red Centre was listed as one of the world’s most profound landscapes, with new guided multi-day walking experiences and deeper cultural connection shaping what 2026 travel looks like.
