Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park has been named in National Geographic‘s ‘Best of the World 2026‘ list of the “most awe-inspiring, meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the upcoming year”.
National Geographic says the ‘Best of the World’ is “the definitive guide to the top destinations to visit in 2026”.
“From Rwandan safaris to Pittsburgh museums, this year’s edition encourages readers to rethink how they travel, embracing deeper connections with nature, culture and communities,” the esteemed, Washington D.C.-headquartered travel publisher said.
The fabled Red Centre landmark is the only location in Australia featured in the 25 most diverse destinations globally, handpicked by National Geographic’s global community of editors, travel contributors and international partners.
National Geographic has positioned Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa in the same field of other destinations such as The Dolomites in Italy, Yamagata Prefercture in Japan, Türkiye’s Black Sea Coast and the Basque Country of Spain. Or cities and towns including Manila in the Philippines; Beijing, China; Banff, Québec and Vancouver in Canada; Rabat in Morocco, and Hull in Yorkshire, England. And even entire countries; namely Dominica in the Caribbean; South Korea and Fiji.
In fact, Fiji and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa were among only four destinations that made Nat Geo’s ‘Best in the World’ grade, located in the Southern Hemisphere, alongside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Akagera National Park in Rwanda.
Four U.S. locations were also in the Top 25. They were North Dakota’s Badlands, Pittsburg in Pennsylvania; Maui in Hawaii and Route 66 (in Oklahoma), which celebrates its centennial in 2026.
National Geographic says its curated selection of ‘Best of the World’ destinations aspires to “inspire travellers,” and includes “something for everyone: families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more”.
“This year’s list stands apart by featuring destinations that celebrate distinctive cultural moments, one-of-a-kind events and experiences, awe-inspiring natural wonders and sustainable travel.”
“At Nat Geo, we know that travel has the power to inspire and transform us,” said Nathan Lump, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic.
“In this year’s Best of the World, we especially wanted to highlight unexpected destinations that the algorithms are probably not serving you — for instance, Uzbekistan’s Khiva or Rwanda’s Akagera National Park,”
“Of course, we know that not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure, so we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveller you are, our goal is to ensure we’re sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience.”
Of the top 25 destinations, National Geographic’s Readers Choice winner was Banff, Canada.
View the full Best of the World 2026 list, with more details, here.
