It’s official – Kangaroo Island is one of the hottest travel destinations on the planet.
The iconic South Australian location has been ranked Number 2 in the Lonely Planet’s Top Regions Hotlist, finishing just behind the Western Balkans' Trans Dinarica Cycling Route but ahead of famous tourist destinations like Tuscany, which finished third.
Kangaroo Island was the only Australian region to make the list.
Lonely Planet praises the island as a premier eco-tourism destination which offered distinct local produce, abundant native wildlife, natural experiences, and some of the nation’s most pristine beaches.
The list aims to inspire potential travellers to plan a holiday in 2024, focusing on trending sectors like eco-tourism and slow travel.
Nominations for the list were made throughout the year by Lonely Planet’s community of staff, contributors from around the world, and publishing partners.
Winning destinations were then selected by a panel of travel experts who assessed topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor, and the destination’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.
The global recognition for Kangaroo Island comes as the $55 million Southern Ocean Lodge rebuild on the west coast of the island gets set to open to guests in early December.
An added experience for visitors to the region in 2024 will be the new multi-million-dollar development of The Cliffs Kangaroo Island – a ‘bucket-list’ destination golf course which is set to open next year and promises to attract golfing enthusiasts from across the globe.
Latest tourism data shows Kangaroo Island has reached an all-time high visitor expenditure. At $294 million spent by visitors in the year to June 2023, it is a record-high and well surpasses the region’s target of $199 million set for December 2025.
Lonely Planet senior director of trade sales and marketing Chris Zeiher said that Kangaroo Island provided a “quintessential Australian travel experience”.
"It is blessed with amazing beaches, offers delicious food, wine and spirits experiences, and delivers on the drama when it comes to outdoor adventures," he said.
"And then there’s the wildlife! It’s been much lauded of late but 2024 is the year that Kangaroo Island will be set to capitalise on all of the accolades.
"Get there before the rest of the world works it out – 2024 is the year to pop KI on your travel list.”
LONELY PLANET’S TOP TEN REGIONS FOR 2024
- Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycling Route
- Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Tuscany, Italy
- Donegal, Ireland
- Pais Vasco, Spain
- Southern Thailand
- Swahili Coast, Tanzania
- Montana, USA
- Saafelden Leogang, Austria
- Far North Scotland
