Tasmania’s Launceston and Tamar Valley, along with Victoria’s Murray River are officially bucket list destinations thanks to National Geographic and Lonely Planet’s Best Travel Lists for 2025.

 

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 and National Geographic’s 25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2025 are go-to sources for the most up-to-date places to travel to, so it’s quite the achievement to be included.

 

Murray River Kayaking – A Warm and Lazy Overnight Loop Paddle for One, Emily Scott, sunset, river

Sunset on the Murray River | @dallasfly

The Loney Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 List

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list is in its 15th year now and highlights 30 stunning worldwide destinations, curated by the massive team of Lonely Planet travel experts.

The list has three categories featuring ten destinations selected for their topography, unique attributes, experiences, and commitment to sustainable and ethical travel.

Launceston and Tamar Valley placed fourth on the list of Top Regions for 2025.

Lonely Planet’s Top Regions for Travel 2025:

  • Lowcountry, South Carolina and Georgia
  • The Terai
  • Chiriquí
  • Launceston and the Tamar Valley
  • Valais
  • Giresun and Ordu
  • Bavaria
  • East Anglia
  • Jordan Trail
  • Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge

National Geographic’s Best Places in the World to Travel in 2025

National Geographic’s annual list is curated by Nat Geo’s team of travel experts and highlights the most one-of-a-kind travel experiences for the year. These include up-and-coming destinations and timeless locations that offer a range of experiences, as well as those that support sustainable travel.

National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025:

  • Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
  • Boise, Idaho
  • Ocala National Forest, Florida
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Barbados
  • Cerrado, Brazil
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Guadalajara, Mexico
  • Cork, Ireland
  • Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
  • Outer Hebrides, Scotland
  • Greenland
  • Brasov, Romania
  • Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
  • Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Tunisia
  • Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Senegal
  • Suru Valley, India
  • Raja Ampat, Indonesia
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Kanazawa, Japan
  • Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
  • Northland, New Zealand
  • Murray River, Australia

About Launceston and Tamar Valley

The Tamar Valley is the heart of Tasmania’s wine region and runs from Launceston to the Bass Strait. The landscape is stunning and at only 70km from Launceston, it makes the perfect day trip or weekend destination.

Launceston is known globally for its food and wine scene and with unique tourism offerings and experiences right on its doorstep, it’s no surprise to Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Jeremy Rockliff, that this region has made the list.

‘It’s the tourism and hospitality industry and our communities who provide unforgettable experiences, produce, and beverages that showcase the best of what our regions have to offer’, Premier Rockliff said.

Read more: Guide to a Weekend Escape in Wild Tamar

 

A bicycle leaning against a rock wall

Photo thanks to Wild Tamar

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

See Event Details See More Events
Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

About the Murray River

The Murray River in Victoria is the third-longest navigable river in the world, coming in after the Amazon and Nile Rivers. It covers over 2,500km from northwest Victoria to the Great Australian Bight near Adelaide, running through stunning red gum forests and coastal regions. The wildlife in this area is epic, home to 350 bird varieties and many species of fish, reptiles, and mammals.

Hire a houseboat, cruise on your canoe, or just head out on a day-long fishing trip, the Murray River offers a range of experiences, allowing visitors to explore the true beauty of the area.

Read more: The Murray Region is Swimming in Riverside Adventures

 

 

Feature image thanks to @ben.savage

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