The Northern Territory is having its moment on the world stage, with The New York Times ranking the Top End No.14 globally in its annual 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026.
The New York Times ranked the NT ahead of major international destinations, including Los Angeles (No.16), Nagasaki, Japan (No.17) and Memphis (No.19).
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.
In addition to the global recognition of the Territory’s Red Centre, new highlights include Uluru Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, opening this April, and Kakadu National Park’s re-opened Gunlom Falls.
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,” she said.
“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.
