Which two Aussie places have been deemed TIME’s ‘world’s greatest’?

TIME has come back with its third annual collection of the ‘world’s greatest places’, and taking the lead among Australia’s many incredible destinations are just two spots.

To compile this list, TIME solicited nominations of places — including countries, regions, cities and towns — from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

The land Down Under’s first mention in the list was Kangaroo Island. ‘Rising from the ashes’, as TIME put it, Kangaroo Island has recovered from the devastating 2019-20 bushfires that saw 40 per cent of its kangaroos and approximately 40,000 koalas killed during the disaster.

The US-based publication highlighted the Island’s natural beauty, which has recovered over the past couple years due to local touring groups, conservation efforts and preserves that have nurtured the highly coveted destination.

The piece spotlights this resilience by praising Baillie Lodges’ Southern Ocean Lodge, which was burned down during the bushfires. Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie said the recognition in the TIME World’s Greatest Places 2023 list was a wonderful boost of encouragement as the team prepared to reopen the globally celebrated luxury lodge in December this year.

“We are full steam ahead on the build on the coast of Kangaroo Island and we can’t wait to reopen Southern Ocean Lodge and welcome guests back to this special part of the world once again,” Baillie said.

Australia’s other mention in the article was Brisbane, making it the only Australian city to take a spot in the list.

While praising the QLD capital’s ambitious infrastructural advancements ahead of hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games, TIME showcased Brisbane’s natural beauty and bustling culture that places it amongst the world’s best.

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner told the ABC that he was thrilled with the news, emphasising the impact it could have for inbound tourism.

“It’s really exciting — Time Magazine has 20 million subscribers around the world,” Schrinner said.

“It’s obviously a global publication, and this is just one of those things that helps elevate Brisbane from a tourist point of view.

“It means opportunities and jobs for Brisbane people and customers for Brisbane small businesses, so there’s a whole range of great things about this,” he said.

For the full list of TIME’s ‘world’s greatest places 2023’ click here.

Featured Image: Kangaroo family on the beach of Lucky bay, Esperance, Western Australia (iStock/Hideaki Edo)