LORD HOWE Island has been named one of the world's top 10 regions for 2020 by Lonely Planet.
The island is the only Australian destination to make the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2020 being ranked the fifth on the book's list of top 10 regions.
Also making the top five were Central Asian Silk Road at number one, Italy's Le Marche in second place and Thoku in Japan in the third spot. Maine, USA pipped Lord Howe Island to the fourth position.
Best in Travel 2020 is Lonely Planet's 15th annual collection of the world's hottest destinations and journeys for the year ahead. The best-selling, inspirational travel yearbook highlights the top 10 countries, cities, regions, and best-value destinations that Lonely Planet's experts recommend for 2020.
"Parked in the middle of nowhere 600km off the Australian coast, this visually stunning island makes an instant impact on the senses with its jaw-dropping World Heritage-listed beauty," writes Lonely Planet.
"Two soaring green mountains overlook a perfect lagoon and the world's southernmost coral reef; perfect crescents of beach and splendid hiking trails through the lush forest add to brilliant outdoors possibilities.
"This onetime volcano's isolation makes it a refuge for many endemic species, as well as plentiful birdlife," Lonely Planet says.
"The island is a shining example of sustainably managed tourism; only 400 visitors are allowed at any time, and you are encouraged to participate in a series of ecological projects. Lord Howe's remoteness and manageable size make it an idyllic escape."
Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions 2020:
- Central Asian Silk Road
- Le Marche, Italy
- Thoku, Japan
- Maine, USA
- Lord Howe Island, Australia
- Guizhou Province, China
- Cadiz Province, Spain
- Northeast Argentina
- Kvarner Gulf, Croatia
- Brazilian Amazon
Australia is also represented on a number of the book's other top lists for 2020.
Great Southern's new luxury train route between Adelaide and Brisbane was named eight in the Best New Opening list while Mount Mulligan Lodge, built on a working cattle station, in Queensland was named fifth Best New Place to Stay.
Melbourne's Di Stasio Citta, which opened in February this year, came eight on the Best New Food Experiences list and Tasmania was named ninth Best Sustainable Trip for Families.
"Tasmania is a magical place for families. From treetop walks to messing about in boats, and from frolicking on the sand to the family-friendly 'Discovery Ranger' activities available in the national parks, there's plenty to keep everyone happy; and the beauty of it is distances are small," wrote Lonely Planet.
"There's also a strong ethos of using locally sourced (and delicious!) produce and a long-term sustainable approach to wildlife conservation and wilderness protection."
Each year, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet's community of staff, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. The nominations are then whittled down by a panel of travel experts.
Other Best in Travel 2020 highlights include:
- The Top 10 Countries to visit in 2020: Bhutan, England, North Macedonia, Aruba, eSwatini, Costa Rica, The Netherlands, Liberia, Morocco, and Uruguay
- The Top 10 Cities to visit in 2020: Salzburg, Austria; Washington, DC, USA; Cairo, Egypt; Galway, Ireland; Bonn, Germany; La Paz, Bolivia; Kochi, India; Vancouver, Canada; Dubai, UAE; and Denver, USA
- Top 10 Best Value Destinations to visit in 2020: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia; Budapest, Hungary; Madhya Pradesh, India; Buffalo, USA; Azerbaijan; Serbia; Tunisia; Cape Winelands, South Africa; Athens, Greece; and Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2020 (RRP 27.99) is out now.