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We’ve made it to the start of yet another year, and you know what that means – it’s officially time to start locking in your 2026 travel plans. So, where to go? Time Out’s global team of editors have put together a mega list of the best places to travel in 2026 – complete with tips on planning the perfect trip in each. From offbeat towns to culinary hotspots and far-flung islands, there’s something for every type of traveller – including one stunning slice of paradise in Australia.
With a coastline that stretches for thousands of kilometres, it’s no surprise that our island nation is fringed by more than 8,000 smaller islands. Our top pick for your 2026 travels is none other than Rottnest Island – a protected West Coast nature reserve famed for its beautiful beaches, car-free roads and smiley quokkas.
Known to the Traditional Noongar Owners as Wadjemup, and affectionately as ‘Rotto’ by locals, this mindblowingly beautiful slice of paradise has long been a favourite for day trippers, just a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or 90 minutes from Perth. This year, visitors have even more reason to stay awhile with the island’s newest luxury stay, The Lodge Wadjemup, unveiling its dreamy poolside rooms in mid-2025. At the start of summer, the island also added pickleball courts, Aboriginal cultural experiences and a new accessible boardwalk at South Thomson for scenic strolls. But let’s be real – Rotto’s secluded bays and friendly quokkas make it worth the visit any time of year.
Also featured on Time Out’s recommended places to visit in the world in 2026 is Norfolk Island – an often-overlooked external Australian territory in the South Pacific Ocean. Just a 2.5-hour flight from mainland Australia, Norfolk feels like a world away, with historic charm, uncrowded beaches and unspoilt natural beauty. Whatever pace you’re after, the island delivers: you can stroll through World Heritage-listed convict ruins, hike in peaceful pine forests, uncover the island’s fascinating Pitcairn past, or swim at pristine beaches – including Emily Bay Lagoon, crowned Australia’s third-best beach in 2025.
Ready for a global adventure? Discover more destinations recommended by Time Out’s editors for 2026 here.