Lonely Planet names Aussie small town as best destination 2019

Some people have long held the view that Australia is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and Lonely Planet has just validated those beliefs.

The 2019 Best in Asia Pacific destinations have just been announced by the travel authority, and one unassuming Australian location has topped the list. And, just to bring this into perspective, the list included tourist hot spots such as Singapore, Japan, Fiji, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Margaret River in Western Australia has won the Best in Asia Pacific, thanks to the craft breweries, boutiques, wineries and beaches in the region.

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It's official! Margaret River and Southern WA named Best in Asia Pacific by @lonelyplanet Sometimes it can be hard to put into words what makes this place so special but we think @lonelyplanet are pretty spot on: "Take one look at Meelup Beach and you'll wonder where it's been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is typical of the coastline stretching from Margaret River to the state's south. Beyond the sand, some of the country's slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants lie between tracts of tall-tree forest and kangaroo dotted farmland." 📷 @russellordphoto

“Take one look at Meelup Beach and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is typical of the coastline stretching from Margaret River to the state’s south. Beyond the sand, some of the country’s slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants lie between tracts of tall-tree forest and kangaroo-dotted farmland,” wrote Lonely Planet judges.

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Get out of your comfort zone! That's what the Margaret River region is all about. Boranup Forest in particular is one spot where you can totally disconnect from the day to day norm and reconnect with nature. Find Boranup Drive on the map and follow the dirt road through towering karri trees and lush ground cover as you wind your way deep into the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It's the perfect place for folks just looking to escape it all for a couple of hours and reconnect with their true selves. 👌 . 📸 - @amyanninwonderland

Here’s the rest of the list for Best in Asia Pacific 2019

Margaret River, Western Australia
Shikoku, Japan
Bay of Island and Northland, New Zealand
Singapore
The Cook Islands
Central Vietnam
Fiji
Palawan, Philippines
Beijing, China
Cambodia

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Can you believe the @busseltonjettyofficial is 153 years old!? Construction of the Busselton Jetty began in 1865. Tourism in the 1880s began to increase and the Jetty was also used as a stopping point for many passenger ships, this began Busselton's life as a tourist town. Further extensions were made throughout the following 100 years creating the remarkable 1.841 kilometre length it is today, making it the longest wooden piled Jetty in the world. After more than a century of use and servicing over 5000 vessels, the Jetty officially closed as a Port in 1972. Once closed to shipping, government funding for maintenance ceased. Following the decline of funding and the crippling effects of Cyclone Alby in 1978, a community group was formed to raise funds for much needed restoration and maintenance. Between 1987 and 2003, the community organisation now known as the Busselton Jetty Inc raised sufficient funds to replace 50% of the Jetty structure, establish the train service and construct the iconic Underwater Observatory and Retail Centre. In 2011 a $27 million refurbishment of the jetty structure was completed upgrading it to the incredible visitor hot spot it is today! . 📷 - @philippkahrer . #themargaretriverregion #margaretriver #capetocape #westernaustralia #australia #thisiswa #westisbest #seeaustralia #justanotherdayinwa #westsouthwest #australiassouthwest #amazingwa #exploringaustralia #ig_discover_australia #icwest #instagood

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Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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