Kangaroo Island has been included in the New York Times’ annual top 10 places to visit in the world this year.

The annual 52 Places to Go list for 2023 includes Kangaroo Island in seventh place between Palm Springs, California, and Vjosa River, Albania.

It is a huge endorsement for the island, which was devastated by widespread bushfires during the summer of 2019-20.

Writer Besha Rodell says Kangaroo Island is known for its “incredible wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and its status as an ecological haven – like a zoo without fences”.

Ms Rodell says the island is now more compelling than ever to visit with the famous Southern Ocean Lodge to reopen “grander and better than before”.

The only other Australian destination to feature in the list was Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which was ranked 29th.

This year’s list focuses on the rebound of international travel and highlights the best of food, culture, adventure and natural beauty.

The New York Times is a daily newspaper with about 8.6 million digital subscribers and 740,000 paid print readers.

To read more about Kangaroo Island and the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2023 list, visit: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html

Quotes

Attributable to Susan Close

Our national parks provide some of the most unique landscapes on the planet and I’m really pleased this has been recognised by the New York Times.

The island is recovering from some of the worst bushfires we have ever seen, and I encourage visitors from all over the world to see this unique haven for themselves.

Attributable to Zoe Bettison

Every South Australian knows Kangaroo Island is a special place and now the world can get a glimpse into this magnificent destination.

This type of international recognition is priceless in terms of what it does for tourism and I’m sure KI is now being added to a few international traveller bucket lists.