The National Geographic’s annual Best of the World list, compiling the magazine’s top 25 places to travel around the world, has listed the Murray River as the only Australian destination for 2025.

The list is created by National Geographic’s photographers, editors, and travel experts, who encouraged tourists to “cruise through the agrarian heart of Australia”.

“When you get to experience the Murray River’s beauty most days as I do, it’s certainly no surprise that this gorgeous destination has been recognised by National Geographic,” Murray River Lakes and Coorong tourism development manager Greg Stirling said.

“We have an incredible diversity of experiences on the river from the expansive cliff tops that sit underneath the globally renowned international dark sky reserve, and span all the way to where it meets the seas in the Lower Lakes and the Coorong National Park.

“There’s no place like it in the world.”

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The Murray River is one of the longest in the world. Photo: Great Walks of Australia

Australia’s longest river and the third longest navigable river in the world, the River Murray stretches 2508 kms across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Destination Riverland general manager Kate Gillespie said the river was a “truly magical environment”.

“With its breathtaking cliffs, lush backwaters teeming with native wildlife, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll see anywhere on Earth.

“The National Geographic listing recognises not only the beauty and uniqueness of the river, but also the extensive experiences on offer along its length to travellers.

“It’s a place where you can cruise through the heart of nature’s wonderland while indulging in the premium food and wine nurtured by its waters.”

Photo: Department for Environment and Water

Murray Regional Tourism recorded 6.2 million visitors in 2022 – 2023, with a $2.4 billion spend across 8.3 million nights spent in the region.

In South Australia, the Riverland region saw 322,000 overnight visits in 2023, two per cent of which were international visitors, and 71 per cent of which were from South Australia.

National Geographic editor-in-chief Nathan Lump said he saw the annual list as an “invitation to get out and explore”.

“This year, at a time of uncertainty and difficult challenges, that feels more important than ever. My hope is that our 2025 list is a reminder that there’s still so much to be excited about, and that through travel, we can connect with joy and hope,” Lump said,

Other destinations on the 2025 list include Northland in New Zealand, Greenland, the Cenobitic Monasteries in Italy, and Abu Dhabi.