The Great Barrier Reef Islands have been recognised in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, earning a place among the Best Islands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific as voted by the publication’s global readership.
Now in its 31st year, the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are among the travel industry’s most influential accolades, celebrating the destinations and experiences that continue to inspire discerning travellers around the world. This year, more than 207,000 readers cast over 661,000 votes across more than 10,000 travel experiences, recognising the places they return to and recommend most highly.
For Luxury Lodges of Australia, the recognition is a celebration of one of the country’s most extraordinary natural destinations and the exceptional luxury experiences found within it. Across the Great Barrier Reef, members of the collection offer guests privileged access to this World Heritage-listed wonder, each showcasing a unique perspective on one of Australia’s greatest natural treasures.
On Hamilton Island, qualia is renowned for its secluded pavilions, exceptional dining and immersive reef experiences. Further north, Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island offer complementary island escapes, from the intimate luxury of Orpheus to the exclusive-use privacy of Pelorus, surrounded by pristine reefs, secluded beaches and the Coral Sea. At the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island combines barefoot luxury with unrivalled access to some of the reef’s most spectacular dive sites and marine environments.
The inclusion of the Great Barrier Reef Islands in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards reflects the enduring appeal of this remarkable region and reinforces its place among the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
Luxury Lodges of Australia congratulates all those who contribute to showcasing the Great Barrier Reef’s extraordinary beauty and hospitality, and celebrates the continued recognition of this iconic Australian destination on the global stage.
