National Geographic has revealed their ‘Best of the World’ list for 2025. These recommendations highlight the best places in the world to travel to next year, and one iconic Australian river made the list. Take a trip to the Murray River, and drift over 2,700 kilometres from the mountains of north-eastern Victoria out to the ocean near Adelaide. This special place is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and the Nile. It was also the only Australian destination to make it to the list.
Murray River – Best of the World
The Murray was declared as one of the best places to travel to next year, partly thanks to the launch of the new PS Australian Star. This luxurious vessel from Murray River Paddlesteamers will take eager travellers on multi-night cruises from Echuca next year. Stretching 35 metres long, this will be the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere. It will also be the only wood-fired, five star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
“The Murray is an Australian icon rich in culture, nature and history and we’re delighted the river and our overnight paddlesteamers have been voted as world-class experiences for 2025,” said Murray River Paddlesteamers Director Craig Burgess. “Our new, five-star vessel, Australian Star, will revolutionise overnight river cruising in Australia when she begins cruises next year, drawing new high-yield domestic and international visitors and lucrative tour group business to the Murray region.”
Embark on three, four or seven-night cruises aboard the riverboat next year. When you’re not in the fine-dining restaurant or relaxing in one of the outdoor areas, have fun with trips to historic sites, riverside BBQs, wine tastings and more shore excursions.
Of course, you can also experience the Murray River in other ways. Visit river towns like Albury Wodonga, Echuca Moama, Swan Hill or Mildura, go fishing, hop on a bike, go kayaking and more.
Find the Murray River in the Best of the World list here.