Condé Nast’s latest “Best Places to Go in 2026” list has surprisingly shifted the spotlight away from Sydney’s world-famous harbour and onto the Western suburbs, with Parramatta singled out as one of the standout destinations in Australia. Sydney’s second CBD is quickly evolving into a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and development with new museums, major infrastructure projects, and a steady stream of new hotels reshaping the west and offering travellers a fresh perspective on what Sydney has to offer beyond the coast.
Best Places to Go in 2026 by Condé Nast
The publisher spotlighted destinations “where familiar places are being reimagined with fresh energy.” Fittingly, Parramatta’s inclusion comes as it undergoes major changes, led by the upcoming Powerhouse Parramatta, set to be the largest museum in New South Wales, and the soon-to-open Western Sydney International Airport. Condé Nast noted that “Sydney’s hip second centre is getting its time in the sun with the arrival of Australia’s largest museum and an enviable restaurant scene.” The Powerhouse will anchor a new cultural precinct along the river, while the airport will open Western Sydney to the world, cutting travel times and boosting tourism across surrounding suburbs.
Parramatta’s growing food and events scene is also part of the draw. Church Street offers a variety of cuisine from around the world, while Harris Park boasts some of the best Indian food in the country. Meanwhile, the buzzy Parramatta Lanes festival brings the streets and laneways to life with a diverse offering of live music, art installations, dance, pop-up eateries, and more.
Sitting on the banks of the Parramatta River, the suburb is also home to some of Australia’s oldest heritage landmarks, from the Old Government House to Elizabeth Farm, sandstone churches, colonial buildings, and more that nod to its role as one of Australia’s earliest settlements.
Port Stephens also earned a mention on the Condé Nast list, recognised for its laid-back coastal charm and incredible scenery. Other Australian destinations highlighted for 2026 include Adelaide, Darwin, King Island, Margaret River, Perth and Uluru, each recognised for offering something unique, from outback scenery to wine regions and coastal escapes.
Read the full list here.