Sydney has won Bronze in the World's Most Desirable City category at the 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
The United Kingdom’s biggest consumer-voted travel awards attracted 4.8 million votes from more than 200,000 readers of the country’s longest running and largest travel magazine by circulation, Wanderlust.
Now in their 24th year, the awards determine the most desirable cities, regions, countries, and emerging destinations, while also celebrating the top destinations for adventure, culture, nature, culinary excellence and sustainability.
The award was accepted by Destination NSW Acting Regional Manager UK & Europe Daliah von Harten.
Readers praised Sydney for its coastal beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Australia also won Gold in the Most Desirable Destination for Adventure category. Adventure seekers applauded its wild landscapes and outdoor experiences.
The awards ceremony brought together hundreds of leaders in the travel industry at London’s National Gallery on 5 November 2025. Destinations, tour operators and airlines were honoured across 22 categories.
Wanderlust Editor-in-Chief George Kipouros said: “For more than two decades, the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards have reflected the unique voice of the Wanderlust traveller: discerning, passionate and endlessly curious.
"This year’s winners show that travel is evolving, thanks to a renewed sense of purpose, connection and respect for the places we love.”
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards wins will elevate NSW as a destination with thousands of United Kingdom travellers who are seeking authentic experiences, driving further growth of the NSW visitor economy.
The United Kingdom has been identified by the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 as a ‘star performing’ market for the state. NSW attracted 334,000 visitors from the United Kingdom in the year ending June 2025, who spent $844.4 million during their visit.
View the full list of 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards winners here.
