Margaret River and the South West region has topped this year's Lonely Planet Best in Asia Pacific list of destinations, with the travel media company highlighting the region's environmental diversity, local culture and food and wine industries.
Beating out destinations such as New Zealand's Bay of Islands, Fiji, Singapore and Central Vietnam, the Margaret River region-based food festivals and world renowned surf also rated a mention.
"Take one look at Meelup Beach and you'll wonder where it's been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is typical of the coastline stretching from Margaret River to the state's south," said Lonely Planet in announcing the 2019 list.
"Beyond the sand, some of the country's slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants lie between tracts of tall-tree forest and kangaroo-dotted farmland.
"Locals have long felt their turf rivals the east coast travel trail; now, 17-hour direct flights from London to capital city Perth put it at Europe's fingertips.
"Adding to the argument are coveted food and culture-amped festivals, from Gourmet Escape to Truffle Kerfuffle and Taste Great Southern.
"There's also amazing surf, whales aplenty and DIY coastal hikes with paved sections, improving accessibility for all."
Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region were included on the Best in Asia list for the first time this year.
Western Australian Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the announcement would further boost the South West's profile to international tourists.
"The south-west of WA is more than just a destination - it's a hotspot for once-in-a-lifetime experiences - and it's wonderful that a travel organisation as reputable as Lonely Planet agrees with these sentiments," he said.
"This accolade will give the region even more exposure in our key international markets, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong."
In the year ending December 2018, the Australia's South-West region had 3,371,100 visitors who spent $1.61 billion. Margaret River alone had 1,690,800 visitors in the same period - an increase of 8.9 per cent on the previous year.
Tourism group applauds announcement
The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) has welcomed the announcement of the region's top placing in the 2019 Lonely Planet Best in Asia Pacific list of destinations. The badge of honour marks the first time an Australian destination has taken out the top spot since Lonely Planet's Best In lists started 15 years ago.
MRBTA Joint chief executive officer Sharna Kearney said the recognition was a major coup for the region.
"To see Margaret River topping this list, ahead of really high calibre destinations is hugely exciting and reinforces the region's desirability for visitors," Ms Kearney said. "Our natural assets and the incredible experiences available to visitors are increasingly recognised on an international stage and this is something the entire region can be proud of."
Ms Kearney said the association had channelled a significant amount of funds generated through its operations towards marketing efforts in South-East Asia over the past two years, with a particular focus on Singapore, bolstered by the International Wine Tourism Grant.
The activity has included co-funded campaigns with Expedia, development of a new podcast launching in August and in-market events under the Margaret River On Tour brand.
"The announcement will no doubt add a well-received boost to the region's marketing efforts and we look forward to opportunities to leverage off our title as the Best in Asia Pacific." Margaret River On Tour will see over 30 of the region's wineries, breweries, experiences and events descend on Singapore and Malaysia in August.
