Oceania and the South Pacific have long attracted travelers with their stunning landscapes. The islands are characterized by lush greenery and vibrant blue waters. Volcanic peaks rise majestically from turquoise lagoons, while daily life is influenced by the sun, sea, and surf. This region is home to the world’s largest coral reef and some of the oldest living cultures, enriching the travel experience.
How Voting Works
Every year, for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to share their opinions on travel experiences worldwide. Participants showcase their views on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, and more. This year, nearly 165,000 readers participated in the survey, marking a 25 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic participation. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties.
Islands were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Natural attractions/beaches
- Activities/sights
- Restaurants/food
- People/friendliness
- Value
Respondents rated each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these ratings.
What Readers Loved
As always, French Polynesia remains a favorite among iBestTravel readers, with three out of the five winning islands located in this exotic territory. Tahiti, an archipelago of 118 islands, retained its position at No. 5 from last year. A reader described it as the “most beautiful place in the world.”
Bora Bora, known as the pearl of the South Pacific, holds onto its No. 3 spot, with a voter stating it is “one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.” Moreover, Fiji ranked as the readers’ No. 2 favorite, not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its welcoming people and rich culture. One voter remarked, “The world would be a much better place if everyone was as kind and gracious as the Fijians.” Another described it as “beautiful islands with lots of diversity, friendly individuals, and great value.”
However, despite the praises for these far-flung destinations, it was the renowned Great Barrier Reef—an iconic natural wonder off the coast of Queensland—that secured the top position as readers’ favorite islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific for 2023.
The Winner
The Great Barrier Reef: Australia
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Encompassing more than 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef stands as the world’s largest coral reef system and is renowned for its vibrant marine life. A returning reader shared, “I’ve stayed on Hamilton Island twice, once in 1988 and again in 2019 before the pandemic. I would go back tomorrow if I could. I cannot imagine a better place to stay and to experience the Barrier Reef. There is so much to do, and the area’s natural beauty is unparalleled. I just love the island and the people of Australia.” In recent years, Australia has intensified its conservation efforts to protect the vulnerable reef, implementing various citizen science projects that allow eco-conscious visitors to contribute to preserving the ecosystem. Additionally, newly renovated resorts such as the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and The House at Lizard Island enhance the appeal of this natural wonder.
The Full List
1. Great Barrier Reef Islands: Australia
Reader Score: 96.11
2. Fiji Islands
Reader Score: 92.29
3. Moorea: French Polynesia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Reader Score: 92.15
4. Bora-Bora: French Polynesia
Reader Score: 90.80
5. Tahiti: French Polynesia
Reader Score: 84.20
