Global travel authority Lonely Planet has named Australia’s Red Centre as one of its top five regions to visit in 2019.

The Central Australian region came in at number four on Lonely Planet’s annual list, which helps set the travel agenda for the year ahead.

Lonely Planet made special mention of Uluru, saying “At the spiritual heart of Australia’s Red Centre is the country’s most recognised natural wonder, Uluru. In 2019, this sacred site is finally closing to climbers, almost 150 years after explorers decided to ‘conquer the rock’. Instead, visitors will find that this World Heritage site – recognised for its outstanding natural and cultural values – conquers them.”

The company encourages visitors to “Learn about the unique world view of the traditional Custodians of this place and see the stars and the desert with new eyes.”

Lonely Planet also praised the other attractions of the Red Centre, including Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Alice Springs.