Melbourne and Victoria are gearing up to offer an unparalleled travel experience in 2026. The region is set to host a series of high-profile sporting events, open new luxury accommodations, and introduce innovative wellness destinations. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a foodie, or someone seeking relaxation, Melbourne and Victoria have something special in store for you.
The state’s dynamic atmosphere is further enhanced by its ever-evolving food and drink scene, ensuring that visitors will have a memorable and enriching experience. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the serene landscapes of regional Victoria, there’s no shortage of excitement and beauty to explore.
Global Sporting Spectacles
Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital is set to reach new heights with a series of landmark international events. The city will host Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game at the MCG on Friday, September 11, 2026. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will kick off at 10:35 AM AEST, marking a historic moment for sports fans.
The 150th Anniversary Test is another highlight, scheduled for March 11-15, 2027. This special one-off match between Australia and England will celebrate cricket’s rich legacy, commemorating 150 years since the first Test at the MCG and 50 years since the unforgettable Centenary Test.
Marvel Stadium is also introducing new experiences, including 365 Tours that offer year-round access behind the scenes. Additionally, a new Roof Climb experience is scheduled to launch later in 2026. In 2027, Melbourne will host the Men’s Rugby World Cup featuring high-impact matches with home nations Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.
Major Hotel Openings and Developments
Victoria’s accommodation pipeline is expanding, offering visitors a mix of luxury, wellness, and immersive regional stays. The Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton has opened, introducing a new level of globally recognized accommodation to one of Melbourne’s most iconic inner-city precincts.
Levantine Hill in the Yarra Valley will welcome a new hotel complex designed by Fender Katsalidis architects in October 2026. This architecturally stunning addition will provide 33 rooms for weekend escapes, weddings, events, and conferences. Near Warrnambool, Yumakiah Coastal Retreats is expected to open in late 2026, offering a distinctive coastal accommodation experience.
The Saint Kilda Beach Hotel is undergoing a transformation and will reopen as the Novotel St Kilda in October 2026. The hotel will feature 80 redesigned rooms, a new Urban and Kitchen bar, and several function and event spaces.
New Additions to the Great Victorian Bathing Trail
Victoria is investing in world-class wellness sanctuaries across its regions. Phillip Island Hot Springs an oceanfront thermal springs experience, is targeting a December 2026 opening. This addition will further enhance Victoria’s growing wellness tourism offering.
The 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort is due to open in 2027 on a 79-hectare Great Ocean Road site. It is expected to become Australia’s largest hot springs bathing destination, combining wellness, accommodation, dining, and premium visitor experiences.
Nature and Adventure in Regional Victoria
Victoria is enhancing its nature and tourism offering with major conservation projects and new cultural experiences. Wilson’s Promontory National Park will become Victoria’s largest conservation sanctuary by the end of 2026. A roughly 10-kilometer, $6 million+ predator-proof fence across the Yanakie Isthmus is designed to eradicate introduced predators and deer, creating a secure climate refuge for over 150 threatened species.
The Eastern Maar Cultural Tourism Programme will introduce new guided walking tours and on-country experiences aimed at supporting community members as tour guides from 2026. The Eastern Maar First Peoples are actively designing and implementing new interpretation experiences across their Country in southwest Victoria.
The highly anticipated 12 Apostles Visitor Centre will be complete by the end of 2026, changing how visitors experience the region. It will provide safer and easier access to nature’s greatest attractions while protecting the environment and cultural history at this spectacular location.
Victoria’s Ever-Evolving Food and Drink Scene
Melbourne continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading food and drink destinations. Côte Basque by Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann will open in the former Becco site on Crossley Street in Melbourne’s CBD. Scheduled to open this winter, Côte Basque will offer a European grill inspired by the Basque coast.
The new Transit Rooftop Bar will reopen this spring, suspended above Federation Square and looking out across the Yarra and city. This all-day and late-night bar and restaurant will feature food by Tony Twitchett, cocktails by Matt Linklater, and music by renowned artists.
