TRAVELRAGS

Victoria

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CitiesMelbourne15Collingwood2Port Melbourne2Ballarat1Beechworth1Belgrave1Benalla1Box Hill1
Digest

See. National Gallery of Victoria See impressive international artworks and varied exhibitions for free. Great Victorian Bathing Trail↗ Connects natural springs, spas, and sea pools for unique water experiences. Australian Grand Prix Catch the F1 season opener at Albert Park, a major annual sporting event. RAAF Museum Discover Australia's aviation history at the oldest continually operating military airfield.

Eat. Bench Coffee Co Try their creamy espresso tonic in the Central Business District. Lune Croissanterie Join the line for boldly flavored seasonal cruffins in the CBD.

Stay. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne A top-rated hotel in Australia by Condé Nast Traveler readers. W Melbourne A highly-rated hotel recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

Condé Nast TravelerOct 6, 2026

15 Best Hotels in Australia and New Zealand 2026: Readers’ Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

14 hotels in this story
  • The Ritz-Carlton, MelbourneHotelMelbourne, AustraliaExperience the gold standard of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.
  • Capella SydneyHotelSydney, AustraliaCapella Sydney: Luxury 5 star hotel with bespoke service, fine dining, and world-class amenities in the heart of Sydney.
  • Roki CollectionHotelUnknown, New ZealandLuxury meets adrenaline in Queenstown, the Southern Hemisphere’s adventure capital.
  • Shangri-La SydneyHotelSydney, AustraliaLocated in the Rocks overlooking views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Shangri-La Sydney offers…
  • The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, HobartHotelHobart, AustraliaTake your pick of rooms in three buildings of starkly different eras in a first-of-its-kind Hobart hotel that matches…
  • Park Hyatt AucklandHotelAuckland, New ZealandThe 2021-opened Park Hyatt Auckland looms like a glass palace beside Waitematā Harbor in Wynyard Quarter, the docklands…
  • Cordis, AucklandHotelAuckland, New ZealandThe Cordis Hotel, Auckland is a luxury hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Emporium HotelHotelUnknown, AustraliaFrom the fantastically funky red lobby to the zebra-print ironing boards, every trait of the Emporium is by design.
  • The Langham, SydneyHotelSydney, AustraliaFive-star retreat The Langham, Sydney occupies a quiet spot in historic quarter The Rocks, within walking distance of…
  • The Ritz-Carlton, PerthHotelPerth, Australia
  • W MelbourneHotelMelbourne, Australia
  • Pihopa RetreatHotelUnknown, New Zealand
  • The LouiseHotelUnknown, Australia
  • Lancemore Lindenderry Red HillHotelRed Hill, Australia
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Smithsonian MagazineSep 17

A Tiny Town in the Italian Riviera Has Its Own Version of Focaccia, and Let This Be a Warning—It's Addictive

Unlike the pillowy-soft focaccia that’s more widely known, focaccia di Recco is thin, crispy and filled with gooey cheese

18 things in this story
  • Prahran MarketMarketLocated on Commercial Road near Chapel Street, it was established in neighbouring Prahran in the 1860s, before moving…
  • Flower DrumRestaurantIt is frequently booked months in advance.
  • Top PaddockCaféAll-day café and restaurant at 658 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121.
  • RoccellaRestaurantWelcome to Roccella, all day Italian restaurant Melbourne, looking over the beautiful Fitzroy gardens.
  • A1 BakeryBakeryOur birthplace and flagship store in Brunswick, where A1 Bakery began as a Lebanese bakery in Melbourne.
  • Very Good FalafelRestaurantOpen Monday to Friday, 11AM - 8:30PM & Saturdays, 11AM – 5PM.
  • WaxflowerBarWaxflower Bar - Open Tues to Sun: 12 to 11PM - Seasonal food, coffee, local beers, carefully selected wines and a…
  • Simply SpanishRestaurantExperience award-winning authentic Spanish paella at Simply Spanish in South Melbourne.
  • CIBICaféJapanese-inspired cafe & design store in Collingwood, Melbourne.
  • Bench Coffee CoCafé
  • WarkopCafé
  • GimletRestaurant
  • MinamishimaRestaurant
  • LuneBakery
  • MarionPark
  • Mirror Mirror Rooftop LoungeRestaurant
  • Coventry BookstoreSight
  • SavannaPark
Read the full piece at Smithsonian Magazine →

Lonely PlanetSep 17

What to Eat and Drink in Melbourne

Australia’s cultural and sporting capital is also one of the world

18 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 10

19 of the Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne

There are countless ways to spend your time in Melbourne – from time in nature to live music and the arts – and, often, these activities are totally free.

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 9

The Best Neighborhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne has a wonderful collection of neighborhoods, each with a distinct character. Here

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 9

Melbourne's Chic and Affordable Food Scene

Eclectic, energetic and experimental, Melbourne’s stylish and affordable food scene is the envy of the world.

9 things in this story
  • South Melbourne MarketMarketMelbourne, Australiabustling, boutique market
  • Lune CroissanterieRestaurantMelbourne, Australiatry the seasonal cruffin
  • Il Mercato Centrale MelbourneMarketMelbourne, Australiathree-level marketplace with over 20 vendors
  • BottegaRestaurantMelbourne, AustraliaAustralian spin on modern Italian cuisine
  • Juju’s DeliRestaurantMelbourne, Australiatry the Chicken Schnitty Sanga
  • Beit SitiCaféCoburg, Australiaserves incredible Palestinian food
  • Waxflower BarRestaurantCoburg, Australiasample their "minimal interference" wine selection
  • Hotel JesusRestaurantCollingwood, Australiastreet tacos that will transport you directly to Mexico
  • Hanoi MeeRestaurantPort Melbourne, Australiamouthwatering caramelized pork hock
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 8

The Best Car-Free Day Trips from Melbourne

From forest trails to steam railways, these inspiring spots around Melbourne make for great day trips, and none of them require a car to reach.

17 things in this story
  • Yarra ValleyNeighborhoodMelbourne, AustraliaVictoria's oldest wine region, known for cool-climate wines
  • Hanging RockSightWoodend, AustraliaPicnic site made famous by a novel and film
  • Holgate BrewhouseRestaurantWoodend, AustraliaPopular spot for a snack or beer
  • Yering StationRestaurantYarra Glen, AustraliaOldest vineyard, tastings in 1859 winery building
  • Helen's HillRestaurantLilydale, AustraliaFamily-run winery producing chardonnay and pinot noir
  • Hop ItPlaceMelbourne, AustraliaDaily hop-on, hop-off bus tour into the Yarra Valley
  • Sovereign HillMuseumBallarat, AustraliaHistorical village recreating gold rush era
  • Hope BakeryBakeryBallarat, AustraliaOne of several places to eat in Sovereign Hill
  • United States HotelRestaurantBallarat, AustraliaDining room in Sovereign Hill
  • Ballarat Wildlife ParkZooBallarat, AustraliaLocal attraction near Sovereign Hill
  • Art Gallery of BallaratMuseumBallarat, AustraliaAcclaimed local art gallery
  • Warburton Rail TrailTrailLilydale, Australia38km walking and cycling route through Upper Yarra Valley
  • French IslandSightWestern Port Bay, AustraliaIsland national park with off-grid living
  • Naturaliste ToursPlaceFrench Island, AustraliaOffers tours of French Island in an ex-mining vehicle
  • Pobblebonk SwampSightFrench Island, AustraliaLocated on French Island, home to resident frogs
  • French Island General StoreRestaurantFrench Island, AustraliaThe island's only shop, offering lunches and bike rental
  • Puffing Billy RailwayAttractionBelgrave, AustraliaRestored steam train ride through Dandenong mountains
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 3

12 Things to Know Before Going to Melbourne

With top tips on everything from gratuity and transit to health and safety, here

16 things in this story
  • Royal Botanic GardensGardenMelbourne, AustraliaGardens with First Nations guided tours.
  • Koorie Heritage TrustMuseumMelbourne, AustraliaIt holds over 100,000 items in its collection from paintings and artefacts through to books, videos and photographs.
  • Yarra ValleyNeighborhoodMelbourne, AustraliaWinery-packed region for day trips.
  • BallaratNeighborhoodMelbourne, AustraliaHistoric gold rush city for day trips.
  • Aunty Peg’sRestaurantCollingwood, AustraliaTop-notch third-wave coffee outlet.
  • Swan StreetNeighborhoodRichmond, AustraliaStreet in Richmond with dining and shopping.
  • Brunswick StreetNeighborhoodFitzroy, AustraliaStreet in Fitzroy with dining and shopping.
  • Smith StreetNeighborhoodCollingwood, AustraliaStreet in Collingwood with dining and shopping.
  • Chapel StreetNeighborhoodMelbourne, AustraliaRetail zone stretching from South Yarra to Windsor.
  • Hosier LaneSightMelbourne, AustraliaGraffiti-covered laneway in the CBD.
  • Melbourne Cricket GroundSightMelbourne, AustraliaVenue for Australian Rules football.
  • FitzroyNeighborhoodMelbourne, Australia
  • RichmondNeighborhoodMelbourne, Australia
  • CarltonNeighborhoodMelbourne, Australia
  • Flinders Street StationTrain stationMelbourne, Australia
  • Bunjilaka section of Melbourne MuseumMuseumMelbourne, Australia
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraAug 28

Unusual Picnic Places Around the World

There’s nothing quite like a picnic surrounded by friends and family, soaking in the sun, sharing snacks, and enjoying the sounds of nature. Whether you prefer to use one big blanket, sit at a table with benches, or plop right onto the grass, it’s the perfect good-weather get together (and a great excuse to load up on delicious food). With this guide, you’ll find a picnic spot that’s guaranteed…

13 sights in this story
  • Old Zoo Picnic AreaSightLos Angeles, United StatesRemnants of the first zoo with picnic tables and grills.
  • Sports CitySightAmman, JordanCrumbling complex with drained pools and empty gymnasiums.
  • Bomi Blue LakeSightTubmanburg, LiberiaAbandoned pit mines filled with spring water, open for swimming.
  • Christy Buchanan’s SHE Garden & GallerySightWinnsboro, United StatesFolk garden with found objects, Love Shack, and bicycle arch.
  • Old Wardour CastleSightTisbury, United KingdomRestored castle estate, favorite for picnics and weddings.
  • Woolshed FallsSightBeechworth, AustraliaReclaimed by nature, with natural showers, baths, and waterslides.
  • Tuzluca Salt MinesSightTuzluca, TurkeyMedieval salt caves with a boardwalk and picnic tables.
  • Gravelly Point ParkParkArlington, United StatesPark with close-up views of aircraft approaching the airport.
  • La PlantaSightSan Agustín Etla, MexicoFormer water-powered electric power plant with sweeping city views.
  • Al Wathba Fossil DunesSightAbu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesUnique desert landscape shaped by winds and sediment.
  • Tiger CaveAttractionMahabalipuram, IndiaCarved with 11 tiger-esque heads, likely a former portico.
  • Sa StiddiosaSightGadoni, ItalyGentle waterfall translating to 'dripping', with a river for bathing.
  • The Dick Lane VelodromeSightEast Point, United States1/5-mile track with banked turns, a point of civic pride.
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetAug 28

19 of the Best Places to See Yayoi Kusama’s Art Around the World

See the iconic works of artist Yayoi Kusama at these museums, sculpture gardens and public spaces around the world.

20 things in this story
  • Gardens by the BayParkSingaporeFeatures Kei-Chan, a large-scale figure of a girl.
  • Echigo-Tsumari Art FieldMuseumTokamachi, JapanHome to Tsumari in Bloom, a large-scale floral piece.
  • Crystal Bridges Museum of American ArtMuseumBentonville, United StatesCounts two pieces, including Infinity Mirrored Room - My Heart Is Dancing.
  • Yayoi Kusama MuseumMuseumTokyo, JapanFounded by Kusama herself to honor her accomplishments.
  • Benesse House MuseumMuseumNaoshima, JapanFeatures Kusama’s most famous polka-dot pumpkin sculpture.
  • Matsumoto City Museum of ArtMuseumMatsumoto, JapanHome to Kusama's largest outdoor sculpture, Visionary Flowers.
  • Towada Art CenterMuseumTowada, JapanFeatures eight polka-dot-spackled sculptures titled Love Forever.
  • NGVArts centreMelbourne, AustraliaHome to four works, including the vast Dancing Pumpkin.
  • Art Gallery of OntarioGalleryToronto, CanadaLocated on Dundas Street West in the Grange Park neighbourhood of downtown Toronto, the museum complex takes up 45,000…
  • The BroadMuseumLos Angeles, United StatesBoasts two infinity rooms, not always open; check online.
  • Rubell MuseumMuseumMiami, United StatesOngoing display of three interactive works, including Narcissus Garden.
  • WNDR MuseumMuseumChicago, United StatesImmersive-art site with Love is Calling and a recorded poem.
  • Mattress FactoryMuseumPittsburgh, United StatesHolds two Kusama installations on long-term display.
  • Phoenix Art MuseumMuseumPhoenix, United StatesFeatures the mixed-media infinity room You Who Are Getting Obliterated.
  • InhotimNature reserveBrumadinho, BrazilOpen-air museum with a version of Narcissus Garden.
  • Galeria Yayoi KusamaGalleryBrumadinho, BrazilGateway to two installations: I'm Here, But Nothing and Aftermath.
  • Les Tulipes De Shangri-LaPublic artworkLille, FranceKusama’s 7m-tall fiberglass and concrete sculpture.
  • Shine of LifeSightOslo, NorwayKusama’s largest Nordic sculpture, made of cast iron tentacles.
  • Infinite AccumulationPublic artworkLondon, United KingdomSite-specific work outside Liverpool Street station.
  • Gleaming Lights of the SoulsSightHelsingør, DenmarkAn infinity room with a central reflecting pool.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

AfarAug 21

An Australian Road Trip Built Around Swimming, Soaking, and Sauna

From tidal pools to surf beaches, every stop along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail offers a different way to dive in.

15 things in this story
  • Great Victorian Bathing TrailTrailConnects natural springs, spas, and sea pools, opened in 2024
  • Elsewhere
  • Koorie Heritage TrustMuseumMelbourne, AustraliaFirst Peoples cultural center in downtown Melbourne
  • Arthurs SeatSightMornington Peninsula, AustraliaA 1,000-foot granite hill with views over Port Phillip Bay
  • Cape SchanckNature reserveMornington Peninsula, AustraliaCape…
  • Alba Thermal Springs & SpaHotelMornington Peninsula, AustraliaHas 25 pools heated to 98.6-109.4 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Peninsula Hot SpringsSightMornington Peninsula, AustraliaCreated 20 years ago by drilling a 2,000-foot bore
  • Lon Retreat & SpaHotelPoint Lonsdale, AustraliaBoutique affair with seven rooms, set on a farm
  • Eastern BeachSightGeelong, AustraliaArt deco bathing complex with a 1927 brick pavilion
  • Soda SpringSightHepburn Springs, AustraliaTastes like flat seltzer, balances blood pH
  • Locarno SpringSightHepburn Springs, AustraliaFizzier, higher levels of calcium and magnesium
  • Sulphur SpringSightHepburn Springs, AustraliaHas a rotten-egg stench, aids detoxification
  • Hepburn Bathhouse & SpaHotelHepburn Springs, AustraliaOffers a 90-minute pass with glass-walled baths
  • KadotaRestaurantDaylesford, AustraliaJapanese fine dining restaurant run by Chef-owner Aaron Schembri
  • Lake DaylesfordSightDaylesford, AustraliaCreated in 1929 to add to the spa town's appeal
  • Moonah ForestSightPoint Lonsdale, Australia
Read the full piece at Afar →

Lonely PlanetAug 14

10 tips for seeing Melbourne on a budget

Ah, Melbourne...this city will enrich your soul but empty your bank account. Here

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 14

4 fabulous road trips from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia

The most intriguing routes between Australia’s two biggest cities.

24 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 24

The 9 best Formula 1 circuits in the world

Check out these stalwarts of the Formula 1 circuit for the best race experiences.

9 things in this story
  • Circuit de MonacoPlaceMonte Carlo, MonacoPrestigious street circuit winding through Monte Carlo.
  • Albert ParkSightMelbourne, AustraliaCircuit surrounding Albert Park Lake in Melbourne.
  • Suzuka CircuitPlaceSuzuka, JapanDesigned in 1962 as a Honda test track, unique figure-8 shape.
  • Marina Bay Street CircuitPlaceSingaporeFirst night race in F1 history, street circuit in Asia.
  • Baku City CircuitPlaceBaku, Azerbaijan6km street course through Baku's medieval center and Caspian Sea shore.
  • Red Bull RingPlaceSpielburg, AustriaTrack nestled amid the Styrian alps outside Spielburg.
  • Silverstone CircuitHotelSilverstone, United KingdomOriginal Formula 1 track, hosted British Grand Prix since 1987.
  • InterlagosPlaceSão Paulo, BrazilDynamic and spirited race track outside São Paulo.
  • Circuit of the AmericasPlaceAustin, United StatesModern track outside Austin, built specifically for F1.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraJul 20

Box Hill War Memorial in Box Hill, Australia

The sight and sound of the bugle, a simple brass instrument, is one that many associate with remembrance. This memorial, in the middle of Box Hill Park, acts as a poignant symbol to remember local lives lost in World War I. The monument was erected in 1922 and unveiled by the local Governor-General Lord Forster. The names of those who lost their lives during the war are commemorated on a plaque…

2 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Atlas ObscuraJul 20

RAAF Base Point Cook and RAAF Museum in Point Cook, Australia

As the oldest continually operating military airfield in the world, the Royal Australian Air Force Base Point Cook is the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It was established in March 1913 as the home of the Australian Flying Corps and later the RAAF. It was also the location for the Central Flying School and was in continuous operation as a fl…

2 things in this story
  • RAAF Base Point CookAirportOldest continually operating military airfield in the world.
  • RAAF MuseumMuseumTells Australia's aviation story, second-oldest Air Force.
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Atlas ObscuraJul 17

Statue of Lennie Gwyther and His Horse Ginger Mick in Leongatha, Australia

9-year-old Lennie spent his spare time helping at the family’s farm, and when his father was incapacitated following a serious accident, young Lennie ran the farm until his father could return to work. When asked what he would like as a reward for his efforts, he asked if he could travel from the town of Leongatha in the state of Victoria to see the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge…

3 sights in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Atlas ObscuraJul 17

Princes Pier in Port Melbourne, Australia

Princes Pier is a nearly 580 meters long historic pier on Port Phillip, in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Originally named New Railway Pier, it was renamed Princes Pier in 1921 following the arrival in 1920 of H.R.H. Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, on the ship HNS Renown. Princes Pier is a short walk from the Beacon Cove Tram Stop (Tram 109). It's part pier and part open-air museum, with ma…

2 sights in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

The GuardianJun 7

The best new cycling and ebike trails in Melbourne and surrounds

Bike trails around Victoria have received extensive upgrades, including more spots for ebikes. With many trails accessible by public transport, it’s a great time to go for a ride Ebike sales are surging in Australia – and retailers are struggling to keep up. “We’ve sold three times as many ebikes for the first months of this year than we did last year,” says Tony Morgan, manager of The Electric…

42 things in this storyRead the full piece at The Guardian →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 10

Your 2026 Sports Travel Bucket List, From Milan to Mexico

From Wimbledon to the Melbourne Cup, here’s your month-by-month guide to the year’s must-see sporting events around the globe.

24 things in this story
  • Six Nations RugbyFestivalLondon, United KingdomEurope's premier rugby tournament uniting six storied nations.
  • Australian OpenFestivalMelbourne, AustraliaKicks off the year's tennis calendar with sun-splashed courts.
  • Hard Rock StadiumSightMiami Gardens, United StatesHosts the coronation game of the college football season.
  • X GamesFestivalAspen, United StatesHosts skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobile athletes.
  • Australian Grand PrixFestivalMelbourne, AustraliaFormula 1 season opener with high-speed drama.
  • Final FourFestivalIndianapolis, United StatesCulmination of March Madness, college basketball.
  • Masters TournamentFestivalAugusta, United StatesElegant rite of spring marked by meticulous course conditions.
  • Boston MarathonFestivalBoston, United StatesWorld's oldest annual marathon embodying perseverance and heart.
  • Kentucky DerbyMuseumLouisville, United StatesMost recognizable event in American horse racing.
  • Champions League FinalFestivalBudapest, HungaryCulminating match of European club football.
  • French OpenFestivalParis, FranceOnly Grand Slam played on clay courts.
  • 2026 FIFA World CupFestivalMexico City, MexicoFirst edition to feature 48 teams across three countries.
  • NBA FinalsFestivalNew York, United StatesDetermines the league champion through a best-of-seven series.
  • US OpenFestivalSouthampton, United StatesOne of golf’s four major championships.
  • WimbledonFestivalLondon, United KingdomOldest tennis tournament in the world defined by traditions.
  • British Grand PrixFestivalSilverstone, United KingdomOne of Formula 1’s longest-running races.
  • PalioFestivalSiena, ItalyHistoric horse race contested between Siena’s districts.
  • WNBA All-Star WeekendFestivalChicago, United StatesHighlights the league’s top players and women's basketball growth.
  • Commonwealth GamesPublic artworkGlasgow, United KingdomEvent structured around shared histories, bringing athletes together.
  • 2026 Winter OlympicsFestivalMilan, ItalyAlpine, skating, and ice competitions set against Dolomites.
  • Super Bowl LXFestivalSanta Clara, United StatesAmerica's unofficial national holiday, sport and cultural showcase.
  • T20 World CupFestivalMumbai, IndiaCricket's fastest format with explosive batting and stadiums.
  • Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter GamesFestivalMilan, ItalyShowcases athletes competing in six para-sports.
  • Tour de FranceFestivalParis, FranceSpans 21 stages across varied terrain.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
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