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It’s only February, but it's already been a big year for Melbourne when it comes to traveller kudos, with the Victorian capital being crowned the best destination in the world for big city thrills by Condé Nast Traveller, and dominating Aussie travel bucket lists throughout January (the Australian Open has a lot to thank for that one).
Now, the city has officially earned its spot on another travel mood board, ranking as the fifth best place to visit in the South Pacific for 2026, according to Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026. The annual awards celebrate the crème de la crème of travel experiences, based on a year’s worth of rave reviews from the Tripadvisor community – and with fewer than one per cent of the platform’s eight million listings making the cut, this is elite company indeed.
Sliding into fifth place, Melbourne sits just behind Sydney (ranked fourth) and ahead of dreamy island escapes like Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It also means Melbourne ranked higher than Margaret River, which landed in tenth place, cementing Victoria’s capital as one of Australia’s most appealing destinations for international and domestic travellers alike. While Sydney may trade on beaches and harbour views, Melbourne’s strength lies in its culture-first personality – and Tripadvisor’s voters clearly agree.
Described by Tripadvisor as “lovely” and “laid-back”, Melbourne’s appeal is its choose-your-own-adventure energy. One minute you’re gallery hopping through world-class institutions and laneway exhibitions, the next you’re elbow-deep in some of the country’s most exciting multicultural dining.
Tripadvisor also calls out some of Melbourne’s greatest hits, including hopping on the free City Circle Tram to loop past headline acts like the Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond the CBD, easy day trips and wildlife experiences – including the much-loved Healesville Sanctuary – add to the city’s broad appeal, especially for visitors keen to mix urban culture with nature. Travellers also noted the city’s top notch shops, packed-out sports calendar and excellent nightlife scene.
In the wider South Pacific ranking, Viti Levu in Fiji took out the top spot, followed by Auckland and Queenstown in New Zealand. But Melbourne’s fifth-place finish proves you don’t need palm trees and turquoise water to win hearts.
These are the top 10 places to visit in the South Pacific, according to Tripadvisor:
1. Viti Levu, Fiji
2. Auckland, New Zealand
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
4. Sydney, Australia
5. Melbourne, Australia
6. Aitutaki, Cook Islands
7. Rarotonga, Cook Islands
8. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
9. Moorea, French Polynesia
10. Margaret River, Australia
You can check out the full list (and plan your next holiday accordingly) over here.
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