Ask any local what they love about Victoria, and we bet they can easily list a number of things that makes this great state of ours so wonderful – whether it's the spectacular natural wonders, cool neighbourhoods or epic adventures like this snow to surf trip. But it's always nice to be recognised by others on a global scale, which is why we're pretty damn excited that Victoria has made not one but two appearances on Lonely Planet's 2026 Best in Travel guide.
Now in its 16th edition, the Best in Travel guide is basically the holy grail of wanderlust – a collection of expertly curated picks for where to go in the year ahead. It's divided into two sections: the 25 best destinations and the 25 best experiences. Standing tall as the only Aussie state to be featured twice, Victoria's two inclusions fall under the best experiences banner. So, just what exactly are they? Drumroll, please...
The first is the Great Bathing Trail – aka Australia's steamiest road trip. In case you didn't know, Victoria is lucky enough to be home to a number of excellent hot springs sites stretching from Gippsland in the east to Warrnambool in the west. This new 885-kilometre route links them all, in what has to be one of the most relaxing ways to criss-cross the state. Open all year round (though we recommend doing it between April and November when the weather is cooler), stops include Metung Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Peninsula Hot Springs, Hepburn Bathhouse and Deep Blue Hot Springs, plus a few scenic sea baths. And with more wellness centres dedicated to bathing set to open on Phillip Island the along the Great Ocean Road, there's going to be even more opportunities to soak your worries away.
The other experience should come as no surprise to anyone who's ever visited Melbourne – it's our city's dining scene. Exciting, innovative and accessible, Melbourne's culinary offerings are world-class. You only need to glance at our list of the best restaurants and best cheap eats to see that we're spoiled for choice. Want authentic tamales and chilaquiles for brekky? Head to El Columpio. Craving an intimate, sustainability focused degustation in a cottage-like setting? Greasy Zoe's it is. After an all-you-can-eat Polish feast? Make a beeline for Eat Pierogi Make Love. And that's just scratching the surface of what's on offer – there are plenty more delicious bites to be found down laneways, up on rooftops and in the 'burbs. If you're hungry, this is the city you want to be in.
“Victoria stands alone as the only Australian state with two spots in Lonely Planet’s prestigious Best in Travel guide; proof that the state’s appeal goes far beyond the usual postcard clichés,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.
The only other Aussie destination to make the list was South Australia's spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges, which earned a spot among the 25 best places to travel in 2026. This wild, rugged region – a five-hour drive north of Adelaide – is often overshadowed by world-renowned outback icons, like Uluru and the Kimberley, but it delivers just as much awe and drama.
Feeling inspired to work your way through the Lonely Planet's list? You can view it in full here.
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