TRAVEL: Australia’s New Adventures Await
- Jamie Gonzales
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
From cliff-top ziplines to vineyard road trips, 2026 brings immersive experiences that will thrill first-timers and seasoned travellers alike.
Australia is stepping into 2026 with a fresh energy, inviting travellers to explore beyond the familiar and embrace the unexpected. Inbound visitor numbers are climbing, reaching 8.6 million last year, up from 8.1 million, led by eager visitors from China and the UK. Meanwhile, outbound Australians are venturing closer to home, lured by lower airfares and culturally rich destinations in Asia.
“The high cost of flying to Europe and the Americas is nudging Australians toward nearby gems like Japan, Vietnam, and China,” explains Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association. “Travellers increasingly seek value, cultural experiences, and proximity, all of which these destinations deliver.” Outbound trips from Australia rose to 12.4 million in 2025, up from 11.3 million the year before.
Inbound travel is also thriving, buoyed by strategic partnerships. Tourism and Events Queensland’s collaboration with Klook now targets six key Asian markets: Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines, while Visit Victoria is teaming up with Trip.com to bring the world closer to Melbourne. “Visitors are staying longer and spending more,” notes Peter Shelley, managing director of the Australian Tourism Export Council.
What’s New Down Under in 2026
Melbourne
Melbourne isn’t just a city, it’s an experience. From vibrant laneways to serene gardens, this cosmopolitan hub in Victoria is packed with attractions that captivate every type of traveler.
Step into the National Gallery of Victoria for world-class art, or marvel at the historic Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t forget the iconic Flinders Street Station, perfect for a selfie with a side of history.
Lose yourself in the hustle of Queen Victoria Market, hunt street art in Hosier Lane, or sip coffee in tucked-away laneways that define Melbourne’s café culture. Chinatown adds a delicious dose of culture, with authentic cuisine and colorful festivals.
Escape to the Royal Botanic Gardens or snap photos at the colorful Brighton Beach Boxes. For breathtaking city views, head to the Eureka Skydeck or take a spin on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.
From underwater wonders at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium to a nostalgic ride on the Puffing Billy Railway, there’s adventure for all ages.
A short drive brings you to the legendary Great Ocean Road and the adorable Phillip Island Penguin Parade, must-dos for any visitor.
Melbourne charms with its art, food, and endless discoveries, making every corner of the city an invitation to explore. Pack your curiosity, it’s time to fall in love with Australia’s cultural capital.
Queensland
The Gold Coast hinterland is about to get a thrill upgrade with the opening of Happitat Adventure Park at Binna Burra Lamington National Park. Hailed as the world’s first all-encompassing cliff park, Happitat combines Australia’s highest ziplines, sky bridges, via ferrata climbs, rainforest walks, and secluded swimming holes. “Visitors can experience a full suite of adventures in a single day that would normally require trips to multiple destinations,” says founder Michael Neururer. Tickets start at A$497 (US$333) for a full-day guided experience.
Also making waves is the reopening of Lindeman Island Resort, transformed from the former Club Med site into an eco-luxury retreat by The Well Smart Group and La Vie Hotels & Resorts.
New South Wales
Sydney’s Art Gallery of New South Wales invites travellers to explore creativity in a hands-on way.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Sydney’s Art Gallery is more than just a space for paintings; it’s a vibrant playground for the senses. From classical European masterpieces to contemporary Australian works, the gallery invites visitors on a journey through time, culture, and imagination.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by soaring ceilings, soft lighting, and thoughtfully curated exhibitions that spark curiosity and conversation. Special installations frequently rotate, blending traditional art forms with modern digital experiences that appeal to both seasoned art lovers and first-time visitors.
Beyond the galleries, the venue hosts workshops, artist talks, and community programs, making it a hub for creative exploration. For those who love art and stories alike, a visit here is both inspiring and immersive, a reminder that art isn’t just seen; it’s felt.
Artist Mike Hewson’s new exhibition, built from thousands of salvaged materials, encourages visitors to interact freely: “The key’s under the mat, make yourself at home.” The installation is free and open until August 2026, offering a playful twist on gallery experiences for all ages.
Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection or a burst of inspiration, Sydney’s Art Gallery remains a must-visit destination for anyone eager to experience the pulse of Australia’s creative spirit.
South Australia: Gourmet Journeys
Foodies and adventurers can savour South Australia like never before. Tasting Australia and Journey Beyond have crafted multi-sensory experiences across the state. By train, travellers embark on a three-day culinary journey from Darwin to Adelaide, dining beside the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and enjoying a bespoke Bollinger champagne masterclass. Road trips wind through the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and Fleurieu Peninsula, with intimate farm visits, orchard tastings, and cellar-door experiences.
For those seeking sky-high indulgence, Tasting Australia Airlines offers a seafood-focused day trip to the Eyre Peninsula. Guests can board a historic tuna fishing boat, taste fresh oysters at Coffin Bay, and enjoy meals crafted by top Australian chefs, an immersive culinary adventure that marries food and place.
With adventure parks, eco-luxury resorts, interactive art, and gourmet explorations on offer, Australia is redefining travel in 2026. From sky bridges to vineyard roads, the country is inviting visitors, both near and far, to write their next adventure Down Under.
