Lonely Planet has revealed their top destinations to visit next year with the release of their Best in Travel 2026 guide. This list features their predictions of the 25 Best Places to visit next year, as well as the 25 Best Experiences to try. And we have featured not once, but twice, with both Melbourne’s delectable food scene and Victoria’s Great Bathing Trail receiving a shout-out on the Best Experiences list. The only other Australian destination to make it in the guide was South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Outback, which was named as one of the Best Places to explore next year.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026
This curated guide was put together by Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors. Each entry was inspired by a personal experience, and the list is not ordered, offering something for every kind of traveller.
“Melbourne’s food scene is world-class — eclectic, energetic and experimental,” said Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet’s Senior Director of Trade Sales and Marketing. “And for a steamy taste of Australia, Victoria’s Bathing Trail is unmissable.”
Tuck into Melbourne’s thriving food scene
The Lonely Planet guide called Melbourne’s food scene as the “envy of the world”. It highlighted our cafe culture, must-see spots for foodies within the city, as well as exciting places to try in the surrounding suburbs.
Venues that received a nod include:
- Maker Coffee, Melbourne CBD
- Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, Melbourne CBD
- Lune Croissanterie, Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy and Armadale
- Il Mercato Centrale, Melbourne CBD
- JuJu’s Deli, South Melbourne Market
- Aptus Seafood’s Oyster Bar, South Melbourne Market
- Claypots Evening Star, South Melbourne Market
- Hanoi Mee Kitchen & Bar, Port Melbourne
- Waxflower Bar, Brunswick
- Molly Rose, Collingwood
- Hotel Jesus, Collingwood
- Beit Siti, Coburg
Victoria’s Great Bathing Trail
The Top Experiences list also recommended the Great Bathing Trail, a relaxing road trip that will take you to the blissful geothermal waters around our state. The best time to go is during the cooler months, when the hot pools provide a welcome escape from the chilly air. But of course, they’re open all year round, ready for you to dive in the next time you need a tranquil getaway. Geelong’s Eastern Beach Sea Baths, which is also on the trail, offers a refreshing dip during the summer months.
This trail stretches from Deep Blue Hot Springs at the far end of the Great Ocean Road, all the way to Metung Hot Springs in the east. In the middle, you’ll find popular havens like Peninsula Hot Springs and Hepburn Bathhouse.
Find more spots for hot springs here, or browse through our list of relaxing regional spas here.
Read more about the Best in Travel guide here.