City News: Victoria Just Scored Two Spots On Lonely Planet’s Global Hot List
Navarone Farrell
Melbourne Editor | Urban List, Melbourne
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Want to stay up-to-date about what's happening in your city? We've got all the latest goss on what's happening in Melbourne right here. This is Melbourne City News as of October, 2025:
Lonely Planet Has Just Crowned Two Very Victorian Experiences As World Class
Image: Supernormal | Visit Victoria
It’s official, Melbourne’s food scene and Victoria’s spa trail are world class—not that we didn’t know already.
Melbourne’s vibrant food scene and Victoria’s Great Bathing Trail have been included in Lonely Planet’s 2026 Top Experiences Hot List, making us the only Aussie state with two inclusions (cop that NSW!).
Curated by Lonely Planet’s team of expert travel writers and editors, the list features 25 must-visit destinations and 25 essential experiences from all around the globe.
Included in the state’s bathing trail are Peninsula Hot Springs, Metung Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa—who have also just opened ultra-luxe accomm, Geelong Eastern Sea Baths, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs (Warnambool) and Hepburn Bathhouse. We’re hanging out for the openings of Phillip Island Hot Springs and the 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort.
“It’s not surprising Victoria’s incredible bathing experiences have been highlighted. From thermal springs to luxe bathhouses, Victoria is truly spoilt for choice, all over the state,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos says.
We don’t need to tell you more about Melbourne’s vibrant food scene, you can hit our best restaurants article to check out or fave spots right now, or best hot springs and best day spas for the more aquatic options.
The Melbourne Star Is Set To Light Up The City Skyline Again
Image: Wikicommons
After four years dormant, Melbourne’s Star Observation Wheel, situated in the heart of Docklands, is set to turn again in 2026.
The Star, which initially closed in late 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and development in Docklands, is anticipating a whopping 250,000 visitors within just its first year of returning.
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is one of the only giant observation wheels in the Southern Hemisphere, amounting to 40 stories high (a.k.a. really high).
"This is a huge moment for Melbourne and a vote of confidence in the future of Docklands," Lord Mayor Nick Reece says.
The Star, which began construction in 2006, opening in December of 2008, two years behind schedule, is no stranger to closures, experiencing a hiatus only 40 days after its initial opening.
Heating up the return are The Robu Group, Ray Cammack Shows, and Skyline Attractions, the latter of which owns and operates several iconic wheels around Australia, including the Airlie Beach Wheel in Queensland and the Skyline Ferris Wheel in St Kilda.
More details on the Star’s return are to come.
Iconic Underground Arcade Formerly Home To Melbourne’s Best Coffee Has Finally Reopened
Image: Campbell Arcade | Supplied
That itty bitty passageway between Flinders Street Station and the city, Campbell Arcade, has officially reopened.
The arcade, which has been closed since 2022 and links the station and the rest of the city without the need for pesky crossings has had an extensive reno as part of the Metro Tunnel Project.
Passengers will also be able to access the arcade through Flinders Street Station and Degraves Street—creating another access point to Melbourne’s busiest stations.
Works have included replacing the ceiling, upgrading lighting and restoring the 1950s-era heritage features including tiled shop fronts and display cases—with the arcade still showcasing its pink-tiled curved walls, granite columns and prominent windows.
The leaseholds on the eight shopfronts (one that was home to Cup Of Truth—we still miss your brews!) will be announced later in the year.
What’s On: King Gizz To Turn Fed Square Into (Free) Massive Improvised Rave
The Feed | Get In, We’re Going For Luxury Cheese Bumps Loaded With Truffle
