Visit Victoria

Football fans will have the chance to watch the Matildas play their final games on home soil for 2024 in Geelong and Melbourne this December. In partnership with Football Australia, the two-match international friendly series will see the Matildas play Chinese Taipei – with the first match at AAMI Park on 4 December, followed by the second at GMHBA Stadium on 7 December. The Matildas’ final match for 2024 is another international coup for Victoria's packed major events calendar, providing an opportunity for Victorians to see elite sport in their own backyard. For more information on tickets, see matildas.com.au. Image: CommBank Young Matilda Naomi Thomas-Chinnama and Matildas Alumni Selin Kuralay OLY Credit: Michael Peters / Football Australia

The latest edition of the Official Visitor Guide for Melbourne & Victoria has everything from vibrant fashion at the spring racing carnival, to independent art at the Fringe Festival, and rooftop dining in the city or al fresco in the regions, taking in the beauty of spring blooms. The guide supports more than 300 tourism, accommodation, hospitality, and retail products, appealing to both domestic and international audiences. Thank you to our industry partners for their continued support and inspiration. Find hard copies of the guide at select Melbourne hotels, visitor information centres and airports, or read the online version here: https://bit.ly/3FtntED #VisitMelbourne #VisitVictoria #OfficialVisitorGuide #Spring

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race returns in February 2025, with the TAC People’s Ride giving everyone the chance to ride the same roads as the professionals. Sign up to take part in this celebration of cycling, with early bird pricing available until 31 August. Register: bit.ly/RideWithCadel Visit Victoria is proud to support the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race as part of our commitment to building the state’s blockbuster calendar of major sporting and cultural events.

Football fans will have the chance to cheer on the Socceroos as they vie for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification, with our national team taking on Saudi Arabia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on 14 November. Supported by Visit Victoria, this match is part of a packed major events calendar that boosts Victoria’s record $39.3 billion visitor economy, featuring the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Boxing Day Test and two international netball tests featuring the Australian Diamonds.

ALWAYS LIVE is back for 2024, with the 17-day program featuring 289 artists, including 208 from Victoria, taking part in more than 65 free and ticketed events.   Headline acts include Italian-American DJ and producer Anyma, Tina Arena, Missy Higgins and The White Stripes’ Jack White. ALWAYS LIVE takes place 22 November to 8 December. View the program: www.alwayslive.com.au

Goulburn Valley will enjoy a boost to local tourism as host to the unique off-grid accommodation experience, Stella the Stargazer. In a move to bolster regional travel during off-peak periods, the locally designed and built tiny home will be available for stays from 24 August to 24 November at Tahbilk Estate in Nagambie. The visit to Goulburn Valley follows a sold-out 2024 winter season at Delatite Winery in Mansfield. Stella the Stargazer forms part of Visit Victoria’s ‘Every bit different’ global marketing campaign which aims to grow the State’s record $39.3 billion visitor economy, by showcasing Victoria as a place of incredible diversity, passion and creativity. Read: https://lnkd.in/gXdnfX9J Book: www.stellastargazer.com.au. Brendan McClements Shae Keenan Holly Little Sofie Batten Erica Johnson Charles Deuchrass Lauren Dawes Greg Adshead

Congratulations to the winners and all finalists of the 2024 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards – 17 different destinations across Victoria that embody how our State is every bit different.   Wonderful to join Matt McDonald, Chris Porter, Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) and our passionate, creative and innovation industry operators at the stunning Cleveland Estate in Lancefield .   Felicia Mariani (GAICD) Brendan McClements Holly Little Anthony Ilott Shae Keenan Kelly Dickson Julia Swanson (GAICD)

We’re proud to support Bendigo Art Gallery in presenting the next blockbuster international exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her own image. Premier Jacinta Allan today announced the 2025 instalment of the Bendigo International Collections, which will bring more than 180 objects and artworks to Bendigo Art Gallery direct from Mexico’s Museo Frida Kahlo. Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic figures in modern art, and this exhibition will invite guests to delve deeper into influences that shaped her life. The Australian exclusive exhibition is set to attract visitors from near and far and will show how Victoria’s cultural strengths deliver amazing, enriching experiences while also boosting the visitor economy.   Frida Kahlo: In her own image will run from 15 March to 13 July 2025 at Bendigo Art Gallery. Brendan McClements, Kelly Dickson, Jessica Bridgfoot Credit: La Casa Azul. Photograph by Sebastián Monsalve. © Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Archives. Bank of Mexico, Fiduciary in the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museum Trust.

Every part of Victoria has something on for school holidays - with communities across the state embracing winter. Visit Victoria is proud to help promote the vast array of events on offer for kids and families, that all showcase why we are ‘Every bit different’.  Brendan McClements Jayde Vincent

Happy opening day to Melbourne Airport's new Novotel and ibis Styles hotels! It was great to be a part of the ribbon cutting for the first new-build hotels in the Melbourne Airport precinct in almost 20 years. Both hotels will both play vital roles accommodating the annual 4.4 million overnight visitors forecast to visit the state by 2028. Brendan McClements Lorie Argus Adrian Williams David Alexander Stu Verrier