The new highlights of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for 2026

From long-awaited luxury hotel debuts to pristine, star-drenched skies, our backyard holds its own when it comes to luxury, sustainability, and cultural immersion. With the thrill of new attractions, the awe of natural wonders and the magic of exploration, Oceania delivers.

THE LOWDOWN

Ever since Australians slung on backpacks and set off along the hippie trails, we’ve earned a reputation as hardy, curious travellers, happy to roam far and wide in search of the world’s wonders.

As we plan our travels for 2026, however, there’s a strong case for turning our gaze a little closer to home. There has arguably never been a better moment to spend our holiday dollars in Oceania.

Unrest, war and economic uncertainty have long shaped the global travel landscape, with overcrowding a newer concern. By contrast, Australia, New Zealand and much of the South Pacific are enjoying a period of relative calm. Plus, there’s that longed-for luxury: space.

If that sounds too pragmatic a reason to choose a holiday destination, Oceania also delivers on lyrical fronts, with the thrill of new attractions, the awe of natural wonders and the magic of exploration.

As a bonus, travel in this region means jet lag is mercifully minimalised.

WHAT’S HOT

On one hand, Oceania embraces bright lights, big cities – the region’s first Waldorf Astoria, Waldorf Astoria Sydney, is now tracking to debut in late 2026 and will rise at One Circular Quay on Sydney Harbour.

On the other, it’s no lights, no cities. The world’s first Dark Sky Nation, the small country of Niue continues to impress astro nuts, while Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs offers overnight experiences. The heavens await.

WHAT’S NOT

Pacific Island nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change. And while “last chance” tourism has an eerie, ghoulish ring to it, the fact remains that some of Oceania’s beaches – even whole island nations such as Tuvalu – face severe risk from a rise in sea levels. The sand bags along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road tell the same story, albeit a less immediately desperate one.

In the face of this, irresponsible tourists aren’t welcome. Be among the welcome by using reusable water bottles where possible, shunning single-use plastic, taking short showers while visiting and if the opportunity is there, volunteering a few hours of time to participate in restoration and resilience programs.

MUST-VISIT COUNTRIES

Fiji

There’s never a reason to not go to Fiji, but Australia’s favourite Pacific island paradise always offers a few extra reasons to not resist. One of these is what’s been touted as the largest swimming pool in the South Pacific. Scheduled to open late-2026 on Denarau Island is the much anticipated, $230 million-plus five-star resort Vatu Talei – The Jewel. Crowning the Jewel will be its pool: a multi-faceted fun factor with themed zones including a lazy river and waterslides. There’s an adults-only infinity pool for fun of the less frenetic kind. See fiji.travel

Australia

Fresh hotels on the Gold Coast, the covers coming off knock-out new architecture, and old favourites shining anew with renovations and redevelopments – Australia’s cities deserve to be considered as holiday destinations alongside desirable foreign counterparts, such as Paris, London and Rome. Don’t think of it as a staycation – though that’s fine as well. Approach an Australian city break as you would an overseas sojourn, with fresh, curious eyes. Even if you think you know a place, you’re likely to be surprised by the plethora of new and fabulous experiences. See australia.com

Tonga

Anyone who’s been to certain Pacific island destinations has probably been a little rocked by the coastal littering and, recognising that their home is their livelihood, Tonga is doing something about it. In 2025 the Tongan tourism ministry began the Clean-Up Tonga Campaign with clean-up activities at beaches designed to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility and community pride. It’s part of Tonga’s new road map to transform its tourism offerings in line with sustainability, climate resilience and community benefits – all growing concerns worth supporting. See tongatourism.travel

New Zealand

The country’s tourism bodies are working together to encourage more tourism in off-peak periods with attractive advantages for travellers. Off-peak for New Zealand is, like Australia, the cooler months from late autumn to early spring. Unless you’re headed to the ski fields, things are quieter, calmer and often cheaper. Of course, the magnificent scenery and warm Kiwi hospitality remain a constant all year long. See newzealand.com

Niue

If luxury means no crowds, Niue delivers in spades. This tiny South Pacific nation is a raised coral island of just 261 square kilometres, home to about 1700 people and reached by a 3.5 hour flight from Auckland. Perfect for travellers keen to truly get off the beaten path, days are spent snorkelling, exploring limestone caves and encountering whales, while nights reveal Niue’s status as the world’s first Dark Sky Nation, with stars blazing across unpolluted skies. A small accommodation scene is centred on Scenic Matavai Resort Niue as well as a variety of self-contained stays. See nieuisland.com

MUST-SEE CITIES

Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide can rightly boast about its packed events calendar – March is festival month – and the easy access it affords to world-class wine regions. In 2026, a wave of hotel openings will add fresh places to stay in the South Australian capital, from luxury newcomer Crystalbrook Sam to the boutique Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide and the stylish Little National. The city’s already buzzy market quarter is about to be injected with energy, too, with the opening of the new Woods Bagot-designed Adelaide Central Market Arcade. See southaustralia.com

Wellington, New Zealand

Nearly a decade after the powerful Kaikoura earthquake reshaped Wellington’s city centre (mostly indirectly), the capital is entering a new chapter. After years of seismic strengthening and redesign, the Central Library is set to reopen in 2026 as part of the revitalised Te Ngakau Civic Square. It will soon be joined by the completion of works on the City Gallery and Wellington Town Hall, signalling a cultural revival in the heart of the city. New projects such as the Te Ara Tupua waterfront walking and cycling link are also giving visitors fresh ways to explore Wellington. See wellingtonnz.com

Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton, on New Zealand’s North Island, has quietly been building momentum, emerging in 2025 as the country’s fastest-growing city. It’s also an easy hop from Sydney thanks to Jetstar’s four weekly direct flights. In 2026, the arrival of the new Pullman Hamilton will add a much-needed upscale stay. The wider Waikato region remains a reliable all-weather draw, with gardens, food, walks and culture that don’t rely on perfect conditions. And where else could you join the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon? It’s a run through Hobbiton and its surrounding film locations. With Air New Zealand launching a new Hamilton to Christchurch service, the city now doubles as a smart gateway between the North and South Islands. See waikatonz.com

Sydney, NSW

Skip the tried and true and head to emerging pockets of the city. Haymarket, in the CBD’s south and home to Chinatown, is one such area. Across from the Capitol Theatre, the newly opened Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney offers an easy village feel amid great Asian eateries, shopping and entertainment. Historic charm is on tap in the 1847 sandstone former Presbyterian Manse on Pitt Street, Haymarket, home to French bar Ennui and not far from the revitalised Paddy’s Market food hub. Nearby, the new Sydney Fish Market at Pyrmont is also a must-visit attraction. See sydney.com

Geelong, Victoria

Long seen as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong is now a destination in its own right. The city’s revitalised waterfront is home to the new Crowne Plaza Geelong, offering bay views, a rooftop Skybar and indoor pool. The evolving Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, scheduled to open in July – adds theatres, dining and public spaces, while the Little Malop Street arts precinct continues to bring energy to the city centre. And when you’re ready to explore further, the Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula are right on the doorstep. See visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

MUST-SEE SIGHTS

Powerhouse Parramatta, NSW

On track to open late 2026, the Powerhouse Parramatta will become the largest museum in NSW. More than 18,000 square metres of space will display half a million objects from the Powerhouse Collection encompassing science, design, applied arts and innovation. Set on the Parramatta River and designed by a team led by Paris-based Moreau Kusunoki in collaboration with Sydney firm Genton, it’s a striking architectural landmark in its own right. The exoskeleton-wrapped building is the city’s biggest arts investment since the Sydney Opera House. See powerhouse.com.au

Marae Moana, Cook Islands

As the Cook Islands learns how to bend without breaking under growing tourism interest, the surrounding waters have become a case study in doing things differently – and better. Marae Moana, the world’s largest multi-use marine park, offers visitors a chance to experience an ocean-first approach to conservation in action. Covering the entirety of the country’s 1.9 million-square-kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone, all waters are protected while limited areas are set aside for commercial use. For travellers, that translates to extraordinary snorkelling, diving and lagoon experiences shaped by long-term thinking rather than short-term gain. See maraemoana.gov.ck

ECU City, Perth, Western Australia

Confidence is running high that the $853 million Edith Cowan University (ECU) City campus will transform the Western Australian capital. Opened early 2026, ECU City is Perth’s first full inner-city university campus. A purpose-built 11-storey hub, its striking facade with more than 2800 custom LED elements will animate Yagan Square with digital art, storytelling and student work, making the campus both a community landmark and a cultural beacon. More than 10,000 students and staff will call ECU City home, injecting new energy into the CBD by day and night and supporting local businesses. See citycampus.ecu.edu.au

Elysium Noosa Resort, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Noosa’s most iconic address has been reborn as Elysium Noosa Resort – MGallery Collection. It’s a 175-room reimagining of the former Sheraton/Sofitel that places renewed glamour at the heart of Hastings Street. The lagoon pool and beloved swim-up bar remain but interiors by Melbourne studio Mitchell & Eades add a polished European coastal feel. Cibaria, a new restaurant by Anna and Alessandro Pavoni, anchors the food scene. Wellness Suites with infrared saunas and magnesium hot tubs reflect the modern Noosa mindset, as does a spa equipped with mineral pools and marine-based treatments. With major competitors not arriving until 2028, Elysium currently holds its status as Noosa’s only true five-star beachfront resort. See mgallery.accor.com

Larrakia Cultural Centre, Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin’s long-awaited Larrakia Cultural Centre is expected to open in 2026 on the Stokes Hill waterfront, delivering the city’s first major First Nations-led cultural institution. Developed by the Larrakia Development Corporation and designed by Darwin-based Rossi Architects, the centre includes permanent and temporary galleries, art studios, education spaces, a cafe, retail and an outdoor performance area overlooking Darwin Harbour. Its distinctive bird-shaped roof references Larrakia creation stories and marks the site as a new architectural landmark. The centre will also house cultural objects returned from overseas collections. See larrakiaculturalcentre.com.au

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES

Cheer on the OFC Pro League, various locations

If the FIFA World Cup 2026 feels out of reach, the OFC Pro League, or the Oceania Football Confederation, offers a rare chance to experience international football at its most grassroots and accessible. Its inaugural season is now running and finishes in May. The line-up features clubs from across Oceania, including two from New Zealand, plus Australia’s South Melbourne FC as a special inclusion. It’s a reminder that the global game doesn’t only live on the biggest stage. See oceaniafootball.com

Rev up at Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin, NSW

You don’t need to be into ute culture to be won over by the Deni Ute Muster. In 2025 it broke attendance records, confirming its status well beyond a niche gathering. About 22,000 visitors rocked up for live music, comedy, aviation displays, food trucks and on-site camping. With ute displays (of course) and a blue singlet count (where else), it’s a social experience that’s as much about people-watching as horsepower. In 2026, expect more headline concerts – big names are increasingly attracted to the festival stage – and a uniquely Australian snapshot of country life. See deniutemuster.com.au

Get sandy at Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, Victoria

In April, Australia’s longest-running professional surfing event, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, opens the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. First held in 1973, the iconic Great Ocean Road beach event is not only Australia’s inaugural pro surfing event but the world’s longest continuously running professional surfing contest starting in 1962. Set beneath the cliffs of Victoria’s Surf Coast, the event draws the sport’s biggest names to one of its most storied breaks. This year the WSL celebrates its 50th anniversary which is sure to make the atmosphere even more compelling. See surfingvic.com

Stay near Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Starting life as a humble hotel back in 1968, for the past two years the RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort in Coral Bay has been undergoing a $70 million redevelopment which has included the addition of 90 new solar-powered units, an ocean-view pool, restaurant and bar. It’s due to reopen in mid-2026. The resort will offer a new way to access the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef which stretches some 260 kilometres along Western Australia’s coral coast. See parksandresorts.rac.com.au

Be immersed in a unique culture, Tuvalu

One of the countries most immediately threatened by climate change in Oceania, Tuvalu stages its first-ever national cultural festival in May 2026. The five-day event in the capital, Funafuti, is designed to bring together tradition, language and performance from across its low-lying islands. Often cited as one of the least visited countries on the planet, Tuvalu rarely appears on travel radars and it’s a hard place to get to, let alone book somewhere to stay. In September, Tuvalu Language Week will be held in New Zealand. See mpp.govt.nz

MUST-DO JOURNEYS

Red centre tour

Not everyone is suited to four-wheel driving in the deep outback – and that’s no bad thing. Remote desert travel demands experience, preparation and an understanding of harsh, changeable conditions. Travellers can opt to leave the driving to professionals, with operators such as Intrepid Travel conducting small-group journeys led by expert local guides. After visiting Uluru, Intrepid itineraries head deeper into Central Australia, including nights at the company’s exclusive camp on the banks of the Finke River. See intrepidtravel.com

Melanesia cruise

Cruising in Melanesia has long been a favourite way for Australians to sample Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Big-ship itineraries from Sydney or Brisbane commonly call at Port Vila and Mystery Island (Vanuatu) plus Noumea and Lifou (New Caledonia). For a wilder, culture-first route, small expedition ships (Ponant, Heritage Expeditions) add Papua New Guinea and the Solomons, with onboard experts, snorkelling and guided community visits. Aim for the drier months (roughly May-October) for calmer seas and clearer water. See ponant.com ; heritage-expeditions.com

World War II tourism, Vanuatu

While plans progress for a World War II museum on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu already offers some of the South Pacific’s most tangible links to the war years. The island served as Base Button, one of the largest US military hubs in the Pacific, and its remnants remain scattered across land and sea. Divers can explore the legendary SS President Coolidge wreck and Million Dollar Point, where surplus military vehicles were dumped after the war, while old airstrips and equipment still sit inland. Recent cyclones have even uncovered artefacts which are now being preserved for the future museum. Guided World War II tours are available. See vanuatu.travel

Island hopping, the Cook Islands

It’s an inconvenient reality of the South Pacific that travelling between island nations often means routing back through major hubs such as Auckland or Nadi. Within the Cook Islands, however, inter-island travel is refreshingly straightforward – with some planning. Air Rarotonga operates scheduled flights between Rarotonga and key outer islands including Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Manihiki, with less frequent services to the more remote northern atolls. Most routes funnel through Rarotonga, but flight times are short and scenic. Seats are limited and schedules can change seasonally, so booking well in advance is essential, particularly during peak travel periods. See airraro.com

Foodie road trip, New Zealand

The Michelin Guide arrives in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026, marking the first dedicated edition for the country and placing Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown under the global dining spotlight. Some argue Michelin’s rating system sits uneasily with New Zealand’s relaxed, produce-first food culture, built on seasonality, locality and a strong sense of place. But stars or no stars, the attention is timely. From world-class seafood and cool-climate wines to Maori-influenced cooking, farmers’ markets and an ever-expanding craft beer scene, New Zealand’s culinary landscape increasingly rewards curiosity. See newzealand.com

FUN FACTS: OCEANIA

Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse nation in the world, with more than 840 languages – around 12 per cent of the total number of languages in the world – as a result of its mountainous terrain and thick rainforests keeping communities isolated.

A hill on Pitt Island – which is part of New Zealand’s Chatham Islands, about 800 kilometres east of its South Island – is generally considered the first permanently inhabited place in the world to see the daily sunrise.

The mostly flightless Kagu bird that lives in New Caledonia is frequently seen up trees and hanging off branches as they use their wings to climb.

Kangaroos and emus were chosen for the Australian coat of arms because they cannot easily walk backwards, thus symbolising a nation intent on progress.

In Australia, it was illegal to swim at the beach during daylight hours until 1902 because of strict public decency laws about swimwear, a law only repealed after a popular movement to defy it.