Happy New Year — Where will 2026 take you?


Hello Reader,

As New Year’s Eve rolls around, it feels like the perfect moment to pause, clear the decks a little (including those inbox subscriptions we no longer need), and think about what we’d like more of in the year ahead. More time out and about? A few well-planned trips? Or simply something lovely to look forward to.

If travel is on your radar — even just in the dreaming stage — this edition is for you. We’re sharing ideas and inspiration for overseas travel in 2026, along with recommendations from our trusted partners and booking platforms to help make planning easy, clear and stress-free.

Whether you’re thinking about a big adventure or a carefully paced holiday, we hope this helps you start mapping out what’s next.

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead,
Amy

P.S. If staying closer to home is more your style right now, our website is full of Melbourne and Victoria outing ideas to start the new year gently and joyfully.

What's on
Dining
Attractions
Reviews
Tours

Let's explore outside of Melbourne

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Hassle-Free Bucket-List Travel

Is Vietnam, Japan, or China, on your wish list? Hear from our community who’ve experienced these conveniently packaged trips firsthand.

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A Most Remarkable Journey

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of Fiordland National Park on a Pure Milford cruise.

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Find the Best of Europe

Luxury Escapes allows you to explore tailored holiday packages with stunning hotel stays, curated tours, and exclusive offers.

London on a Budget

Find fun and free things to do on your next exploration of the grand old city of London

PARTNER CONTENT

Whole Family Bali Escape

Flights and accommodation sorted? Take the stress out of planning the fun. Use Klook to book Bali tours, attractions and activities.

Read more about booking with Klook in our guide


Enter our Weekly Giveaway

Win Entry Tickets to the Blue Lotus Water Garden

Open until mid-April, this stunning seasonal garden is famous for its magnificent lotus blooms, waterlilies and peaceful walking paths.


WHAT'S ON - Closer to Home

  • Under The Clocks: City Walking Tour (Fridays 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Jan 2026). Join us for a guided tour of Melbourne’s laneways, meet new friends and savour revelations about the city you thought you knew. 3-hour walking tour starting at Flinders Street Station. Tickets $60. Book here.
  • Market Day Walking Tour (Thurs 8 Jan 2026). Get a taste of colourful stories at Queen Victoria Market on this guided tour with Paul Daffey. 10 am – 1 pm, tickets $60. Book here.
  • The Q Train Experience – Q Class (Mondays, Thursday & Fridays). Swerve your way through the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula as you dine on the iconic Q Train departing Drysdale. Be welcomed with a drink on arrival before taking a seat in the Q Class dining area for a sumptuous degustation, showcasing the exceptional produce from the region.
  • Legends in Concert, The Palms at Crown (8 - 24 Jan 2026). Witness powerhouse live performances from dazzling tributes to some of the world's best voices.
  • DIVA Exhibition (until 26 Apr 2026). This dazzling exhibition celebrates iconic divas from music, film and fashion, showcasing glamorous costumes, bold stories and cultural moments that shaped generations of stage and screen stars.
  • Harry Potter™: The Exhibition (until Feb 2026). Step into the wizarding world in Melbourne to explore authentic film props and costumes, brew potions, cast spells, practice Quidditch, and relive iconic moments from the Harry Potter universe.
  • Westwood | Kawakubo (until 19 Apr 2026). A bold double-bill fashion exhibition at NGV pairing iconic designers Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, presenting more than 140 avant-garde designs that challenge norms of beauty, identity, and the function of clothing.
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours (various dates). Participants don wireless headphones and dance to beloved disco tracks, led by a spirited guide. This engaging experience is perfect for all ages, fostering a sense of community while exploring the city’s hidden gems, laughter, and joy every step of the way.
  • Matilda The Musical JR (14 - 17 Jan 2026). A family-friendly stage production based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, featuring the extraordinary story of a smart, spirited girl with magical imagination brought to life with song and dance on stage.

Daily Crossword

Start your day with a mental challenge!

Joke of the Day

What's a spider's New Year's resolution? To spend less time on the web.


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Seniors in Melbourne is a travel website dedicated to inspiring and supporting those aged 60+ in planning midweek adventures across Melbourne and beyond. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration.

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