What’s new in Melbourne for 2026

January 16, 2026

Melbourne continues to strengthen its position as Australia’s leading destination for business events, incentives and international conferences. In 2026, the city builds this momentum with a strong pipeline of new hotels, expanded global air connectivity, signature incentive experiences, and world-class events that elevate delegate programs well beyond the meeting room. 

Supported by iconic venues such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the forthcoming Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, a world‑class waterfront venue opening in July 2026, the city demonstrates proven capability in delivering large‑scale international meetings within a safe, well‑connected and welcoming environment. 

Where to stay: New and coming soon (2025–2026) 

Melbourne’s accommodation offering continues to expand across the CBD, Southbank and inner-city precincts, delivering greater choice and flexibility for event organisers and within easy reach of MCEC. Newly opened and upcoming hotels feature generous room inventory, adaptable meeting and event spaces, and high-quality dining and rooftop venues suitable for private buyouts. Sustainability remains a key priority, with many venues, hotels and experiences aligned to carbon reduction, social impact and responsible event practices. 

New and recently opened hotels: 

• Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins (approx. 179 rooms) – A boutique CBD hotel and part of IHG’s first dual-branded development with Holiday Inn on Bourke Street Mall. 
• Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall (approx. 273 rooms) – A centrally located, reliable option ideal for group stays. 
• Hannah St Hotel, Southbank (approx. 188 rooms) –  A contemporary, design-led boutique hotel now open in Southbank’s Queensbridge precinct. 
• Hyatt House South Melbourne (97 rooms) – A contemporary extended-stay property well suited to longer business visits. 
• Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton (89 rooms) – A new inner-city option with convenient CBD access. 
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Carlton (107 rooms) – An upscale IHG addition in a key business district.  

Coming soon in 2026:

• Mercure Melbourne La Trobe Street – A 195-room hotel near Flagstaff Gardens and Queen Victoria Market. 
• A by Adina & Collection by TFE Hotels, Docklands – A twin-tower development offering upper-upscale accommodation, event spaces and a rooftop infinity pool. 

• Expanded direct air access from Greater China includes Shenzhen Airlines operating three weekly non-stop services between Melbourne and Shenzhen, adding over 95,000 seats annually and seamless onward connections to more than 90 destinations across China, Asia and beyond. 
• Other international expansions in 2026 include Finnair’s daily Melbourne–Helsinki services via Bangkok, AirAsia’s daily Melbourne–Bali flights and Jetstar’s direct services to Colombo, strengthening Melbourne’s global connectivity. 
• On-ground improvements include a new world-class international baggage system, upgraded pick-up and drop-off zones, and smoother arrival and departure flows for faster journeys. 
• Melbourne Airport’s industry-recognised accessibility leadership includes the Capital City Airport of the Year award from the Australian Airports Association and Melbourne Airport Assist, offering kerb-to-gate and baggage hall-to-exit support, underpinned by the world’s first Online Mobility Hub and upgraded accessible amenities across all terminals. 

Where to eat: Melbourne’s evolving dining scene 

Melbourne’s dining precincts offer a mix of modern Australian, European and Asian flavours, suitable for executive dinners, incentive celebrations, and client entertaining. 

Notable 2025 openings: 

• Marmont – Crown Melbourne, Californian-inspired, vibrant atmosphere 
• Kolkata Cricket Club – Crown Melbourne, bold modern Indian cuisine 
• Cherrywood – Parkville, chef-led seasonal dining 
• Oden – Melbourne CBD, elegant Japanese dining 
• Senkuban – Northcote, contemporary Japanese flavours 
• CHAM – West Melbourne, modern Vietnamese cuisine 
• DODAM – Brunswick East, trend-led Korean dishes 
• Nora Thai – Melbourne CBD, contemporary Thai for group dining 
• South Wharf riverside favourites near MCEC include BangPop (Thai street-food, shared dining), Hophaus (modern European, river views), Plus 5 (stylish drinks and canapés), and Billie’s Bites & Bar (casual contemporary post-conference dining). 

Signature incentive experiences: Microflite Helicopter Flights 

For incentive programs seeking something truly distinctive, Microflite Helicopter Flights offer a premium way to experience Melbourne and regional Victoria from above. Curated food, wine and destination packages allow guests to arrive by helicopter at locations such as Levantine Hill Estate in the Yarra Valley, Port Phillip Estate and Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. Scenic flights can also showcase iconic landmarks including the Twelve Apostles, Healesville Sanctuary and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. 

All flights are operated by highly experienced pilots, ensuring safety and a premium experience for VIP groups.

With new hotels coming online, expanded global air access, inclusive travel infrastructure, and standout incentive experiences, Melbourne enters 2026 as a destination built for business events with impact. The Melbourne Convention Bureau provides dedicated support to help planners design seamless, high-impact programs across the city, ensuring every event benefits from local expertise, world-class venues and unforgettable experiences. 

Start Planning with Melbourne at AIME 2026

Register for AIME 2026 and pre-schedule your appointments at the Melbourne, Victoria Stand. We look forward to meeting you and exploring how Melbourne can support your next business event.