Following a successful Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the excitement and countdown for the next edition has now started. Regional Victoria, Australia, will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026 - and it will be a games like no other.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will officially kick-off at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (also known as “The G” by locals) on Sunday 17 March 2026, with competitions running from 18-29 March. In a Commonwealth Games first, Victoria 2026 will introduce a multi‑city model that will deliver global sport to four hubs in regional Victoria.

These regional hubs will be established in the cities of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and the region of Gippsland, each with their own athletes' village and sport programme. These hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following the Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria. Melbourne was the first city in the southern hemisphere to host the Olympic Games in 1954 and it played host to the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

For those looking to combine sports and leisure, this will be the perfect opportunity to explore regional Victoria and be part of a unique and exciting multi-sport event. Whether it is exploring the vibrant capital city of Melbourne or Victoria's largest region, Gippsland - Victoria is home to spectacular coastal drives such as the Great Ocean Road, the world's most unique wildlife, world-class dining and wide-open landscapes - from beaches to mountains, taking travellers on a sensory adventure.

Geelong

Geelong is Victoria's second largest city, located 75 kilometres (46 miles) southwest of Melbourne.  Geelong is characterised by the multi-award winning waterfront overlooking Corio Bay and surrounded by the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, the Barwon River, the You Yangs Regional Park and many incredible beaches such as Eastern Beach and Point Lonsdale. Geelong is also the gateway to the world-renowned coastline of south-west Victoria via the Great Ocean Road. Geelong boasts a stunning waterfront and urban precinct complete with craft breweries and hole-in-the-wall cafes. Take a short drive down the Bellarine Peninsula to stop at one of 40-odd cellar doors and visit the local winemakers, who produce great cool-climate wines, in particular Pinot Noir. Finish the day off snorkelling with wild seals and dolphins in Queenscliff with award-winning tour operator, Sea All Dolphin Swims, who provide a selection of experiences for wildlife enthusiasts.

www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/destinations/geelong

Bendigo

Located in the Goldfields area of Victoria, just under a two hours' drive from Melbourne, the Bendigo region has long set the standard for food and wine experiences. The 2019 designation as an UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy – an Australian first – recognises the uniqueness of Bendigo and the region's food and wine scene. Visit olive groves, dine in paddock-to-plate restaurants or sample wine at over 80 wineries in the Bendigo and Heathcote regions. Balgownie Estate, Bendigo's oldest vineyard, has now added new luxury glamping tents. Experience the contrasts of Bendigo as you explore its vibrant arts hub, visit Bendigo Art Gallery, get creative at Bendigo Pottery, Australia's oldest working pottery, or marvel at the rich gold-rush history and grand architecture complete with magnificent gardens such as Rosalind Park.

www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/goldfields/destinations/bendigo

Ballarat

Victoria's largest inland city, Ballarat, is a thriving hub of contemporary arts, events, food, breweries and vineyards, with a fascinating heritage backdrop. In the 1850s, Ballarat was home to the greatest alluvial gold rush the world had ever seen. Located 1 hour and 45 minutes from Melbourne, visitors can experience the excitement of this era at Sovereign Hill, a living museum set on 25 acres of an original mining site, with shops, hotels, a theatre, schools, factories, a gold diggings and underground mines to explore. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. Recharge and refuel after a day's walking at one of the town's popular eateries, breweries or cafes. Sip local drops at Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, sample craft beer at Hop Temple or book a table at European-inspired restaurant Lola, located within The Provincial Hotel on Ballarat's historic Lydiard Street, offering seasonal and locally source produce. For those looking for a more unique experience, why not meet the local wildlife at Ballarat Wildlife Park or learn a new skill at Australia's only Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/goldfields/destinations/ballarat

Gippsland

Victoria's largest region, Gippsland (comparable in size to Switzerland), boasts of untouched nature in some of Australia's best-know national parks; and it's home to Australia's largest system of inland lakes and waterways. Explore Wilsons Promontory National Park, the vast lake system of the Gippsland Lakes area, unspoilt beaches including Ninety Mile Beach and towering trees in ancient rainforests such as Tarra-Bulga National Park. Walk or cycle across the ever-changing landscapes. The diverse region of Gippsland offers a range of experiences, activities and attractions including koala sightseeing on Raymond Island, stand up paddleboarding near Lakes Entrance with adventure company Venture Out Australia, sailing around the Gippsland Lakes or shore side lunches at Metung in the East of Gippsland. Enjoy the Squeaky Beach and check if it deserves its name, get close to wild wombats at Tidal River or take a boat trip from there with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys to the mysterious Skull Rock.

www.visitvictoria.com/regions/gippsland

Victoria 2026 will also invest significantly in community infrastructure, including housing and world-class sports facilities. This will leave a legacy of affordable housing for the regions and modern sports infrastructure to encourage Victorians to get active and attract future major events.

For information on visiting Melbourne and Victoria, head to: www.visitmelbourne.com/uk