Travelling Melbourne to get easier with new tap and go payments

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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Travel around Melbourne is about to get a lot easier as tap and go is set to roll out.

Melbourne’s public transport system has plenty to offer, from free tram rides in the CBD to an extensive network. But the myki system has always been a bit inconvenient, especially for tourists. Visitors might not be familiar with the system or may struggle with getting a myki card when they arrive. For locals, the need to regularly top up the card can be a hassle, particularly if they forget or don’t have access to a recharge station. This is set to change with the introduction of bankcard, smartphone, and smartwatch payments for commuters from next year.

Public transport Victoria tap and go
In 2026, commuters will be able to use tap and go on public transport. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The long-awaited change was announced last Friday with the state government revealing it would begin rolling out tap and go technology with the rail network at the start of 2026 and buses and trams to follow. This follows a successful trial of ticketless bus travel in Wangaratta during December and January, where nearly 80 per cent of full-fare commuters opted for ticketless payment instead of using cash or paper tickets. More than 20,000 new card readers will be installed across the metropolitan and V/Line networks over the coming months. 

This is set to make travel easier and more convenient around Melbourne, providing passengers with more ways to pay for their travel. The introduction of contactless payment has been a long-awaited reform for Melbourne’s transport system. This move is expected to make Melbourne’s public transport system more competitive and appealing to tourists, many of whom will find it easier to navigate.

Public transport Victoria tap and go
Contactless payment has been a long-awaited reform for Melbourne’s transport system. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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A whale of a view: The Great Ocean Road’s newest lookout revealed

    Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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    The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool – has officially opened, bringing a breathtaking new way to experience Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.

    There’s a new reason to pull over along the Great Ocean Road – and it’s worth every minute. The brand-new Blowhole Lookout , known by its Keerray Woorroong name Poombeeyt Koontapool (Breath of the Whale), has opened at Loch Ard Gorge inside Port Campbell National Park, offering a dramatic new perspective on one of Victoria’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.

    A whale-sized wow moment

    Curving seamlessly into the cliffs, the $8 million viewing platform draws inspiration from the mighty southern right whale, whose exhaled ‘breath’ inspired its name. Designed by Denton Corker Marshall in collaboration with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, the sculptural deck mimics the textures and shapes of whale skin and barnacles while framing the churning sea below.

    This striking addition is more than a photo stop – it’s a cultural and sensory experience that connects visitors to Country through story, language and design. The lookout sits low and grounded in the landscape, letting the roar of waves and the sting of sea spray take centre stage.

    A new view of the Shipwreck Coast

    Aerial shot of The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road
    Poombeeyt Koontapool has opened at Loch Ard Gorge. (Image: Parks Victoria)

    Replacing an older, eroded lookout, Poombeeyt Koontapool is the final piece of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan Stage 1, a multi-million-dollar project aimed at making this wild coastline safer and more accessible for visitors.

    “This lookout at the Blowhole allows visitors to get up close with nature and will improve the experience for the millions of people who visit each year,” said Minister for Major Events, Sport and Tourism Steve Dimopoulos.

    Designed to blend in, not stand out

    Aerial shot of The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road
    It’s an unmissable stop on a Great Ocean Road drive. (Image: Parks Victoria)

    Instead of dominating the cliffs, the structure hugs them. Its sinuous form and textured finish echo the rhythms of the sea, while the circular viewing area references ancient meeting places. The materials were chosen to weather naturally with the coastal environment, ensuring the lookout feels like it’s always been part of the gorge.

    For travellers, it’s an unmissable stop on a road trip of the Great Ocean Road; one that rewards you with both jaw-dropping views and a deeper sense of place. For locals and Traditional Owners, it’s a respectful nod to the stories and spirit of Koontapool, the whale whose breath gives the gorge its life.

    Need-to-know

    Aerial shot of The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road
    The $8 million viewing platform draws inspiration from the mighty southern right whale. (Image: Parks Victoria)

    Where: Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park

    Access: New walking paths lead safely to the lookout

    Cost: Free entry

    When to go: Early morning or sunset for the best light (and smallest crowds)

    The Great Ocean Road might be famous for its 12 Apostles, but this new whale-inspired platform proves there’s still plenty to blow you away.