Victoria will get free public transport every weekend this summer

Melbourne’s free transport zone will get a whole lot bigger this summer. In fact, it will cover the entire state of Victoria.

Victoria is already known for its accessible public transport, with a free tram zone in Melbourne comprising the CBD, Docklands and the Queen Victoria Market. But this summer, the whole public transport network across the state of Victoria will be completely free each and every weekend until 1 February.

This new initiative, dubbed ‘The Summer Start’ will launch in early December, right in time for the opening of Melbourne’s brand new $15 billion Metro Tunnel. After almost a decade of planning and building, the completed tunnel will run between South Yarra and South Kensington and comprise five new underground stations. Its goal is to connect existing suburban train lines (specifically the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines), with the new tunnel acting as a corridor that bypasses the City Loop, making all services more efficient.

Melbourne tram — Melbourne has had a free tram zone for over a decade. (Image: Matt Zhang/Unsplash)

“The Metro Tunnel will cut congestion and get you to work, uni and home sooner – and it opens in early December," said Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan.

When the Metro Tunnel opens, services through the tunnel will run mainly between West Footscray and Westall, with an extended timetable to launch 1 February 2026. Dubbed ‘The Big Switch’, this will see the reconfiguration of services through the tunnel, and will be a major overhaul to Melbourne’s transport, introducing a new timetable across buses, trams, regional and metropolitan trains.

But before things switch up for good, Melburnians and Victorians can enjoy public transport for free – every tram, bus, city train and regional train from the first to last service over the weekend.

“This is our way of saying thanks to everyone for their patience while we built the Metro Tunnel – and to celebrate this huge moment in the history of our state," added Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams.

The new Metro Tunnel is set to improve services network-wide. (Image: Nao Takabayashi/Unsplash)

There have been previous short-term experiments with free transport, such as the 12-day fare-free period in Sydney in 2022 amid strike action. The data showed a spike in public transport trips around Sydney and a boost to consumer spending. The hope is that the Victoria’s free transport will be a boon for both passengers and the economy, making its easier for people to get out and about and enjoy what the state has to offer this summer.

“We’re saying thank you Victoria – with free PT every weekend this summer," Jacinta Allan said. “Everyone, everywhere, every weekend, free until Feb 1. The biggest free transport bonanza in Victoria’s history."

From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa . I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula — Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls — The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

Lake House Daylesford

Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

Metung Hot Springs

Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs .

There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

Four more blissful day spas to visit

Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

the Peninsula Hot Springs — Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)

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Incredible day spas and hot springs to visit in Victoria

From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

Lake House Daylesford

Metung Hot Springs

Four more blissful day spas to visit