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October 12, 2026 6:00am

Modified on October 14, 2026 ,

Published on October 12, 2026

A general view as fans watch on at Federation Square during the NFL match in Melbourne played between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Sept. 11, 2026.

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It’s after 9 p.m. on Qantas flight QF94 with service from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Australia on Sept. 7, and business class passengers are stowing bags and settling into seats for the next 15-hours or so.

Even with a long haul flight minutes from going wheels up, an upbeat energy is coursing through the cabin, and a woman wearing a wide smile and a San Francisco 49ers sweatshirt bounces across the aisle to approach another passenger with a bold request … for a selfie. Never mind the famous actor with model good looks standing in front of her — Vikings: Valhalla star and Aussie talent Sam Corlett — the woman kneels down and politely places a camera in front of another boldfaced name who also happens to be heading Down Under: NFL commissioner Roger Godell.

His presence is the exclamation point to prove that this is not an ordinary flight to Australia. It’s filled with VIPs, fans, press and other insiders en route to Melbourne to watch the league make history with its first game in the beloved country as part of a landmark pact between the NFL and Visit Victoria. And what a moment it was as north of 100,000 found seats inside the spacious Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch the Los Angeles Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers to kick off the 2026 regular season.

But beyond the scoreboard — sorry, Rams — there was much to see, experience, eat and engage with across Victoria as the tourism board hosted The Hollywood Reporter to check out the stunning scene. Below are highlights from five days in the great state of Victoria, from Melbourne and Torquay to the Great Ocean Road and a wildlife sanctuary with stunning ocean views.

How to Get There — Qantas Airlines

A view of Qantas' A380 aircraft used for a charter to carry NFL teams from the United States to Melbourne, Australia to make history as the league's first game to be played in the country.

Photo : Credit: Courtesy of Qantas

Qantas, also known as the Flying Kangaroo or the preferred airline of native Australians, operates up to 40 flights per week between Australia and the United States from such major cities as Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. (The airliner will boost travel from the Big Apple when it launches non-stop services between Sydney and New York starting in 2028 as part of Project Sunrise.) The first two cities mentioned above are important here as Qantas serves as the official airline partner of the NFL in Australia and Zealand. As such, it operated charter flights on A380s for the Rams and 49ers while also filling its commercial flights with fans from all over as Qantas reported an uptick of 50 percent with bookings from the U.S. to Australia in advance of the Sept. 11 kickoff at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As for those team charters, each plane got staffed with four pilots, 22 cabin crew and one charter manager along with more than 2,000 meals, which were maximized with protein to fuel some ever-hungry NFL stars. For example, steak sandwiches got loaded with extra meat, cheeseburgers were double-stuffed and there was so many meals and snacks that overhead bins were used for catering rather than luggage. Travelers also were able to get cozy for the long-haul flight while also rooting for the team of their chose when Qantas staffers surprised some guests with custom pajamas at boarding gates featuring either Rams or 49ers colors. “Our teams have spent months working with the clubs to make the flight part of the experience, from menus designed alongside team nutrition staff to bespoke Qantas pajamas in each club’s colors. For many of the athletes and staff this is their first visit to Australia and we wanted to give them a taste of the country from the moment they stepped on board,” explained Qantas Group chief brand and corporate affairs officer Danielle Keighery.

Reservations: Qantas.com

A view inside Qantas’ A380 aircraft used for a charter to carry NFL teams from the United States to Melbourne, Australia to make history as the league’s first game to be played in the country. Credit: Courtesy of Qantas

A view of Qantas staffers holding up jerseys for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.Credit: Courtesy of Qantas

A view of one of those double-stuffed cheeseburgers served to NFL players on the Qantas charter.Credit: Courtesy of Qantas

More snacks served to NFL players on the direct flights.Credit: Courtesy of Qantas

First Stop to Stay: Melbourne’s Hannah St Hotel

A view of the interior of Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne, Australia.

Photo : Credit: Chris Gardner/The Hollywood Reporter

Yes, extended travel times and heavy jet lag can require some schedule-maxing when traveling Down Under but it’s a minimal price to pay for what most travelers will wind up calling the trip of a lifetime. That’s why a great hotel is key. Enter Hannah St Hotel. Best described as a chic urban hideaway with friendly staff members in every corner, it’s a new jewel on the Melbourne hospitality scene. Located in the city’s Southbank below Kings Way, the five-star property — developed by Time & Place, designed by David Flack’s Flack Studios and operated by TFE Hotels — features 188 rooms and suites with midcentury modern touches and all the amenities needed for a cozy stay in 2026. (Also unlike most new hotels, rooms feature a shower with a door that actually closes!) There’s a pool, spa, steam room, 24-hour gym and fitness center as well as the Work Club, a sleek coworking space that also hosts a podcast studio. It’s within walking distance to Melbourne main draws like Federation Square, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Yarra River, Queen Victoria Market and the Central Business District. Hotel restaurants aren’t always 10/10, but Hannah St Hotel’s Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar is a must, whether for a hearty breakfast, delicious dinner or afternoon martini. Also not to be missed: A takeaway matcha, espresso or almond croissant from Hannah St Coffee, a quick catch up inside the Terrace Lounge or a nightcap at the lobby’s Bar Hannah.

Reservations: Hannah St Hotel

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Welcome to Country With Aboriginal Guide

A local guide leads a traditional "welcome to country" smoking ceremony in Melbourne, Australia.

Photo : Credit: Chris Gardner/The Hollywood Reporter

“Welcome to Country is a ceremony based around purpose and respect,” explains a guide representing the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation prior to leading a group in a traditional smoking ceremony that has multiple benefits. Not only does it honor ancestors and pay respects to land, it is believed to have cleansing properties that can ward off negative spirits or illness, refresh the body, mind and soles of one’s feet before charting course on an Australian journey. Guides light native plants like eucalyptus but rather than create an open flame, a smoke is created that allows visitors to wave it across their bodies and feet. It’s a great day one activity that provides a deeper look at Victoria’s history and the people who paved the way. “We value country and we look for value within the landscape,” said our guide. “We always make sure that we live in a way that is responsible and carries integrity.” In addition to the ceremony, there are guided walking tours throughout Melbourne and Victoria to enrich the experience, including this recommended jaunt on at the Royal Botanic Garden.

More information on Aboriginal Walks: Visit Melbourne

NFL Makes History in Australia With L.A. Rams Versus San Francisco 49ers Game

United States Marine Corps Ospreys and Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes perform a joint fly over prior to the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Sept. 11, 2026.

Photo : (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

The NFL made history at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sept. 11 by hosting the league’s first-ever game in Australia. The moment was not lost on the locals, either, as many said they’ve been waiting for game time Down Under for decades. A man named Bill brought his son, Luca, to the game and he told The Hollywood Reporter that they put on 49ers jerseys and got to the grounds early to soak up the scene and root for their favorite team. “This is our first NFL game ever and I’ve been a fan for many, many years,” Bill explained. “I don’t think a lot of Americans realize how closely Australians follow the NFL. We follow it weekly basis and very closely. This is huge for us.” Same for pals Nick Aria, 33, and Dylan Long, 31, who turned up in jerseys for the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. Said Long: “This is massive. I never expected the NFL to come here just because we’re so far away, but the fact that they did and the whole city — and really, the country — has gotten around it is so cool.” Added Aria: “This is historic, and it’s two great teams as well. It might be a different story if it were two shit teams, but it’s not. I was just texting a friend to tell him that the vibes are immaculate here in Melbourne.” Not only did those vibes get boosted by near-perfect weather and record-setting attendance north of 100,000, the Jonas Brothers added star power to the game with an electric halftime performance. Though no additional games have been announced for Australia, insiders suggest that the high turnout and the warm welcome could inspire the NFL to return amid the league’s international push. One Rams fan exiting the stadium — a local from Victoria, Australia — said that while he was bummed about the result, he’s hopeful for the future of the game. “It’s only up from here,” he said.

More Events: Melbourne Cricket Ground

Jonas Brothers perform at halftime of the NFL football game between Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Sept. 11, 2026.(Photo by Morgan H