Renee Sweany, Author at Swain Destinations Blog

NFL 2026 Season Kicks Off in Melbourne, Australia: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers

Renee Sweany — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:01:01 +0000

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It's Game Time In...

In a historic moment for global sports, the National Football League is heading Down Under. For the first time ever, a regular season game will be played in Australia—bringing two rival teams, the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, to the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Victoria.

Set for September 11, 2026, AEST Melbourne time (September 10 in the United States), this highly anticipated season opener is more than a game—it’s the perfect excuse for sports lovers to make a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia, with a full week of celebrations surrounding the game and other exciting sporting activities nearby.

Ticket sales roll out in April, with multiple opportunities to secure your place at this historic event. Whether you choose to purchase tickets directly or prefer a seamless, fully tailored journey, Swain Destinations can assist in crafting the perfect Australia experience—bringing together the game with unforgettable moments beyond the stadium.

Important Dates for NFL Australia Ticket Sales

Wednesday, April 1, at 5pm EST: Pre-sale team fan tickets go on sale
Monday, April 6, at 8pm EST: Hospitality packages
Tuesday, April 7, at 8pm EST: General public tickets

On Location also has early access options ahead of the public on sale date Wednesday, April 1.

Los Angeles Rams Fans

For local fans of the Los Angeles Rams, getting to the game couldn’t be more seamless. With nonstop service from LAX to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, your trip to see the season opener is transformed into an international jetsetting getaway. Arrive ready to experience the energy of this historic matchup, and take time to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities before or after the game.

San Francisco 49ers Fans

Meanwhile, local fans of the San Francisco 49ers can take advantage of convenient nonstop service from SFO to Melbourne and Sydney. It’s the perfect opportunity to pair football with a broader Australian journey—adding iconic destinations and experiences along the way. Your Swain Destinations travel consultant can curate an itinerary designed with both ease and exploration in mind.

Explore Victoria, Australia

Explore Victoria in greater depth—from its renowned wine regions and abundant wildlife to dramatic coastal scenery along the Great Ocean Road—and discover sample itineraries designed to inspire your journey. From here, your travels can easily extend beyond Victoria to Australia’s other iconic regions.

More Sporting Activities in Australia

Looking to keep the sporting spirit going? Beyond Melbourne, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia offer unique experiences that celebrate Australia’s passion for sport.

Go behind the scenes for an immersive experience into the world of Australian sporting excellence. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is Australia’s premier sports training institution located in Canberra and the only one of its kind in Australia.

See the city of Adelaide from a new perspective from the iconic roofline of the Adelaide Oval. Experience RoofClimb by day, sunset, night, or even during an Australian Rules Football (AFL) match for the best seats in the house.

The post NFL 2026 Season Kicks Off in Melbourne, Australia: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers appeared first on Swain Destinations Blog.

A Mouthwatering Australian Trio for Every Foodie’s Bucket List

Renee Sweany — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:18:07 +0000

Australia is vast and diverse with endless adventures—from cosmopolitan cities to world-class wine regions to rugged wilderness teeming with wildlife. Not to mention, culinary destinations that are earning global accolades. For travelers seeking an itinerary that blends luxury, local flavor, and unforgettable experiences, the trio of Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania delivers a southern Australian journey like no other.

Learn more about why Swain Destinations thinks you should Savor the South, then read on to find out how this trio of Australian states are being recognized globally.

The World’s Table: The Meal of Your Life is Waiting in Australia

A recent CNN feature, The World’s Table: The Meal of Your Life is Waiting in Australia, celebrates each regions’ distinctive culinary prowess—spotlighting producers, chefs, and regions that are helping redefine what it means to eat your way through the country. Reading about the fresh produce, world-class wines and how each state’s unique regional identity elevates every meal will leave you hungry to start planning a southern Australia culinary adventure.

This ethos aligns perfectly with A Taste of Australia’s South—an itinerary celebrating the incredible cuisine and world-renowned wines of these three Australian states. The journey weaves together sophisticated accommodations, immersive culinary stops, and breathtaking beauty for an authentic and unforgettable Australian experience.

Tasmania: A Must-Visit Island of Local Flavor

Tasmania has been turning heads in the global travel world. It was recently named one of the top travel destinations for 2026 by the Signature Travel Network—a prestigious list that highlights places poised to inspire luxury travelers next year.

Meanwhile, Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, has made Expedia’s list of top ten trending travel destinations for 2026, reflecting a surge in interest from international travelers looking for culture, food, and natural landscapes.

From award-winning local produce and fine wine to dramatic coastlines and World Heritage wilderness, Tasmania is a rich chapter in any Australian adventure.

South Australia: Outback & Wine Country

South Australia’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths—from the ancient peaks of the Flinders Ranges to vibrant Adelaide and the famed Barossa Valley to the pristine Kangaroo Island. The state continues to capture global attention, with several regions earning recognition from influential travel experts, including: CNN Travel named Adelaide among the best places to visit in 2026 and Conde Nast Traveler says Adelaide is gearing up for a blockbuster 2026, both spurred on by the recent addition of direct flights from the U.S.; Flinders Ranges named Best in Travel in the top 25 global destinations for 2026, Lonely Planet; and Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches in Australia book includes 12 South Australian beaches, naming Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island as the country’s best beach for wildlife watching.

Whether you’re exploring iconic wine regions, slowing down on Kangaroo Island, or venturing into the rugged Outback, South Australia delivers experiences that pair beautifully with food, culture and nature.

Western Australia: Wide-Open Spaces & Coastal Wonders

Western Australia’s sheer scale and scenic variety make it a remarkable destination. Its spectacular coastline, pristine beaches, popular wine regions, and unique natural phenomena helped earn the state a spot on global travel lists, including being named one of the top places to visit by BBC Travel. Additionally, Margaret River made Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go in 2026 list, bringing special attention to vineyard hopping and food festivals.

From Perth’s vibrant arts and dining scene to the wild beauty of the southwest and beyond, Western Australia brings both cosmopolitan charm and natural wonders.

Savor the South

Savor the South features standalone Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania example itineraries, as well as one thoughtfully curated sample itinerary that bundles together A Taste of Australia’s South. However, every travel itinerary booked with Swain Destinations is completely customized, so contact our Master Designers of Luxury Travel with your vision to explore Australia!

The post A Mouthwatering Australian Trio for Every Foodie’s Bucket List appeared first on Swain Destinations Blog.

Australia’s MICHELIN Key Hotels: A New Benchmark for Luxury Travel

Renee Sweany — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:26:17 +0000

The arrival of MICHELIN Keys in Australia marks a defining moment for the country’s luxury hospitality scene. From iconic urban retreats to extraordinary escapes Down Under, these newly recognized properties celebrate exceptional design, service, and a true sense of place. As MICHELIN turns its discerning eye toward Australia, travelers now have a trusted guide to the most remarkable stays—each offering an experience as memorable as the destination itself.

Congratulations to our hotel partners that received Keys! Contact our Master Designers of Luxury Travel to start planning an Australia travel itinerary featuring these MICHELIN Key hotels.