Australia's south-eastern state of Victoria has recently eased further restrictions and is welcoming travellers from around the globe to experience their latest highlights - from new hotel openings, restaurants and bars in the heart of the capital city Melbourne and across the state, to the latest new attractions along the Great Ocean Road and beyond.

GOOD NATURED

NEW: WILDLIFE WONDERS DUSK OR DAWN TOURS

As the sun sets over the hills of the Otways, get a peek at some of the more elusive nocturnal animals including potoroos, bandicoots, pademelons as they are waking up and start their active night of feeding and foraging. Visitors can spot them as they emerge for the evening on the new Dusk Discovery Wildlife Tour by Wildlife Wonders. On this small, intimate, 90-minute tour, their conservationist guide will give exclusive insights into the lives of some of the more elusive and rarely seen animals who call the Otways home whilst the setting sun will provide additional, stunning photo opportunities.  Wildlife Wonders' purpose is to engage the community with nature and to support wildlife conservation across the region. Many species that have been driven to extinction in other areas of Australia still survive in the habitats of the Otways, but without decisive action, these precious animals could vanish from the forests and heathlands forever. That is why all profits generated by Wildlife Wonders support the crucial work of the Conservation Ecology Centre, supporting critical research and vital on-ground works to tackle the most urgent conservation challenges facing the wildlife and habitats of the Otways Region along the Great Ocean Road. www.wildlifewonders.org.au

ACCOMMODATION

NEW: Selina expands globally with two new hotels in Melbourne

The stylish and trendy chain, Selina, is opening two new hotels in the capital across two prime locations. It opened its doors to their first hotel located in St Kilda, located just off Fitzroy Street, mere footsteps from the eclectic dining scene, boohoo boutiques, and the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens. Its second location hotel can be found in the heart of the city on Flinders Street, overlooking the scenic Yarra River. The hotels feature private and shared rooms and a range of on-site facilities including restaurants, a library, a cinema room, a communal kitchen and of course their famous co-working space with complimentary Wi-Fi. www.selina.com

NEWLY OPENED: Marriott's new hotel – Melbourne        

Situated in the Docklands area, the brand new five-star hotel, Marriott Melbourne Docklands, is the first Marriott-branded hotel to open in Australia in 20 years. The guestrooms' interiors are done in contemporary, residential styling. The hotel houses a range of food and beverage offerings, an exclusive M Club lounge, and an infinity-edge heated rooftop pool with a whirlpool. The new $250million hotel is located centrally, above the District Docklands on Waterfront Way and features 189 rooms. The five-star property also boasts of a new café, lobby bar and a rooftop bar called 'Sunset House'. Adding to the impressive culinary credentials for the city, the refined all-day dining venue Archer's serves elevated Australian fare with flair and provenance. Nestled beneath a vaulted cellar-esque ceiling, the restaurant is reminiscent of Melbourne's historic bridges and train stations.  www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/meldl-melbourne-marriott-hotel-docklands

NEWLY OPENED: Off-grid with a touch of luxury

For those looking for more off the beaten track and sustainable accommodation, look no further than Sky Pods, where guests can enjoy a relaxing yet luxury experience. Their new luxurious and architecturally designed self-contained Sky Ships are also situated on the same 200-acre, off-grid wildlife refuge property on the rugged coast of Cape Otway and come at a lower price point compared to the Sky Pods. This picturesque getaway takes in sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, as well as the surrounding coastal rainforest, with the Great Ocean Walk, Station Beach and Rainbow Falls all within walking distance. www.skypods.com.au

NEWLY OPENED: Unlimited ice-cream and tiny homes

An additional gem along the Great Ocean Road is the Timboon Tiny Houses. The family behind Timboon's famed ice-creamery has opened three tiny homes next door. Named after ice-cream flavours, guests will be treated to little luxuries like silk pillows, USB chargers and locally made soaps as well as unlimited ice cream. The town of Timboon is also the starting point for the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Gourmet Trail, a trail where foodie lovers will be able to visit and explore local artisans and producers, including sampling amazing food and wine. It's also a midpoint for the Camperdown to Port Campbell Trail and boasts of full and thriving shopping precinct with cafes and shops for retail therapy. www.timboontinyhomes.com.au

FOOD & DRINKS

NEWLY OPENED: From historic Holy Trinity Church Hall to new bar and food truck

A 100 year old church on the corner of St Kilda Rd and Chapel St in St Kilda, Melbourne is being transformed into a lush bar and beer garden. Since 1925, St Kilda's Holy Trinity Church Hall has served as a hub for the local community. Now, the venue has undergone a stunning transformation, turning into a family- and pet-friendly bar and eatery that evokes the space's long history of church dances and school fetes. Featuring green booths, a food truck park and a bar that spans the length of the entire space. www.trinitystkilda.com

NEWLY OPENED: From pop-up to an intimate 10-person dining experience

Another new anticipated opening is Enter Via Laundry from MasterChef guest judge in 2020, Helly Raichura. From a pop-up restaurant to a permanent resident, the secretive dining spot has officially landed on Nicholson Street. Serving up authentic Indian cuisine in an intimate long table setting, the restaurant offers a combination of luxury and tradition. The set menu will cost around $250 per person for 20 different items, about eight of which will be included in the main course. The space will reflect the menu, juxtaposing artwork and serveware sourced from both India and Australia. www.entervialaundry.com.au

NEW: World's biggest vegan hub set to open in Melbourne this year

Set to be one of the world's largest vegan hubs, award-winning plant-based chef, Shannon Martinez, is set to merge the trendy Smith & Daughters and Smith & Deli, offering guests an elevated vegan dining experience with a touch of glamour. The brand-new venue will be one of the biggest vegan hubs, with a dining space, large kitchen production, specialty grocery store, a deli provider and an elevated restaurant housed under one roof. In addition, the mega venue will also house a revamped Smith and Daughters, which will see room for 80 seated diners surrounding an open kitchen. The new blockbuster venue launching in Collingwood is set to open later this year. www.smithanddaughters.com/smith-deli