The Southern Ocean’s patient masterpiece, carved by wind, wave and time.
MELBOURNE is a city of contrasts. One moment you are sipping a perfectly crafted flat white in a hidden laneway café, surrounded by street art and the hum of conversation. Next, you are standing on a rugged clifftop, the Southern Ocean crashing below.
Known as Australia’s cultural capital, the Victorian metropolis blends a vibrant arts scene with heritage architecture, lush gardens and proximity to some of the nation’s most spectacular natural attractions.
Apple Vacations’ 8D5N journey invites travellers to experience Melbourne in all its dimensions—from wildlife encounters and scenic rail journeys to geothermal springs and dramatic coastal drives.
A wild welcome
The adventure begins west of the city at Werribee Open Range Zoo, where the flat, open plains mimic the landscapes of Africa.
Here, giraffes wander gracefully across the savannah, antelopes graze in the shade and white rhinos slowly lumber past.
Visitors can learn about the park’s vital conservation work and feel transported far from the city, even though it lies less than an hour from Melbourne’s centre.
Coastal splendour
From Werribee, the route curves down the coast to Geelong’s waterfront, where a whimsical trail of more than 100 hand-painted bollards tells the story of the city’s colourful history—from 19th-century bathing beauties to lifeguards and musicians.
The sea air carries you onward to the Great Ocean Road, a ribbon of tarmac that clings to Victoria’s southern coastline. This legendary drive reveals golden beaches, charming seaside towns and dramatic limestone cliffs.
The crown jewel is the Twelve Apostles, colossal sea stacks that rise from the surf like sentinels guarding the shore. Watching the light shift across these formations is a moment that lingers long after the journey ends.
Dial things back with a retreat in mineral-rich pools surrounded by nature.
Pause, relaxation and heritage trails
Crossing the Mornington Peninsula by ferry, the pace slows at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Fed by mineral-rich waters flowing from deep underground, the pools are scattered across a tranquil landscape of native bushland.
Here, the world feels blissfully far away as you sink into warm water, steam curling in the cool air, and time itself seems to pause.
Steam and timber carriages, with the scent and sounds of the mountains in the background.
The itinerary also captures the romance of vintage rail travel aboard the Puffing Billy Steam Train. This century-old locomotive winds its way through the lush forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.
Passengers can lean from open-sided carriages to breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the passing scenery.
Eye-level with the island’s most famous residents, close enough to hear the shuffle of tiny feet during their nightly ritual.
Penguins and panoramas
No Melbourne journey is complete without a visit to Phillip Island for the famed Penguin Parade. As the sun dips below the horizon, hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore after a day at sea, their soft calls mingling with the sound of the waves.
With Apple Vacations’ Penguin Plus upgrade, travellers watch from a platform set closer to the penguins’ path, offering a more intimate view without disturbing the birds.
Back in the city, the Melbourne Skydeck offers a fitting finale. From the tallest observation platform in the Southern Hemisphere, the city unfurls in every direction: The Yarra River winding between glass towers, green parks dotting the urban grid, and the distant shimmer of Port Phillip Bay.
Melbourne is the city that hums with coffee, culture, creativity and conversation.
A journey for every traveller
With its seamless blend of city highlights, coastal beauty and immersive nature experiences, this itinerary offers a richly varied introduction to Melbourne.
It is ideally suited to first-time visitors to Australia, couples seeking a romantic escape, families in search of shared adventures, or small groups who value comfort alongside discovery.
Apple Vacations’ 8D5N Melbourne package is priced from RM11,899 per person, with departures on Nov 19 and Dec 17.
Every detail is carefully handled, allowing travellers to simply relax and enjoy the adventure. Enjoy savings of up to RM1,000 per couple — your perfect Melbourne escape awaits!
For more information, visit the website.
