lifestyle

Planning A Trip To Melbourne? This 8D5N Itinerary Covers All The Must-See Spots

From cute animals and hot springs to scenic destinations, yummy food, and more!

Cover image via Amazed & @puffingrailway (Instagram)

Follow us on InstagramTikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

This Spotlight is sponsored by Apple Vacations. 

If you're thinking of checking Melbourne off your list of must-visit places, now's the perfect time!

Travel agency Apple Vacations has an 8D5N tour package to Melbourne priced from only RM9,399.

From wildlife encounters and scenic coastal drives to rejuvenating hot springs and cultural delights, this carefully curated itinerary promises an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. 

The best part? Apple Vacations has additional discounts for couples! More details at the end of the story. ;)

Without further ado, let's dive into the highlights of the tour:

1. Visit the renowned Werribee Open Range Zoo

Image via Visit Victoria

In case you didn't know, Werribee Open Range Zoo is a world-leading zoo-based conservation organisation dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction.

Here, you'll be able to get up close and personal with over 45 wildlife species from Africa, Asia, and Australia. And of course, what's a trip to Australia without koalas and kangaroos, right? You'll get to enter the world of koalas and see just how fluffy they are, as well as meet the kangaroo mob! 

Want to go on a wildlife tour? There is an African-themed zoo within the conservation haven, allowing you to board a safari bus across the open-range savannah to spot rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. 

2. Be blown away by the beauty of the Great Ocean Road

Image via Lonely Planet

Known as one of Australia's most awe-inspiring coastal drives, Great Ocean Road is a nature spectacle you absolutely should not miss out on. 

As you travel along the rugged southwest coast, you'll spot majestic panoramas that will simply take your breath away. And it doesn't end there — you'll be visiting the iconic 12 Apostles, a natural wonder formed by towering rock formations rising from the azure waters. It's a picture-perfect spot for your IG feed! 

Along the journey, you'll also get to visit the largest collection of Australian wildlife, where you can meet, pat, and even feed adorable koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. 

3. Indulge your senses at Peninsula Hot Springs

Image via Visit Victoria

Need a break from all the walking and driving? The tour package also includes a visit to the tranquil Peninsula Hot Springs, a natural geothermal mineral springs and day spa facility. 

With over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences, this sanctuary — nestled within a natural landscape — makes the perfect retreat to revitalise your mind, body, and soul. You'll be immersing yourself in waters that flow from 637 metres below the earth's surface. 

4. Step back in time as you hop aboard the Puffing Billy Steam Train

Image via Puffing Billy

Australia's oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway is Puffing Billy, which has been operating since 1900. 

You'll embark from Belgrave Station, sitting in the open-side carriages with your legs hanging as the train chugs through lush ferns and towering timbers to Menzies Creek. It'll definitely be an experience of a lifetime! 

5. Encounter a penguin parade on Phillip Island

Image via ABC

Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world, and you'll have the opportunity to witness the cute penguins' evening ritual.

Watch as these adorable seabirds waddle home from the ocean to their burrows, a heartwarming spectacle you can witness any night of the year. The Penguin Plus ticket from the tour package also ensures you have the best vantage point to observe these charming creatures, standing at around 30 to 35 centimetres in height.

That's not all. Here's a look at other cool spots you'll be visiting during the tour:

Image via Gaya Travel

- Tesselaar Tulip Festival: If you're visiting Melbourne from 16 September to 15 October, you'll get to marvel at a magnificent display of over a million spring flowering buds.

- Olinda Tea House: Tuck into a delightful lunch at Olinda Tea House nestled in the heart of the stunning ranges of Dandenong.

- Arthurs Seat Eagle: You'll have the opportunity to soar above picturesque landscapes with Arthurs Seat Eagle, a gondola lift operated from the base station in Dromana to the summit of Arthurs Seat.

- Lobster Menu, Phillip Island: Besides spotting Little Penguins, you'll also savour a delectable lobster dish on the island, well-known for offering freshly caught seafood and alfresco dining.

- Geelong Bollard Trail Walk: Over 100 bollards are installed along Geelong's picturesque waterfront, making it a trail that's fun and relaxing to walk, as well as rich with history.  

- Melbourne Skydeck: Witness breathtaking panoramic views of Melbourne's spectacular concrete jungle from Melbourne Skydeck, which stands 297.3 metres tall.

In a nutshell, from just RM9,399 per person, Apple Vacations' tour package to Melbourne will let you embark on a remarkable and unforgettable eight-day journey

Plus, couples who book as soon as possible can enjoy a RM1,000 early bird discount!

Here are more details about the tour package:
Tour locations: Geelong, Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, Dandenong, Phillip Island
Travel dates: 21 October, 18 November, or 18 December 2023 / 26 January, 9 February, 1 March, and April until June 2024

The tour package also covers hotel stays and most meals!

You can also check out Apple Vacations at this year's Matta Fair:
Date: 1 to 3 September 2023
Time: 10am to 9pm
Venue: Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), KL 
Booth No.:
2K01

Terms and conditions apply.

To check out the itinerary and book the tour package, you can head over here for this year's travel, or here if you plan to travel next year

For more #travel stories on SAYS:

Got some cool brand news to share?

Image via SAYS

Take a look at all of our Spotlight stories to date here

Catch up on the latest brand buzz in Malaysia: