Melbourne & Beyond: The Gateway To Southeast Australia’s Best Escapes

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Most people head to Australia with a few things already on their bucket list. Maybe it’s spotting kangaroos and koalas, or finally seeing those postcard-perfect coastal views in real life.

For many travellers, that journey begins in Melbourne. The city has long been one of Australia’s most popular destinations, known for its incredible food scene, vibrant arts culture, and famously good coffee.

But stay a few days, and you’ll quickly realise that Melbourne isn’t just another stop on the map. It’s the kind of place that turns a quick visit into a “let’s stay one more day” kind of trip.

And more importantly, it’s the gateway to Southeast Australia, where every road trip, coastal drive, and hidden town will definitely stretch your itinerary in the best way possible.

First stop, Melbourne

Melbourne city is the capital of the state of Victoria and is home to around 5 million people. It’s widely recognised as Australia’s cultural and sporting capital.

The city is famous for hosting major global events like the Australian Open tennis matches, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Melbourne Fashion Festival, and other stuff like music and art shows that keep the metropolis buzzing year-round.

Then there are the city’s iconic laneways, hidden cafes, tiny bars, independent boutiques, and street art that are full of character. Some iconic Melbourne experiences worth adding to your itinerary include:

• Wandering the city’s famous laneways, especially Hosier Lane for its ever-changing street art
• Browsing fresh produce and local finds at Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market
• Experiencing Melbourne’s cafe culture in neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and Carlton
• Taking in panoramic city views from Melbourne Skydeck

But some of Melbourne’s biggest highlights aren’t inside the city. They’re just beyond it.

Victoria’s Call to Adventure!

You can think of Melbourne as the starting point for exploring the wider state of Victoria.

While it may be Australia’s second-smallest state by land area, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its diverse landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

From dramatic coastlines and pristine beaches to wildlife-filled national parks, world-class wineries, scenic lakes, and mountain trails, the state truly has everything just waiting to be explored.

Just beyond the outskirts of the city, the Great Ocean Road stands as one of Victoria’s most iconic road trips. It winds along rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs, passing landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.

History lovers can also explore the Shipwreck Coast, where more than 200 shipwrecks lie between Port Fairy and Cape Otway.

East of the Great Ocean Road sits Phillip Island, a favourite getaway known for its famous Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at sunset. Depending on the season, you might also spot migrating whales along the coastline.

At night, the island reveals a different kind of magic. With minimal light pollution, Phillip Island is a popular spot for stargazing, and if conditions are right, even the Aurora Australis, or the southern lights, may appear.

Just an hour east of Melbourne, Yarra Valley offers a slower, more scenic pace. It’s a go-to day trip for vineyard tours, wine tastings, and artisanal food experiences.

Visitors can learn how grapes are grown and turned into wine at award-winning vineyards, or stop by places like The Chocolateries for artisan truffle chocolates and Yarra Valley Dairy for handcrafted cheeses and local produce. And pro tip. Don’t leave without picking up a jar of their marinated Persian feta for the road, ok.

For wildlife encounters, Healesville Sanctuary offers the chance to see native animals like koalas, kangaroos, and the elusive platypus up close. Not to be missed is a nostalgic steam train ride on Puffing Billy through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. 

Further afield, the Mornington Peninsula is home to geothermal bathing experiences at Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, perfect for unwinding among natural Australian landscapes.

If you’ve ever wanted a Hallmark-style getaway, Bright in Victoria’s High Country delivers exactly that because this picturesque town blends small-town charm with outdoor adventure.

Then you can cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail through the Ovens Valley, stopping for local produce, craft beer, and wine along the way.

Visit in autumn for the best experience, when the town transforms with fiery red, orange, and yellow foliage, alongside bustling markets and local events.

For something wilder, head to Gippsland, a region of beaches, farmland, mountains, and lakes. Hike through ancient rainforest in Tarra Bulga National Park, or spot wombats, emus, and kangaroos along the trails of Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Visit Wilsons Promontory National Park for leisurely hikes and sweeping mountain views, plus wildlife encounters like wombats in their natural habitat.

Or head over to Raymond Island to spot koalas in the wild, or soak your worries away at Metung Hot Springs.

At Gippsland Lakes, you might even catch glimpses of dolphins while exploring some of Victoria’s charming coastal towns. 

Something New Every Season

It’s not just where you go in Southeastern Australia, it’s when you go.

Visit between December and February, and you’ll get long summer days perfect for coastal drives, outdoor adventures, and seasonal experiences like picking your own fruits at orchards across the state.

Between June and August, the region transforms again.

The cooler months reveal another side of Melbourne and Victoria, like Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens and the buzzing Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market.

Venture further out for snow-covered adventures, soothing hot springs, and seasonal treats such as the Yarra Valley chocolate festivals and Ballarat’s Winter Wonderlights.

Your Melbourne Adventure Starts With Malaysia Airlines

Getting to Melbourne is easier than ever with Malaysia Airlines.

They operate up to 21 weekly direct flights, giving travellers more opportunities to explore Melbourne city and Victoria’s stunning regional destinations.

Travellers who book directly through the Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app can enjoy exclusive fares, while Enrich members receive an additional 5% discount.

For even greater flexibility, Malaysia Airlines’ Flex fares are designed to provide added peace of mind when travel plans change. With Flex fares, travellers can enjoy unlimited date changes without change fees, as well as easy refunds in the event of visa rejections. Additional benefits include:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Extra baggage allowance
• The option to board an earlier flight on the same day (subject to availability)

And because it’s Malaysia Airlines, you’ll still enjoy the airline’s signature Malaysian Hospitality throughout your journey, from their Best of Asia in-flight menu to attentive service onboard. 

Business Class travellers can also enjoy access to the Golden Lounge and Chef-on-Call, which allows meals to be pre-ordered before departure.

So, book directly through the Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app to enjoy exclusive fares and added benefits. After all, Melbourne is just the beginning of a Victoria adventure that’s full of discoveries.

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