{"id":3265,"date":"2026-07-24T18:04:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T10:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/?p=3265"},"modified":"2026-07-24T18:05:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T10:05:33","slug":"see-a-different-melbourne-coasts-animals-hot-springs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/see-a-different-melbourne-coasts-animals-hot-springs\/","title":{"rendered":"See a Different Melbourne: Coasts, Animals &amp; Hot Springs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-3072x2048.jpg 3072w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Twelve Apostles are a stone masterpiece that has been patiently carved by the wind and waves of the Southern Ocean.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Melbourne is a city of contrasts. One moment you are sipping a perfectly crafted flat white in a hidden laneway caf\u00e9, surrounded by street art and the hum of conversation. Next, you are standing on a rugged clifftop, the Southern Ocean crashing below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Known as Australia\u2019s cultural capital, this metropolis of Victoria state blends a vibrant arts scene with heritage architecture, lush gardens and proximity to some of the nation\u2019s most spectacular natural attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple Vacations\u2019 8D5N journey invites travellers to experience Melbourne in all its dimensions\u2014from wildlife encounters and scenic rail journeys to geothermal springs and dramatic coastal drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A wild welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The adventure begins west of the city at Werribee Open Range Zoo, where the flat, open plains mimic the savannahs of Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here, giraffes wander gracefully across the savannah, antelopes graze in the shade and white rhinos slowly lumber past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visitors can learn about the park\u2019s vital conservation work while relaxing in this tranquil retreat from the city, all less than an hour from central Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coastal splendour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Werribee, the route curves down the coast to Geelong\u2019s waterfront, where a whimsical trail of more than 100 hand-painted bollards tells the story of the city\u2019s colourful history\u2014from 19th-century bathing beauties to modern lifeguards and musicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sea breeze carries you onward to the Great Ocean Road, a ribbon of tarmac that clings to Victoria\u2019s southern coastline. This legendary drive reveals golden beaches, charming seaside towns and dramatic limestone cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-1920x1281.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/160851-56-Mornington-Peninsula-Hot-Spring-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dial things back with a natural retreat in one of the Mornington Peninsula&#8217;s many mineral-rich hot spring pools. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pause, relaxation and heritage trails<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here, worries feel blissfully far away as you sink into warm water, steam curling in the cool air and time itself seemingly frozen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-3072x2048.jpg 3072w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/168771-56-Puffing-Billy-Steam-Train-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puffing Billy Railway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple Vacations\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passengers can lean from open-sided carriages to breathe in crisp mountain air and take in the passing scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Phillip-Island-Penguin-Plus-1-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At arms&#8217; length with Phillip Island&#8217;s famous penguins, close enough to hear the shuffle of tiny feet during their nightly return home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Penguins and panoramas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the Penguin Plus upgrade, generously provided by Apple Vacations, travellers will watch from a platform set closer to the penguins\u2019 path, offering a more intimate view without disturbing the birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in the big city, the Melbourne Skydeck offers a fitting finale to the tour. From the tallest observation platform in the Southern Hemisphere, the city of Melbourne unfurls in every direction: the Yarra River winds between glass towers, green parks dot the urban grid, and Port Phillip Bay shimmers in the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/645293-56-Melbourne-Brighton-Beach-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Melbourne is a city that hums with coffee, culture, creativity and conversation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A journey for every traveller<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its seamless blend of city highlights, coastal beauty and immersive nature, Apple Vacations&#8217; itinerary offers a rich and varied introduction to Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is ideal for first-time visitors to Australia, couples seeking a romantic escape, families in search of shared adventures, or small groups who value comfort and discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple Vacations\u2019 8D5N Melbourne package is priced from RM11,899 per person, with departures on Nov 19 and Dec 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every travel arrangement will be handled with the utmost care and attention, allowing travellers to simply relax and enjoy the adventure. And with savings of up to RM1,000 per couple \u2014 seize your perfect Melbourne escape today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For more information, visit the the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.applevacations.my\/en\/\">official Apple Vacations website<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">*<em>First published at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/starpicks\/2025\/08\/25\/discover-a-different-bit-of-melbourne-through-wildlife-coastal-wonders-and-natural-hot-springs\">The Star Online<\/a> on 25 Aug 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>*Dates<\/em>, <em>prices and itinerary subject to change. Please refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.applevacations.my\/en\/\">Apple Vacations&#8217; official website<\/a> for the latest information.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Melbourne is a city of contrasts. One moment you are sipping a perfectly crafted flat white in a&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":3266,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[26,69,67,68],"class_list":["post-3265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-australia","tag-australia","tag-melbourne","tag-the-star","tag-the-star-picks","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"featured_media_src_url":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Twelve-Apostles-rock-formations-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria-Australia-1024x683.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3265"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3278,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3265\/revisions\/3278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}