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Together with Universal Traveller, Visit Victoria hosted a group of Malaysian content creators on a trip through Melbourne and regional Victoria, journeying from the city's colourful street art to the alpine snow at Mt Buller, the vineyards of Yarra Valley and the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. Melbourne in winter has its own kind of charm: mist settles over the Yarra River in the morning, friendly huskies at the Victorian Snowfields welcome visitors, and the city's laneways come alive as the temperature drops. Layered in Universal Traveller's Therma Pro winter range, the group went from city streets to snowy summits, proving that with the right gear, winter travel can be every bit as comfortable as it is memorable. Here are seven ways to experience it for yourself.
1. Wander Melbourne's Laneways and Street Art
Melbourne rewards those who explore on foot. Start with a photography trail through the city's grand old buildings, from Australia's oldest railway station at Flinders Street Station to the Gothic stonework of St Paul's and St Michael's, before weaving through the vibrant street art of Hosier Lane and slipping into Guildford Lane for lunch at Krimper, a Melbourne favourite founded by Mun Soon, an architect originally from Ipoh, Malaysia, who turned a century-old warehouse into one of the city's most photographed laneway cafés.
1. Wander Melbourne's Laneways and Street Art
Melbourne rewards those who explore on foot. Start with a photography trail through the city's grand old buildings, from Australia's oldest railway station at Flinders Street Station to the Gothic stonework of St Paul's and St Michael's, before weaving through the vibrant street art of Hosier Lane and slipping into Guildford Lane for lunch at Krimper, a Melbourne favourite founded by Mun Soon, an architect originally from Ipoh, Malaysia, who turned a century-old warehouse into one of the city's most photographed laneway cafés.
2. Browse Melbourne's Historic Markets
Running since 1867, South Melbourne Market is Melbourne's oldest continually running market, with close to 150 stalls of fresh produce and handmade goods. Another stop to make would be the Queen Victoria Market, much-loved for its fresh produce, local makers and lively stalls.
3. Catch Sunset by the Bay
As the afternoon light softens, head to St Kilda Pier, then on to the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes for one of Melbourne's best sunset spots, with views cascading over the city skyline. Round off the evening with dinner at Farmer's Daughters, a three-level tribute to Gippsland's farmers and producers serving proper paddock-to-plate food, or Hojiak: Junda's Playground, founded by Penang-born chef Junda Khoo, who puts a modern Melbourne spin on his grandmother's recipes.
Running since 1867, South Melbourne Market is Melbourne's oldest continually running market, with close to 150 stalls of fresh produce and handmade goods. Another stop to make would be the Queen Victoria Market, much-loved for its fresh produce, local makers and lively stalls.
3. Catch Sunset by the Bay
As the afternoon light softens, head to St Kilda Pier, then on to the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes for one of Melbourne's best sunset spots, with views cascading over the city skyline. Round off the evening with dinner at Farmer's Daughters, a three-level tribute to Gippsland's farmers and producers serving proper paddock-to-plate food, or Hojiak: Junda's Playground, founded by Penang-born chef Junda Khoo, who puts a modern Melbourne spin on his grandmother's recipes.
4. Take on the Victorian Snowfields at Mt Buller
Regional Victoria's most accessible alpine resort, Mt Buller, is something out of a postcard and exactly where Universal Traveller's Therma Pro range proves its worth against the alpine cold. Take the scenic chairlift up to the summit for sweeping views over the Delatite Valley, try a husky sled ride, or book private ski and snowboard lessons across 300 hectares of snowfields served by regional Victoria's most extensive lift network. End the day with hearty pub food at Moosehead Bar or dinner at the Ski Club of Victoria.
Regional Victoria's most accessible alpine resort, Mt Buller, is something out of a postcard and exactly where Universal Traveller's Therma Pro range proves its worth against the alpine cold. Take the scenic chairlift up to the summit for sweeping views over the Delatite Valley, try a husky sled ride, or book private ski and snowboard lessons across 300 hectares of snowfields served by regional Victoria's most extensive lift network. End the day with hearty pub food at Moosehead Bar or dinner at the Ski Club of Victoria.
5. Slow Down in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Coming down from the mountaintops, the scenery softens into rolling vineyards and green countryside. Begin with a visit to The Chocolateries in Yarra Valley, spread across 40 acres of orchards, wetlands and farmland, for a giant lollipop-making experience and generous chocolate tastings. Then, hop on a ride at Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest heritage steam railway still in operation, through the fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, and stay the night at Yering Gorge Cottages, where wild kangaroos graze at dawn and dusk. Conclude the day's programme with dinner at Meletos, known for its seasonal menu and award-winning wine list.
Coming down from the mountaintops, the scenery softens into rolling vineyards and green countryside. Begin with a visit to The Chocolateries in Yarra Valley, spread across 40 acres of orchards, wetlands and farmland, for a giant lollipop-making experience and generous chocolate tastings. Then, hop on a ride at Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest heritage steam railway still in operation, through the fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, and stay the night at Yering Gorge Cottages, where wild kangaroos graze at dawn and dusk. Conclude the day's programme with dinner at Meletos, known for its seasonal menu and award-winning wine list.
6. Discover Art and Wine on the Mornington Peninsula
At Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park, large outdoor artworks rise straight out of vineyards overlooking the sea, best paired with a wine tasting and cheese platter at the estate. Take in the stunning views of the peninsula with a gondola ride at Arthurs Seat Eagle, gliding above the treetops with views stretching across Port Phillip Bay to the Melbourne city skyline.
7. Soak It All In at Peninsula Hot Springs
There is really only one way to end a winter escape: soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Peninsula Hot Springs, Australia's largest natural hot springs, with steam rising into the cold air as tired shoulders finally relax.
Before heading home, there was time for one last taste of Melbourne - some final shopping around Melbourne CBD before the group headed to Melbourne Airport. Bags a little heavier with chocolate, intricate market finds and lasting memories. From city laneways to alpine peaks, vineyard cellar doors to relaxing natural hot springs, Melbourne and surrounds is a destination that is genuinely different at every turn.
At Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park, large outdoor artworks rise straight out of vineyards overlooking the sea, best paired with a wine tasting and cheese platter at the estate. Take in the stunning views of the peninsula with a gondola ride at Arthurs Seat Eagle, gliding above the treetops with views stretching across Port Phillip Bay to the Melbourne city skyline.
7. Soak It All In at Peninsula Hot Springs
There is really only one way to end a winter escape: soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Peninsula Hot Springs, Australia's largest natural hot springs, with steam rising into the cold air as tired shoulders finally relax.
Before heading home, there was time for one last taste of Melbourne - some final shopping around Melbourne CBD before the group headed to Melbourne Airport. Bags a little heavier with chocolate, intricate market finds and lasting memories. From city laneways to alpine peaks, vineyard cellar doors to relaxing natural hot springs, Melbourne and surrounds is a destination that is genuinely different at every turn.
