A Malaysian Winter Trail Through Melbourne and Victoria
Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind for an Australian holiday, but Melbourne wears the cold well. Visit Victoria, together with Universal Traveller, recently hosted a group of Malaysian content creators on a journey through Melbourne and regional Victoria, from the city's colourful street art to the alpine snow of Mt Buller, the vineyards of the Yarra Valley and the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. Mist settles over the Yarra River in the morning, the laneways come alive as the temperature drops, and there is a particular charm to a city that leans into the season rather than hiding from it.
Laneways, heritage and a Malaysian-founded cafe
Melbourne rewards anyone happy to explore on foot. A good starting point is a slow photography walk through the city's grand old buildings, beginning at Flinders Street Station, Australia's oldest railway station, then taking in the Gothic stonework of St Paul's and St Michael's. From there the route winds into the street art of Hosier Lane and the quieter Guildford Lane, where warehouse-lined alleys open onto some of the city's most photographed corners.
Lunch is a story in itself. Krimper, tucked into Guildford Lane, was founded by Mun Soon, an architect originally from Ipoh who turned a century-old warehouse into one of Melbourne's most photographed laneway cafes. It is the kind of Malaysian connection that turns up more often than you would expect once you start looking for it.
Beaches, snow and the coast
For a change of pace, the Brighton Beach bathing boxes deliver one of Melbourne's most recognisable photo stops, a neat row of timber huts painted in bright colours against the sand. Head further out and winter shows its other side: the alpine snow of Mt Buller, where the Victorian Snowfields even keep a team of friendly huskies to greet visitors, and the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, known for the natural hot springs that are at their best on a cold day.
Wine country and slow afternoons
No trip through regional Victoria is complete without the Yarra Valley, an easy drive from the city and lined with cellar doors. It pairs naturally with the slower rhythm of a winter holiday, where long lunches and unhurried afternoons are part of the appeal. From city laneways to alpine peaks and vineyard cellar doors, Melbourne and its surrounds shift character at almost every turn.
Planning a winter trip from Malaysia
Melbourne is an easy long-haul trip for Malaysian travellers, and winter here runs opposite to home, so June to August is the season for snow and cool-weather escapes. If you are mapping out a trip, our look at Malaysian travel trends this year is a useful gauge of where people are heading, and deal seasons such as the AirAsia MOVE sales are worth watching for cheaper fares. Pack for real cold, layer up, and let the city's laneways do the rest.
