Avalon Airport (AVV) is Melbourne's second airport, a small and easy-going terminal on the western side of Port Phillip Bay. It is best thought of as the airport for Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the start of the Great Ocean Road, rather than for central Melbourne. For travellers from Malaysia, flights to Avalon usually involve a connection, and they make the most sense when your trip begins on this side of the bay. Most international arrivals use Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) instead, and you can compare every Melbourne airport together on the Melbourne all-airports page.

About Avalon Airport, Melbourne

Location

Avalon sits near the town of Lara, between Melbourne and Geelong, just off the Princes Freeway. Geelong, Victoria's second-largest city, is much closer to the airport than the Melbourne CBD is. The You Yangs granite ranges rise just behind the runway, and the surrounding area is open farmland rather than suburbs.

Terminals

The airport has a compact terminal area, with international facilities built alongside the domestic hall. Check-in, security and baggage claim are all a short walk apart, and queues are usually far shorter than at the city's main airport. Facilities are simpler too, so it is worth eating before you arrive if you have an early departure.

Getting to and from the airport

There is no train station at Avalon. Coach services timed to flights have linked the terminal with Melbourne and Geelong, but operators and timetables change, so check the current service before you travel. Taxis, ride-hailing and rental cars are available at the terminal, and a car is the most flexible option if you plan to drive the coast. Car parking is right outside the terminal building.

Direct and connecting flights to Avalon

Flights at Avalon are mostly domestic, and the mix of routes changes; international services have come and gone over the years. From Malaysia you would normally connect through another hub to reach Avalon, or simply land at Tullamarine and drive south-west. In the search results, use the Direct filter to see whether a nonstop option exists for your dates, and compare the total journey against flying straight into Tullamarine.

A good rule of thumb: pick Avalon when your first night is in Geelong, Torquay or on the Bellarine, and when a domestic connection lines up well. Pick Tullamarine for the city centre or when you want the widest choice of flights. Remember too that Melbourne, Florida (MLB) is a different city in the USA.

When to fly to Avalon and Geelong

This corner of Victoria has a temperate climate with four clear seasons. Summer, from December to February, is peak beach season along the Surf Coast and the Bellarine, when coastal towns fill with holidaymakers. Autumn brings calm, sunny days that are ideal for driving the Great Ocean Road, while winter is cool, windy and wet, with big surf for experienced riders. Spring brings longer days and quieter roads.

From Malaysia, the busiest times are the year-end school holidays, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. Easter is a peak in Victoria too, when the famous surf competition at Bells Beach near Torquay draws crowds. Travelling in autumn or spring, and avoiding Australian and Malaysian school holidays, usually means easier bookings.

Popular places near Avalon

Geelong Waterfront

Geelong's bayside promenade has a restored carousel, sea baths, palm-lined lawns and dozens of colourful painted bollards telling the city's story.

Great Ocean Road

Starting at Torquay, a short drive from Avalon, this coastal road winds past Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay towards the Twelve Apostles. Stop for koalas in the trees near Kennett River.

You Yangs Regional Park

Right on the airport's doorstep, these granite peaks offer walking and mountain-bike trails, plus a sweeping view over the plains to Melbourne and the bay.

Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula

Queenscliff is a heritage seaside town with a historic fort, while the wider Bellarine is dotted with wineries, farm gates and calm family beaches.

Werribee Park

Between Avalon and Melbourne, Werribee Park combines a grand historic mansion and gardens with the open-range zoo, where you can see African animals on a safari-style tour.

Where to stay near Avalon

Central Geelong, especially around the waterfront, gives you restaurants, easy parking and a quick run to the airport. Lara is the closest town if you want the shortest transfer. For the coast, Torquay and Anglesea put you at the start of the Great Ocean Road. On the Bellarine, Queenscliff and Ocean Grove are quieter and suit families, while Werribee sits conveniently between the airport and Melbourne.

Food to try around Geelong and the Bellarine

Portarlington mussels

The calm waters off Portarlington are known for farmed blue mussels, often steamed with garlic, white wine or chilli and served with crusty bread.

Fish and chips by the sea

Freshly battered flake or whiting with chips, eaten on the foreshore in Geelong, Torquay or Apollo Bay, is a classic Victorian coast meal.

Bellarine cheese and farm produce

Local cheesemakers, berry farms and olive groves sell straight from the farm gate across the peninsula, perfect for a picnic.

Anzac biscuits

Chewy oat and golden syrup biscuits sold in bakeries all over Victoria, simple and very Australian.

If your Victorian holiday starts on the Geelong side of the bay, search flights to Avalon on Traveloka next to Tullamarine and let a Price Alert watch your dates. Easy Reschedule is there if the plan shifts.