Fun things to do in Melbourne & Surrounds in Winter
Looking to escape the unbearable heat? Then now is the best time to travel to Australia to enjoy a winter holiday! June to August is the winter season in Melbourne, bringing cool temperatures and fun winter activities and festivals, from skiing and snowball fighting at the Victorian Snowfields to indulging in delicious eats at the seasonal Winter Night Market.
Plus, with lower off-peak prices and fewer tourists to jostle with, Victoria pretty much shapes up to be an ideal destination to visit in the winter!
Can’t wait to embark on a cool escape already? Here are some fantastic winter must-dos in Melbourne and its surrounds.
Melbourne Car Rental
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1. Skiing and other winter activities at the Victorian Snowfields
What are the Victorian Snowfields, you ask? These snowfields in Victoria are the best places to indulge in winter sports from skiing and snowboarding and pure snowy fun like toboggan riding and snowball fighting!
Cult-favourite Victorian Snowfields include:
Place | Drive from Melbourne | Description |
|---|---|---|
Mount Buller | 3.5 hour drive (236 km) | Australia's largest, and Victoria's most popular, ski resort and voted best for beginners |
Falls Creek | 4.5 hour drive (385 km) | Home of Australian cross country skiing with easy access chair lifts and a beginner-friendly zone |
Mount Hotham | 4.5 hour drive (385 km) | Best for those who have skied before as it is famous for its scenic intermediate terrain in Victoria |
Lake Mountain | 2 hour drive (120km) | One of the closest snow resorts to Melbourne - ideal for families who prefer a shorter drive. There are cross-country ski trails, and plenty of kid-friendly activities like tobogganing, snowman-making and snowball-fighting |
Mount Baw Baw | 3 hour drive (176km) | One of the closest snow resorts to Melbourne - besides the usual ski, snowboard and toboggan activities, there’s also dingo snowshoe and cuddle sessions available |
For those who are looking to do a convenient and fuss-free day tour instead (families we gotchu), the Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfalls and Chocolate Day Tour from Melbourne is a full-day tour with pick up and drop off in Melbourne’s inner city and an itinerary chock-full of fun.
This day trip itinerary includes:
- Admission to: Lake Mountain Resort
- Live commentary on board
- English-speaking professional driver/guide
- Round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location
- Sightseeing bus tour
- Free Chocolate Samples
- Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
- Select inner city pick up and drop off points
2. Go on a Whale Watching Cruise
For a whale-y unforgettable sight this winter holiday, a whale-watching cruise is definitely a must! Winter means whale migration season (May to October for the region of Victoria), which is the best time to head out to sea in search of one of the earth’s most magnificent creatures, and marvel at them frolicking right before your eyes.
While there are no whales right in the city, you can head to Phillip Island to catch them (Phillip Island is a 2-hour drive from Melbourne)! The Winter Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island is a 4-hour Phillip Island coastal cruise and search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.
Besides whales, you’ll also get to see some cute Seal Rocks and even dolphins too! Lunch, complimentary tea and coffee is provided and you can also enjoy an afternoon tipple from their licensed bar onboard.
3. Soak in the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Honestly, what could be better than a rejuvenating soak in the nourishing waters of Peninsula Hot Springs on a cold winter’s day? Located in Mornington Peninsula which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne’s city centre is a relaxing escapade where you can enjoy bathing in various hot spring areas, from thermal mineral pools to aqua therapy pools, a cave pool and even an underground sauna!
The most scenic hot spring is located at the hilltop where you can enjoy the sprawling bushland around while you soak in the waters so make sure you don’t leave before taking a dip there!
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4. Have fun at a festival
Image credit: Lightscape Australia
There are lots of festivals happening in Melbourne and Victoria over winter! Watch as Melbourne transforms into a mesmerising canvas of light displays and installations with Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is also part of the highly-anticipated Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® Pharaoh Exhibition.
Stroll along a trail illuminated by more than 100,000 tiny lights; plus snap lots of photos at the Winter Cathedral and Laser Garden. Film buffs can also mark their calendars for the Melbourne International Film Festival, which showcases some of the best local and International films.
Don’t miss the Firelight Festival at Docklands, where your senses will be tantalised by light shows, fire pits, and even an underground multimedia experience.
Jazz lovers can vibe to lilting tunes at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival; whilst culture aficionados will love the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, where exhibits are sourced from all around the world and displayed in the city. The diverse music scene in Melbourne features performances by both emerging and established artists from local and international talent.
5. Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
After a three-year hiatus no thanks to Covid-19, the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is back! Some of Melbourne's best street food traders will be back to dole up delicious winter menus, and you can expect a slew of mouthwatering delights from wood-fired pizza, pasta tossed in a cheese wheel, roasted local chestnuts and more. And of course, don’t forget to wash it all down with a cup of mulled wine or hot gin toddy!
Similar to a giant pasar malam, the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is perfect for a night of feasting on street eats, savouring hot chocolate, munching on hot jam donuts, enjoying live performances and shopping for local goods. A cannot-miss this time of year.
📅 5 June to 28 August 2024
⏱️ Every Wednesday night, 5pm to 10pm
6. Have a cool bar experience at a cosy ice bar
This isn’t just your usual bar: IceBar Melbourne is made entirely from 30 tons of ice! Throw on your snow gear (provided at the bar), and enjoy a cocktail or mocktail on the house. And yes, your drink will be served in a glass carved out of ice!
Did we also mention that the temperature inside the bar hovers around -10 degrees celsius? The walls, bar, tables, and chairs are all made out of ice; get comfortable, and challenge your travel companions to a variety of board games.
7. Catch a sports game
Image credit: Visit Melbourne
It’s Australian Football League (AFL) fever in Melbourne every winter, with roaring games played at both the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Marvel Stadium. Get caught up in all the cheering with a cold beer in your hand; the atmosphere is simply electric! If you’re a rugby fan, you’ll also want to mark your calendars for matches at AAMI Park.
8. Go to the cinema
Image credit: Cinema Nova on Facebook
On a particularly chilly day, why not stay warm and toasty in the cinema? Get the best bang for your buck on Mondays at Cinema Nova with discounted tickets, or experience a film at The Astor Theatre which dates back to 1936. There’s even a cinema inside Pentridge Prison that’s open to the public!
9. Check out Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights
Image credit: Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy’s great fun for all ages, especially where you can hang your legs out of the carriages! In winter, the ride becomes even more magical after dark. Enjoy a vibrant light show as you journey along — be mesmerised by a spectrum of colours and patterns, topped off with adorable animal projections.
10. Have a whirl on an ice rink
Image credit: THE RINK AT RISING
What’s winter without some ice skating? Strap on your boots at the Rink at RISING, a large outdoor skating rink. There will also be presentations by coaches, free activities and workshops, as well as lots of food options. The O’Brien Icehouse also has an Olympic-sized ice skating rink — imagine that!
11. Watch Disney on Ice
Image credit: Disney On Ice on Facebook
Calling all Disney fans! Disney On Ice will be hitting the shores of Melbourne this winter. The show takes on a new theme every year; 2024 sees the iconic Disney characters go on a road trip adventure. Catch Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and be immersed in the magic of Toy Story, Moana, Aladdin, Frozen, and more.
12. Bring the little ones to Winter Glow
Image credit: Adventure Park Geelong, Australia on Facebook
Plan a fun day out for the whole family at Adventure Park Geelong (90 minutes drive from Melbourne), which comes alive with ‘Winter Glow’. Tumble headfirst into a winter wonderland, where kids can go wild at the gigantic snow play zone. Make snowmen, have snowball fights, and check out the live ice-carving sessions by local artists.
You’ll never be bored: roast marshmallows over an open fire, marvel at a jaw-dropping fire-twirling performance, and stroll among spectacular light installations.
13. Cosy up in an igloo
Image credit: Wharf Hotel
Melbourne takes winter vibes up a notch with igloos all around the city. Book a private igloo for a cosy soirée at The Wharf Hotel, The Station Hotel, or Ball Court Hotel. Enjoy dinner inside the igloo, and kick back with drinks under the stars and strings of twinkling fairy lights. Each igloo can accommodate six to eight people, making them great for families or bigger groups.
#KlookTip: Travelling with kids? There’s even a kid’s menu to choose from.
14. Watch a dazzling fireworks display
Image credit: City of Melbourne on Facebook
Every Friday night in winter, watch as the skies light up in an amazing fireworks display at the Docklands. Weather permitting, the show will start around 7.30pm daily (weather permitting).
15. Attend Open House Melbourne
Image credit: Open House Melbourne on Facebook
Open House Melbourne is a one-of-kind event: at the end of July, seize the chance to explore buildings that are otherwise closed to the public. Such buildings include Town Hall, Parliament House, and many more. Marvel at the architecture, attend talks, and learn about the buildings’ history. It’s a really cool experience!
#KlookTip: If you can, try to get a spot on the top-rated tour for the 85th floor of the Eureka Tower, which is the last empty floor located in Melbourne’s tallest building.
16. Go to a museum or the Arts Centre Melbourne
Both adults and kids alike will be entertained at Melbourne’s diverse range of museums — plus they’re a great indoor activity on chillier days! Spend hours at the Melbourne Museum, which has a dedicated children’s gallery; journey to outer space at the Melbourne Planetarium; or have a sensory art experience at THE LUME. Don't miss the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® Pharaoh Exhibition featuring ancient Egyptian art, with over 500 works celebrating three thousand years of culture. The 3D ArtVo art museum is a really cool stop, and Scienceworks makes science fun for the young ones.
If your kids love planes, they’re in for a real treat — make a beeline for the Australian National Aviation Museum, where the little ones can pretend to be a pilot whilst sitting in the plane. If you have younger kids (aged one to ten), the MOPA Museum of Play and Art has been specially designed and curated for them!
That’s not all: sports fanatics will adore the Australian Sports Museum, whilst the Immigration Museum is perfect for history buffs.
17. Experience a ghost tour
There’s just something about winter that fits the bill for ghost tours. We mean, what better time is there to go on one? Choose the gloomiest day to go on an Old Melbourne Ghost Tour, explore the supposedly haunted Altona Homestead, hunt down Melbourne’s historic true crime spots, or venture into the JWard lunatic asylum — if you dare!
For an eerie adventure, head to Williamstown (20 minutes drive from Melbourne), for a tour of the original capital of Victoria (as well as the state’s oldest morgue!).
18. Have a surfing lesson
Contrary to popular belief, did you know that winter is actually prime time for surfing? The season sees more reliable and stable ocean swells, on top of crystal clear waters. If you’re new to surfing, find your footing with a beginner’s lesson; or, if the Great Ocean Road is in your itinerary, set aside some time for an exciting surfing lesson at one of Aussie's most iconic destinations.
#KlookTip: Don’t worry about the cold water temperatures too — simply slap on a wetsuit, and you’ll be all nice and toasty.
19. Take a cooking class
Australia is known for some of the freshest produce and ingredients — taste the best of the best by rolling up your sleeves in a cooking class. Choose from Vietnamese, Japanese, or Spanish cuisines… the list is endless. We’ve got our eyes on this masterclass that spotlights Australian ingredients, such as Kakadu plum, Quandong, and Wattleseed.
20. Enjoy a dining experience onboard a train
Now, how’s this for something different? Travel through the region from Drysdale (1.5 hours from Melbourne) to Queenscliff on a three-hour Q Train ride. This isn’t any ordinary train, mind you; arrive at Drysdale 30 minutes before your departure time to savour a glass of bubbly and take a photo on the red carpet.
Enjoy the views onboard the train alongside a ‘taste of the Bellarine’ — dig into a three-course menu that features the freshest local produce that changes with the seasons. The train will also make brief stops at Queenscliff and/or Suma Park station.
#KlookTip: Everything is cooked on the train itself; feel free to go behind the scenes at the kitchen carriage anytime during your journey.
21. Warm up with a whisky tasting
If you’re feeling cold, there’s no better feeling than feeling the warmth from a sip of whisky course through your body. Go for a whisky tasting at Chiefs Son Distillery, where you can also go for a distillery tour. If rum is your choice of tipple, you’ll love this three-hour masterclass at JimmyRum distillery at Mornington Peninsula (one hour drive from Melbourne).
Whilst you’re at Mornington Peninsula, warm up even more with this private beer brewery tour. Alternatively, head up Melbourne Skydeck — which is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform! — for cocktails with an unbeatable view.
22. Go on a prison tour
Feel the chill in your bones on a prison tour! Pentridge Prison was once home to Melbourne’s most notorious criminals, where you can tour its B division and/or H division. The Old Melbourne Goal — Melbourne’s oldest prison — is also worth a visit, where kids can experience getting ‘arrested’ and ‘jailed’ as part of an interactive experience.
23. Have fun at an indoor theme park
Prefer to stay indoors? Be spoiled for choice with Legoland Discovery Centre, Monopoly Dreams experience, SEA LIFE aquarium, or a virtual reality escape room.
#KlookTip: Want to get the best bang for your buck? Snag up to 45% off selected attraction prices with the Klook Pass Melbourne.
24. Hit all Your Favourite City Sights with Klook Melbourne Pass
Done with all your snowy adventures and visited all the winter festivals and events? Time to explore your favourite Melbourne haunts! Whether you want to get cosy and escape the cold at Melbourne’s indoor attractions, or go all out and enjoy theme parks and more, save money on the attraction entrance fees with the Klook Melbourne Pass!
Choose between 2/3/4 or 5 attractions and save up to 45%! P/S: It’s up to over $40 saved with a 3 or more attraction pass! The best part about this pass? That you can mix and match whatever attractions you like.
How it works:
1. Purchase your pass on this page
2. Visit your “Bookings” section in “My Account”
3. Click on reserve to visit your first activity!
4. Repeat as necessary and visit activities at any time until expiry.
Note: The pass is valid for 6 months and gives you flexibility to pick and choose depending on when and where you would like to go!
More Melbourne Holiday Inspiration
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