The best ways to enjoy Melbourne in winter
Browse the Winter Night Market
Image: Visit Victoria
Queen Victoria Market transforms into a magical wonderland every Wednesday night during winter. More than 100 stalls sell everything from sizzling street food, artisan beers and mulled wine to handmade crafts and jewellery.
But it's not just about the food – there's live music, twinkling fairy lights and a buzzing atmosphere that will keep you entertained long into the night. Browsing this iconic Melbourne market is one of the best free things to do in Victoria’s capital from June to August.
Catch an AFL game
You can't visit Melbourne in winter without watching an AFL game. Even if you're not a die-hard footy fan, there's nothing quite like the energy and excitement of watching Aussie Rules Football live at one of Melbourne's iconic stadiums.
The AFL season runs from March to September, and games are played each week, so grab a meat pie and a pint of beer, and get ready to cheer on your team!
Book a foodie tour
Image: Visit Victoria
Foodies, rejoice! Winter is that time of the year when you can feast on comfort food without worrying about your beach bod, and Melbourne is a great place to do it. Sign up for a foodie tour to sample some of the best of Victoria’s farm-fresh produce, from Yarra Valley cheeses and decadent desserts to craft brews and local wines.
Book a laneway food tour and explore hidden culinary gems, sign up for cooking classes with some of Melbourne’s top chefs or simply reserve a table at your favourite restaurant.
Warm up at the Firelight Festival
Warm up a cold winter night at the Firelight Festival, a celebration of all things cosy. Held along the banks of the Yarra River, this free winter festival at Docklands features crackling bonfires, glittering light displays, fire sculptures, roving performers and plenty of belly-warming food and drink.
Sip a hot chocolate or enjoy a heaping dish of pasta or paella and listen to live music. It's the perfect way to embrace the winter chill and make some magical memories with friends and family.
Also check out: Rising: Melbourne
Curl up by the fire in a cosy pub or wine bar
Image: Visit Victoria
There's nothing better than curling up by a crackling fire with a pint of beer or a glass of red on a crisp winter's night. With roaring fires, comfy lounges and a wide selection of wines and beers, Melbourne offers some perfect spots for pub-hopping.
Popular picks include The Palace Hotel, a pup-friendly (in the beer garden) pub with a roaring fireplace; The Local Taphouse for craft beers and a comfy ambiance; and the Marquis of Lorne, a 150-year-old historic Fitzroy pub.
Watch some flicks at the Melbourne International Film Festival
Get your popcorn ready! The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), usually held in August, is one of the top Melbourne attractions in winter.
Featuring an array of short and feature-length films from around the globe, MIFF turns Melbourne into a cinematic hotspot. The festival buzz is palpable, with screenings, panel discussions and yes, even some celebrity sightings, adding to the excitement. Whether you're into drama, comedy or documentaries, MIFF will entertain you on a chilly winter night.
Get a culture fix at Melbourne’s museums and galleries
Image: Visit Victoria
Melbourne is home to some of Australia's best museums and galleries, and winter is a great time to visit thanks in part to the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces. This annual series of major exhibitions from around the world is held over 100 days at the Melbourne Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
If you love First Nations art, don’t miss The Ian Potter Centre, also part of NGV; the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square; and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre's Birrarung Gallery.
Visit Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Prepare to be dazzled. From May to July, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne transforms into a winter wonderland during Lightscape, an enchanting light and sound show. As the sun sets, the gardens come alive with creative light installations, immersive projections and interactive experiences that will transport you to another world. With over 100,000 lights illuminating the gardens, it's a feast for the senses and a great way to add a little sparkle to your frosty winter nights.
Shop ‘til you drop
Image: Visit Victoria
The Melbourne winter is the perfect time to hit the shops and indulge in a little retail therapy. Top shopping districts include Chapel Street, Collins Street (don’t miss the Block Arcade) and Bourke Street Mall, and you can browse eclectic boutiques in Fitzroy and even outlet stores at DFO South Wharf. Plus, winter sales offer fantastic discounts, making it the perfect time to snag some stylish winter gear.
After pounding the pavement, you can warm up with a steamy coffee or hot chocolate at one of Melbourne's many cosy cafes. Market Lane and Brother Baba Budan are favourite shopping coffee stops.
Go ice skating
Image: Visit Victoria
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at one of Melbourne's popular ice-skating rinks. Whether you're a graceful figure skater or more of a wobbly beginner, it's a fun way to stay active in the winter season.
Popular ice-skating rinks include O’Brien Icehouse at Docklands and The Winter Village at Federation Square. There's something truly magical about gliding across the ice with the city skyline as your backdrop.
Bike or hike around the city
Image: Visit Victoria
It’s a crisp, clear winter’s day, and you want to get some exercise in the fresh air and see some city sights at the same time. Why not hit one of the hiking and biking trails near Melbourne’s CBD?
For a mix of urban sights and natural beauty, the Capital City Trail is a top choice. Follow its path along the Yarra River, through leafy city parks and past key landmarks like the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
If botanical beauty is more your style, opt for the Tan Track. This beloved trail winds through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets.
And for a coastal twist, the Port Melbourne to Brighton Beach trail promises an invigorating sea breeze and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, making it an ideal winter outdoor adventure. Don’t miss the famous rainbow-hued bathing boxes at Brighton Beach.
Drink at an ice bar
Why not embrace the season and sip a cocktail at an ice bar? At IceBar Melbourne, you can enjoy a drink in a true winter environment. Step inside, and you'll find yourself surrounded by intricately carved ice sculptures and walls made entirely of ice. Even the glasses are carved from frozen water. It's a wintry paradise where you can sip cocktails in sub-zero temperatures and snap some envy-inducing Instagram selfies.
Make it a city and ski combo
Image: Visit Victoria
Why choose between city adventures and snow sports when you can have it all? In less than three hours from Melbourne, you can hit the slopes at Mount Buller and clock some runs. Then, when night falls, head back to the city for more urban adventures.
Skiing and snowboarding are among the top winter things to do in Australia outright, and it’s easy to add them to a city stay when you visit Victoria’s capital during snow season.
Words: K. Hastings
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