Melbourne is definitely cold in winter, but that’s no reason to stay away. In fact, the city can be rather enchanting during the cooler months – when fires are roaring, light shows are dazzling and nearby mountains are ready for skiing.
Here are five reasons to pack your warmest jacket, and spend some time in Melbourne this winter.
WANDER THROUGH LIGHTSCAPE AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Winter gives you the chance to see Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens in an entirely different light. From mid-June to early August, the Lightscape festival takes over with incredible light installations, fantastical soundscapes and delicious eats. Highlights in 2024 include Submergence, an interactive adventure, as well as Winter Cathedral and Laser Forest.
GET COSY NEXT TO A ROARING FIRE
Melbourne is filled with pubs, bars and eateries with fabulous fireplaces – from the century-old Bobbie Peels pub in North Melbourne, to the eccentric Tramway Hotel in Fitzroy, to the bluestone Gasometer Hotel in Collingwood. Wherever you are, settle in for an evening while sipping on warming ales or fine wines, and feasting on great local produce.
GO WHALE WATCHING OFF PHILLIP ISLAND
From May to October, the waters off Melbourne become a stage for a whale spectacular, as thousands of humpbacks, southern right whales and orcas swim north to have babies. The best place to see them near Melbourne is Phillip Island, which is two hours’ drive to the southeast. For top lookouts on land, follow the Whale Discovery Trail – on foot, by bike or in your car. Alternatively, head out to sea on a whale watching tour.
MEANDER THROUGH THE CITY’S LANEWAYS
Melbourne’s famous laneways are interesting at any time of year, but they’re especially magical in winter. It’s easy to spend hours winding your way from one to another, stopping to sip on coffee, linger over soup, hunt down street art, try on clothing and listen to live music.
TAKE A DIP IN HOT SPRINGS
Just an hour’s drive southeast of Melbourne, you’ll find the Peninsula Hot Springs. This magnificent property, based on geothermal natural springs, offers more than 70 bathing and wellness experiences. These range from the hilltop pool, which affords 360-degree views of the Mornington Peninsula, to Nepalese massaging mineral showers, to a Japanese-inspired cave pool. Plus, if you’re able to stay till after dark, you can go moonlight bathing and even stay overnight.
SKI, BOARD, SNOWSHOE OR TOBOGGAN AT MOUNT BAW BAW
The closest ski field to Melbourne is Mount Baw Baw, which is a three hours’ drive west. With plenty of gentle slopes, it’s especially good for novice skiers and snowboarders. Plus, there’s a bunch of other activities on offer, including snowshoeing through beautiful snow gum forests, tobogganing and meeting snow dingoes.
CATCH A FLICK AT THE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Every August, the Melbourne International Film Festival takes over for three glorious weeks. It’s been going since 1952, making it one of the longest-running events in the city and one of the oldest film festivals in the world. The program includes the biggest annual showcase of Australian films on the planet, as well as a variety of ground-breaking flicks from around the world.
GETTING TO MELBOURNE
Melbourne is nine hours’ drive south of Sydney, and seven hours’ drive south of Canberra. If you’re travelling from the national capital, then our Canberra to Melbourne road trip guide might come in handy.
Short on time? Jump on a flight to Melbourne Airport (aka Tullamarine) or Avalon Airport, then hit the road in a SIXT car rental.
