Winter is coming… and us Melbournians (the lords of Southern Australia), are ready for a season of indulgence, entertainment and non-stop fun! We’ve rounded up what to do, wear and experience in and around the city during the chilly months, to make it the best Winter ever in Melbourne!
If you are planning to visit Australia from overseas, Winter in Australia runs from June, through to the end of August. September remains pretty chilly, but the city certainly launches into a new gear with the arrival of Spring (but more on that soon).
What to wear in Melbourne during Winter?
Melbourne is well known for it’s fashionable love of the colour black, and this style trend is made for winter. Layer up and stay warm as top temperatures during the day average between 10°C – 15°C, with overnight lows around 5°C. You’ll need a jacket or a really comfy sweater to stay warm in the cooler climate, and something underneath so that you can peel off anything heavy when inside, in heated areas.
It’s great time of year to escape to the alpine region, with snow fields as close as a 2.5 hour drive away.
Does it Snow in Melbourne?
Snow in Melbourne is extremely rare. My best tip to experience the snow, is to take a short road trip to the Victorian High Country, a region which receives great snowfall throughout winter.
Here are some of our favourites places to head to >
King Valley Balloon Festival
Nestled in the heart of Victorian High Country is King Valley, one of Australia’s most famous gourmet destinations, home of Italian wine styles and warm hospitality. This Queen’s Birthday weekend, the region will be in full celebration for the inaugural King Valley Balloon Festival, where visitor’s can enjoy the spectacular sight of hot air balloons floating over the beautiful vine-studded valley each day.
The event culminates in the Brown Brothers Night Glow event, where all balloons participating in the festival light up in unison to the sounds of live music on the Milawa Airfield. This sensory spectacular will be matched with mulled wine and warming wintry foods by the iconic winery.
Running June 9-11, 2018
Book tickets and find out more here.
What to do in Melbourne this Winter?
Wizard of Oz – The Musical
The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting revision of the all-time classic MGM screenplay, with all your favourite characters and iconic moments from the movie, plus a few surprises along the way, including some wonderful new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Melbourne production stars Anthony Warlow, Lucy Durack and Jemma Rix.
The Wizard of Oz opens at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on 12 May (which will make for a lovely Mother’s Day gift) and is only running for a strictly limited season, so book early!
Playing until July 22, 2018
AFL Sunday Funday
Following the successful launch of Sunday Funday three years ago, the AFL has again treated families to free junior admissions (kids under 15) for every Sunday game held at the MCG or Etihad Stadium in 2018.
This Mother’s Day, the Collingwood Magpies are at home (at the MCG) against my team, the Geelong Cats, in what’s sure to be the perfect place to spoil your sports fanatic Mum. Outside the ‘G you’ll find the AFL Playground, Marvel-themed activations, entertainment, giveaways and Marvel costume characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Spider-Man, a sure delight for families with younger kids. So much fun!
Winter Night Market
Clear your Wednesday evenings Melbourne, because the Night Market has arrived and they are a must-experience event this Winter.
Held every week throughout the chilly months at the Queen Victoria Markets, the Melbourne Winter Night Market is the place to experience true Melbourne culture through eats, drinks, music, design and a hint of lane way style.
Every Wednesday evening throughout Winter
Go on an Indoor Plant hunt
Indoor plants are definitely my thing at the moment and my top tip for shopping them this season is at the gorgeous Fitzroy Nursery.
Cross through the Fauna archway on Brunswick Street and you’ll enter a world of pure beauty. Specialising in specimen indoor and outdoor plants, sculptures, water features, as well as many a garden tool, Fitzroy Nursery is a green haven to escape too this Winter in Fitzroy.
Find it at > 390 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Experience the beauty of Melbourne
Melbourne Zoo
There are more family attractions in Melbourne than there are laneways and one of our favourite picks would have to be Melbourne Zoo.
Nothing beats a family day out where you can get up close and personal with amazing animals from around the globe. Sumatran Orangutan’s, Hamadryas Baboon’s and Asian Elephant’s are just some of the international mega stars that you’ll encounter on your visit. It’s a journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne.
Book your next visit to Melbourne Zoo here.
The Resilience Series – Photo by Lecinda Ward
The Resilience Series
The Resilience Series is a first of its kind. A series of women’s only events where certified coaches, Megan Luscombe and The Graceful Collective’s Lucy Allen discuss the biggest topics of life. It’s an open space to learn from them with warmth and humour whilst letting your guard down a little (and having a few cheeky wines).
Earlier this year I headed along to their inaugural event, Resilience in Grief, and it was without doubt one of the hardest, but most rewarding things I’ve done for ‘me’ in my whole life. Rest assured, the environment is casual, but you can have confidence in the hosts and fellow attendees, knowing you are not the only person in the world who needs some extra support. Or, let’s be honest, just needs to talk about the real shit which happens to us all in life.
Their next event ‘Resilience in Relationships‘ is happening this June at the Windsor Workshop in Chapel Street, and is not to missed if you want to know what it takes to make a relationship rock solid.
Saturday July 21, 2018
Find out more here.
Tickets available now via eventbrite.
(the code MELBOURNEGIRL at ticket checkout, to receive 10% off)
Discover Melbourne’s best Hidden Secrets
Melbourne is such a beautiful city. Around every corner is a new laneway, sparkling cocktail bar or stylish shopping strip. There’s so much to do, see and discover, but the question on everyone’s lips… What are Melbourne’s best hidden secrets?
Well look no further, because we have the perfect travel guide for you. Discover 8 of our favourite hidden secrets in our brand new Melbourne Mini Guide.
