There's So Much to Do During A Melbourne Winter

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You may have heard how cold and wet Melbourne is during the Winter season here, in Australia.

Have no fear though, as Melbourne loves to celebrate the season in style, with plenty of festivals and fun activities for you to enjoy throughout the Winter months.

In the southern hemisphere, the months for the Winter season are JuneJuly and August, with the winter in Melbourne tending to be cool and wet.

The days are short, with the sun setting around the 5:30pm mark.

The Melbourne winter temperature average hovers around a low of  6.5°C (43.7°F) and an average high of 14.2°C (57.6°F)

When the sun shines in Melbourne during Winter, the city truly looks beautiful. Everything clean and shining and the weather's temperature makes for pleasant strolling without the discomfort of overheating. Be aware though, that the sun can still be quite hot and burning, so take your sunscreen along.

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Wet and wintry at Flinders Street in MelbourneIt's cold, wet and wintry at Flinders Street in Melbourne, Australia.

It's only snowed in the actual City's Central Business District area in 1849 and has never happened since. However, regular snow deposits fall in the Dandenong ranges on occasion, usually towards late July and into the month of August when temperatures are at their lowest.

Snow falls in the Dandenong mountains compliments of https://flic.kr/p/5bZesESnow falls in the Dandenong mountains compliments of https://flic.kr/p/5bZesE

Winter Festivals in Melbourne

Click the links below for more information on that specific topic. 

You will love the diverse Winter festivals held throughout Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) and carried out into other regions of the state.

Light In Winter Festival

The festival is celebrated in June each year. Held in the city's Federation Square, you can see the square come to life as the sun sets, with an exciting, creative lighting display. Musical and artistic acts perform on the Federation Square stage. Click here for more extensive 'Light in Winter' event details

Light In Winter at Federation Square 2016

Melbourne International Film Festival

If you love anything to do with films then you will be fascinated with the exciting Melbourne International Film Festival.

The festival was established in 1952 and is one of the oldest film festivals in the world. There are hundreds of screenings and film-focused events that are held throughout the city. Held during the months of July and August every year, the festival brings artists, actors and the general public together to celebrate all things 'film'. Explore more of what will be on during the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Do you enjoy anything to do with reading or writing? If the answer is yes, then you will love this time of year and the Melbourne Writers Festival. Established in 1986, it was known as the sister to the Spoleto Festival. As the years progressed, the festive became so popular as to take on its own independence. 

The festival venues expanded and now host events throughout the CBD and the Victorian countryside. With hundreds of events being held over a 2 week period, there is sure to be something for you to enjoy. Head on over and check out what is in store this coming Melbourne Writers Festival.

Mind, Body and Spirit Festival

If you are into the best of health, wealth and happiness, then this festival is for you.

Held bi-annually at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Southbank, wander past over 200 stalls, experience the beautiful aromas of therapeutic oils, indulge in some body pampering or sit in on some of the free inspirational seminars. Plan your visit here.

Melbourne Exhibition and Convention CentreMelbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre

Melbourne Truffle Festival

The truffle season is celebrated right here in the heart of the CBD. The Queen Victoria Market hosts a 2 day festival where the program includes cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef appearances, food stalls, visits from the truffle hunting dogs and live entertainment.

This is a free, fun event suitable for the whole family.

Celebrating the truffle at the Queen Victoria market MelbourneCelebrating the truffle at the Queen Victoria Market during the Truffle Festival held in winter in Melbourne, Australia

In 2014, Truffle Melbourne introduced Melbourne to the amazing and mystifying truffle, staging the first Truffle Festival. Melbourne, Australia now boasts as having the largest truffle festival outside of Europe.

The festival provides the perfect venue to explore intriguing story of 'the truffle'. You can enjoy a fun Truffle Hunt during the winter months, at several distinctly different venues throughout the Victorian countryside.

  • Red Hill Truffles, down on the Mornington Peninsular - enjoy a guided tour of the grounds and watch how the illusive truffle is found - http://redhilltruffles.com/
  • Wongarra Farm, down on the southern Otway Ranges - experience a farm tour, truffle hunt and lunch in one of Victoria's oldest truffieres - http://wongarrafarm.com.au/
  • Black Cat Truffles, north of Melbourne heading towards Ballarat - truffle hunts, tours and onsite B&B accommodation - http://www.blackcattruffles.com.au/events.html
  • Truffle Treasures, Daylesford Region of Victoria, just over 1 hour from Melbourne - experience the sight, texture, aroma and taste of earth's 'black gold' first hand - http://www.truffletreasures.com.au/
Digging for trufflesDigging for truffles

Melbourne Winter Passion - Australian Rules Football

You just have to experience an 'Aussie Rules' football match right in the heart of Melbourne, the MCG stages some of the most spectacular sports events. A gladiator football match is the sport of choicein Winter. Gloves, scarf (preferably in your team's colours), beanie, parka and pair of ugg boots are typical attire for a footy match.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday afternoon football matches are amazing. Some football matches are held during the evening. Yes, that's right, as cold as it is, the experience is one you won't forget. Melbourne just loves its footy and so will you.

Australian Rules Football played at the MCG compliments of By AsianFC. (http://flickr.com/photos/9753072@N03/1460062833) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsAustralian Rules Football played at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) compliments of By AsianFC. (http://flickr.com/photos/9753072@N03/1460062833) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The City of Melbourne Winter Sports

  • Variety Ice Slide

Especially for active Melbourne Winter fun seekers, an ice slide sits at the base of the Eureka Tower on Southbank. 40 metres long, this slide provides you with a fun and economical winter activity. 

The ride includes a discount off the price of a visit to the Eureka Skydeck and ice skating over at Federation Square's River Rink - keep your Ice Slide ticket to show for discounts offered. Monies raised whilst the ride is operating, goes towards the children's charity, Variety.

  • River Rink at Federation Square

There's an ice rink built at Federation Square. Open from 10am through to 10pm, this is a great way to have some fun in winter right in the heart of the city. Sessions last 45 minutes . Hire some skates and hit the ice and if you get a little cold, there are food and beverage trucks on site.

  • O'Brien Icehouse

Australia’s premiere Olympic ice sports venue. The arena is situated in the Docklands Precinct. Whether you’re a beginner or an ice skating pro, you're guaranteed to have a day jam-packed with fun at the best ice skating rink in Melbourne.

Learn to ice skate, watch an ice hockey match or ice figure skating event, this arena is world class and a fun way to warm up in winter.

Special Melbourne Winter Celebrations

Some of Melbourne’s hottest foodies, artisans and performers will once again cosy up under the historic sheds of Queen Vic Market for what is now a mid-week winter ritual.

Visitors to the Melbourne Winter Night Market will be welcomed with crackling fires, mulled wine and a revolving line-up of roving entertainers and live music while they explore their way through a global feast of street vendors and some of Melbourne’s best designer and artisan stalls. - See more at: http://www.qvm.com.au/event/winter-night-market-12/#sthash.5NcO6mvu.dpuf

  • Queen Victoria Market

Held very Wednesday evening during the Winter months, the night market has become quite a ritual attracting Melbourne's best designers and artisan stalls. Warm up by the crackling fires and enjoy listening to the roving entertainers. Sip a mug of mulled wine and enjoy a delicious treat from one of the food stalls.

Not just a market but an experience that you and all the family will enjoy. Take advantage of the special winter clothing deals, great bargains can be picked up as well as experiencing all the different food aromas and tastings.

Queen Victoria Night Market Melbourne compliments of https://flic.kr/p/vtt2xQueen Victoria Night Market Melbourne compliments of https://flic.kr/p/vtt2x
  • Melbourne Winter Docklands Fireworks

Rug up nice and warm, grab your camera and head on into the Melbourne Dockland Precinct to witness the Melbourne Winter Fireworks spectacular.

Held during the colder months of Winter, July and August, the fun begins at 6.30pm. There will be free entertainment to enjoy, including great live music and roving performers to entertain the kids.

At 7.30pm, the fireworks spectacular will commence! it is a wonderful and exciting sight and a fun Winter activity for all the family.

Docklands Melbourne Winter fireworks compliments of https://flic.kr/p/f86vsYDocklands Melbourne Winter fireworks compliments of https://flic.kr/p/f86vsY
  • CBD Melbourne Winter Solstice

Held on the 3rd Saturday in the month of June between 5 and 9:00pm

Celebrate the longest night of the year in the heart of the city at Federation Square. Herald in the move towards Spring with a feast of live music, art, performances and food. Beautiful cultural dancers and singers entertain you whilst you sit around a roaring camp fire.

Dance to strong rhythmic beats, grab a taste of 'bush tucka', explore traditional aboriginal stories and folklore. Wander through the galleries and displays and engross yourself in the whole spiritual experience.

This is a free Melbourne winter celebration with lights, music, dance and culinary delights! Enjoy

Melbourne Winter Solstice held in Federation Square compliments of https://flic.kr/p/uD67tfMelbourne Winter Solstice held in Federation Square compliments of https://flic.kr/p/uD67tf

For those of you who are insane, why not immerse yourself in the waters of Port Phillip Bay and take part in the St Kilda Winter Solstice Swim! This is Australia’s only night, winter swim. The swim is run in the tradition of Pagan festivals and celebrates the Pagan rituals of the past.

  • Winter Solstice at Edendale Farm in Eltham

30 Gastons Road, Eltham.

Live music, delicious food, a wonderful kids’ lantern parade, mulled wine, fire entertainers and an enormous, sculptural bonfire.

Eltham is a creative hub, thirty-five minutes from central Melbourne, at the entrance of the Yarra Valley. Please note that this is not a free event. For more details on tickets and the program go to this link - Winter Solstice at Eltham

Melbourne Winter - Christmas in July

During a Melbourne Winter, it's becoming more common to celebrate a Melbourne Christmas in July. Mainly this is done in the outer suburban areas, the Dandenongs and down on the Mornington Peninsula.

  • The Cuckoo is probably one of the first Victorian restaurants to offer Christmas in July. The restaurant is a Bavarian themed, smorgasbord style, dining experience
  • Luna Park, Melbourne’s most iconic amusement park will be beaming with the spirit of Christmas as it transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland this July
  • Winter Wonder Lights at Sovereign Hill.  In the month of July, during the day, wander through the streets and alleyways listening to traditional carols. Main street is lined with Christmas trees and colourful decorations. There are plenty of ‘Hands-on' activities for children, a full theatre program, make believe snow falls and delicious treats providing a true and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas experience.

    As the sun sets and the snowflakes fall, Main Street is transformed with Winter Wonderlights covering the buildings.
Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderland lights in July compliments of https://flic.kr/p/ofuztjSovereign Hill Winter Wonderland lights Christmas in July celebrations compliments of https://flic.kr/p/ofuztj

Melbourne Winter Snow Season

It's not a common sight, snow falling in the city during a Melbourne Winter, however it does fall in the higher outer regions, such as the Dandenong Mountains.

To really experience snow, you will need to venture a little further out of the city.

  • Lake Mountain - Marysville district, is 118 kilometres north east of Melbourne. There are 6 toboggan runs and lots of activities that are held  especially for children
  • Mt Donna Buang - Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, is approximately 80 kilometres north of Melbourne. In winter, it usually receives snow suitable for snowplay and tobogganing.
  • Mt Baw Baw - 120 kilometres east of Melbourne and 50 kilometres north of the Latrobe Valley. The mountain itself is one of several peaks on the Baw Baw Plateau. Mt Baw Baw has over 30 hectares of downhill terrain. There are seven lifts and two terrain parks. You can enjoy 10km of cross country ski trails and there are three snow play areas for the kids to enjoy.
  • Mt Hotham - This mountain is part of the Great Dividing Range and lies 357 kilometres east of Melbourne. Quite an exciting skiing area. Mt Hotham is well known for its steep terrain. It also has easy slopes for the amateur to learn to ski/snowboard and learn how to use the chairlifts. 
  • Falls Creek - 350 kilometres from Melbourne, located in the Alpine National Park region. For skiing, Falls Creek is beginner/intermediate friendly
Skiing in Melbourne Winter snow seasonSkiing in Melbourne Winter snow season

Full Day Lake Mountains Snow Tour from Melbourne

Lake Mountain snow

Enjoy the best of the Australian snow season at Victoria's picturesque Lake Mountain. The closest snow resort to Melbourne, you can enjoy the snow, explore waterfalls and visit a Chocolaterie all in the same day. Wildlife Tours Australia's Lake Mountain one-day tour will take you on a full day adventure to see some of the best sights in Victoria. The day will begin with a three-hour stay atop Lake Mountain. 

You can line up for a toboggan race, build the perfect snowman or walk to the mountain summit for amazing views of the surrounding area. Even though three hours may seem a short time, it is more than enough to fully experience and enjoy the fresh powder that falls on Lake Mountain. Following your trip to the snow, you'll travel to Marysville to explore its giant, cascading waterfalls. Home to Steavenson Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in all of Victoria, you'll be in awe as the rushing water moves down 5 cascades and falls a total of 122 metres. While in the Marysville area you'll be given the chance to embark on a nature walk along the river for beautiful views of the region and of the large waterfall.

As the day begins to conclude, you'll move towards your final and most delicious stop on the agenda. Passing through the aromatic Yarra Valley, you'll make a stop at the famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery for some delicious free samples. While you taste the local creations, you'll be able to watch the chocolatiers at work, mixing and creating the chocolate that you are sampling, which will make it taste all the more better.

Click below for more information on this fun "Winter" Tour

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Melbourne Day Celebrations - 30th August

Melbourne was founded on August 30 when settlers landed on the north bank of the Yarra River from the schooner Enterprize in 1835.

To mark the founding of Melbourne, Melburnians celebrate with an annual series of week-long activities leading up to the 30th August. On the morning of Melbourne Day, the flag of Melbourne is raised by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, at Enterprize Park, a small park on the north bank of the Yarra River (close to William Street, on Flinders Street) where the first settlers aboard the Enterprize went ashore to establish the settlement.

Part of the Melbourne Day celebrations centre around the schooner, Enterprize.  The original schooner, Enterprize, was built in Hobart in 1829. It was used as a cargo vessel till 1835, after which it was purchased to carry a settlement party to the future site of Melbourne.

Planning for the construction of a replica began in 1989. The topsail schooner, Enterprize, you see today, is a full-size replica of the one that brought the settlers to Melbourne. It now has become a symbol of Melbourne Day. 

Enterprize has monthly public sails from Docklands, Williamstown, Mornington and Geelong, with sails from Portarlington during peak season and special events, such as the Mussel and Celtic Festivals.

She is moored at 2 North Wharf Road, Docklands.

The Enterprize schooner moored at the Melbourne Docklands compliments of https://flic.kr/p/6UDj6DThe Enterprize schooner moored at the Melbourne Docklands compliments of https://flic.kr/p/6UDj6D

There is no way that a Melbourne Winter could be boring. I haven't even mentioned all the amazing shops and clothing outlets that you can visit, to pick up some warm winter clothing to wear as you entertain yourself through the cold and chilly season.

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Please note that some links on this page are to companies that I have an affiliation with. By that I mean that if you purchase a product through them I receive a very small commission. This way of earning income is termed Monetization and it is a way for me to keep my site out here for you to enjoy. I will only affiliate with companies that I feel offer value for money and excellent back up service. These are Companies that I personally have used to purchase products for myself, my family and my friends. To learn more please refer to my Disclaimer page

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