Winter in Melbourne is cold indeed, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to go into hibernation. Luckily, this vibrant, exciting city has plenty of great activities on offer to help you shake off the chill!
To get started, check out this handy guide on what to do in Melbourne in winter!
Strap on your ice skates
The Rink at Rising takes ice skating to the next level! Located in Birrarung Marr right near the city, visit to skate your heart out in a breathtaking big top tent decorated with hundreds of lights!
General admission is free, while a 90-minute skate session costs $36. When you’ve had your fill of the rink, stick around to enjoy some delicious food and drinks, live music and the many free activities and workshops.
The rink is only open until 8 July, so make sure you book in now!
Catch a flick at MIFF
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) returns this August to bring some of the best global and Australian cinema to a screen near you!
The full program for 2023 is set to be released on 11 July, with tickets on sale from July 14, but the sneak peek lineup shows there’ll be something for everyone! With biographies, comedies, dramas and documentaries in the mix, you’ll be sure to find your new favourite film!
What’s more, if you’re under 26, you can become a MIFF member for just $25 to get early access and discounts on a range of tickets.
Get some tasty delights at the night market
What better way to beat the cold-weather blues than with a trip to the Winter Night Market?
Located at Queen Victoria Market, head here on Wednesdays from 5pm until 30 August to enjoy delectable street food, unique beverages and, of course, some great shopping!
While you’re strolling through the many stalls and enjoying the live entertainment, don’t forget to grab yourself a warm butter beer or mulled wine to stay toasty!
Chill out at a winter-themed bar
Grab your warmest coat and head along to experience some of Melbourne’s coolest winter bars!
Over in Federation Square, you’ll find IceBar Melbourne, the city’s only establishment that’s made entirely of ice! $45 grants you a 45-minute visit, along some snow gear to keep you cosy and a tasty cocktail to enjoy in the -10°C bar!
After that, head to The Wharf Hotel with some friends for your unique igloo experience! For just $75 per person, you and up to five friends will get to enjoy a session in a private igloo tent, all while enjoying some excellent food and a couple of drinks, which are included in your ticket price.
Warm up at the hot springs
If you’re due for some pampering, it might be time to visit Victoria’s famous hot springs for an indulgent experience!
Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, you’ll find the Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can relax in mineral waters heated by the Earth’s core. Sink into the restorative geothermal baths and feel all your worries wash away!
No car? No problem. From Melbourne, you’ll want to take a train to Frankston then a 788 bus to Rye. From there, you can call an Uber or taxi to reach the springs. Best of all, this journey doesn’t have to break the bank. As an international student, you may be eligible for 50 per cent off public transport with an International Student Travel Pass.
Peninsula Hot Springs offers a number of packages to cater to any budget. Take a 60-minute dip for just $35, or check out their range of spa services and packages for a luxurious treat!
Check out innovative art at Melbourne Now
One of the best things to do in Melbourne in winter is to explore some of the city’s amazing art galleries, so get out of the cold and into some culture with Melbourne Now!
This free exhibition, hosted by the National Gallery of Victoria, is open daily until 20 August at the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square.
Here, you’ll find architecture, painting, sculpture, jewellery, performances and more from hundreds of local artists who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of art.
See bedazzling light installations
Wonder abounds this year in Melbourne with the return of Lightscape, which is illuminating the Royal Botanic Gardens until 6 August.
Take a stroll along the 2.1km trail to enjoy breathtaking light displays and installations that ignite the night in a stunning array of colours. Enjoy new and never-before-seen works from both local and international artists, and don’t forget to visit the Winter Cathedral, last year’s most popular attraction!
You’ll also find lots of vendors in the welcome zone, where you can grab some fresh hot food and delicious drinks to make your night all the more enjoyable.
With tickets just $40 for peak times and $36 for off-peak, spots are sure to sell out early, so book ahead to secure your place!
