When the temperatures drop in Melbourne over winter, there are plenty of options to keep having fun! Cooler weather means some activities become even more enjoyable, and this exciting city has a winter calendar chock full of special events. At this time of year, the city comes alive with festivals, installations, and sports.
Top Winter Activities in Melbourne
Sit down with a warming drink at one of Melbourne’s incredible cafes and begin your list of plans for the chilly season. Here are some of the best options to get you started.
Watch an AFL Match
One of the biggest events throughout winter is Australian Rules Football. You’ve seen the size of the crowds – eating a meat pie at the MCG is a true winter activity in Melbourne. Cheer on your team, and thoroughly enjoy the experience of watching these professional athletes compete.
Scrumptious Food
If you love sharing a meal with friends, the choices are endless in this foodie city. Whether it’s a cozy pub with a fireplace, a trendy wine bar, or a hidden secret down a laneway, you can eat delicious food and enjoy great conversation.
Hit the Shops
Melbourne is known for great shopping, regardless of your preference. In the heart of the CBD, you will find the latest winter fashion at the Paris end of Collins Street, the Emporium, and The Block Arcade. Head into one of the many shopping centers to stay warm.
Art and Culture
Melbourne is not short on art venues either. The Arts Precinct at Southbank is considered Melbourne’s cultural heart. There is the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), which houses world-class art, and there is always something new to see. The art and architecture at Federation Square are worth a look, or maybe THE LUME is more your thing, featuring incredible digital art. Pop on a warm jacket and hit the streets, too, because art is absolutely everywhere in the form of sculptures, light installations, and laneway graffiti.
What The Putt Mini Golf
Miniature golf in Melbourne at an indoor venue – what a brilliant idea when arranging an activity with friends or family. No need to worry about rainy weather interrupting your fun, so you don’t need a backup plan. The Putt has a late-night mini golf course with food and a fully stocked bar so you can carry on into the evening.
Melbourne Museum
A stunning, sprawling space, the Melbourne Museum is a must-do. With incredible permanent exhibits to immerse yourself in, there are also temporary displays worth seeing. Victoria’s history, dinosaurs, space, plants, and animals are well-presented. The IMAX cinemas are also housed in this complex.
Relax with a Movie
There are many cinema complexes around Melbourne, many of which are housed in beautiful old original buildings. Catch a new release film or head to Palace Cinema or the Astor in St Kilda for something classic or unique. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Ice Skating
If you haven’t tried this thrilling winter sport, get your skates on! It is lots of fun for new and experienced skaters, and with a few venues across the city, including special outdoor ones at certain times, there will be an ice rink not too far away.
Escape Rooms
Another great activity for a drizzly day is finding some friends to get trapped in a room with and then solving a series of puzzles to ‘escape’! There are several locations across Melbourne, some more challenging than others.
Live Theatre
Winter is the biggest season for theatre and musicals, and there are always lots to choose from. Big hit productions and razzle-dazzle musicals are running, as well as smaller productions and local plays. There are options for discount tickets and, of course, plenty of eateries to get a bite after the show.
Royal Botanic Gardens
These gardens are stunning all year round, regardless of the season. With several tracks winding through them, they are a great place for an invigorating walk. Also on offer is Lightscape during winter, an immersive and interactive experience of trails and light installations that meander through the gardens.
Melbourne Aquarium
Get up close to fish, stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks! There are three levels to explore with several different themes. This is a particularly fun visit for the kids, as they get to see these amazing creatures face to face. There are daily feeding times and presentations to attend as well for further entertainment and information.
Live Music Gigs
There are so many venues in Melbourne hosting live music. With its diverse music scene of both local and international performers, there is sure to be something that suits your tastes. Sit back with a drink in a warm pub or club and sing along to your favorite band or support new local talent.
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Vic Market is a Melbourne institution that has been serving Melbourne for over 140 years. Spread over two city blocks, this historic landmark is a vibrant inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses. You’ll find fruit and veg, gourmet food, clothing, and souvenirs open five days a week.
Peninsula Hot Springs
An outdoor activity better suited to cooler temperatures is a soak in the nourishing waters of these hot springs. With thermal mineral pools and aqua therapy pools, there is also an underground sauna and spa treatments. This is a beautiful place to relax, restore, and balance your body and mind.
The weather is no barrier to these amazing winter activities in Melbourne. So, hit the arts scene, grab a movie, or enjoy the fun of Melbourne’s best mini golf. Contact What The Putt’s friendly staff to learn more or book a game online.
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