Embrace Melbourne in Winter With These Must-Do Activities

Puffer jackets, cosy boutiques, warm pastries and toasty corner cafés. Melbourne in winter has a charm of its own, and while it might be cold (okay, it’s definitely cold), there’s something so magical about wintertime in this vibrant city.

While the temperatures drop, the city comes alive with glowing festivals, cosy hideaways and plenty of ways to embrace (or escape) the chill. 

Sip Instagram-worthy cocktails in an ice bar, wander through illuminated gardens, warm up in a hidden wine bar… There’s truly no shortage of winter adventures waiting for you. 

Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Melbourne in the cooler months.

In This Blog

<ul>

 <li><a href="#is-it-worth-visiting">Is it Worth Visiting Melbourne in Winter?</a></li>

 <li><a href="#unique-winter-experiences">Unique Winter Experiences in Melbourne</a></li>

 <li><a href="#icebar">Chill Out at IceBar Melbourne</a></li>

 <li><a href="#winter-market">Explore the Winter Night Market at Queen Vic Market</a></li>

 <li><a href="#obrien-ice-house">Glide Across the Ice at O’Brien Ice House</a></li>

 <li><a href="#lightscape">Immerse Yourself in Lightscape at the Botanic Gardens</a></li>

 <li><a href="#firelight-festival">Experience the Magic of Firelight Festival</a></li>

 <li><a href="#stay-warm">Where to Go and What to Do to Stay Warm</a></li>

 <li><a href="#sydney-road">Café and Vintage Shop Hopping on Sydney Road</a></li>

 <li><a href="#brunswick-wine-bars">Unwind at Cosy Wine Bars in Brunswick</a></li>

 <li><a href="#hot-soak">Treat Yourself to a Hot Soak or Sauna Day</a></li>

 <li><a href="#myer-centre">Shop the Best Winter Fashion in the Warmth of the Myer Centre</a></li>

 <li><a href="#degraves-street">Enjoy Outdoor Coffee Under Heaters on Degraves Street</a></li>

 <li><a href="#stay-central">Stay in the Heart of Melbourne in Winter</a></li>

</ul>

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<h2 id="is-it-worth-visiting">Is it Worth Visiting Melbourne in Winter?</h2>

Absolutely! While Melbourne might be famous for its vibrant summer events and al fresco lifestyle, it’s no stranger to winter wonderlands. As Melbourne temperatures typically drop to 6.5 - 14.2°C mid-year, not to mention the trademark fickleness of the city’s weather, the tourism and hospitality sectors have well and truly embraced the cold. 

The city’s cosy bars, atmospheric laneways and unique seasonal festivals make it an ideal destination for travellers looking to embrace the chill or stay warm in style. Seasonal sports are also a huge drawcard for the season, with the AFL premiership being the frontrunner of must-see winter matches at Marvel Stadium, the MCG, and AAMI Park. 

For those in the city on work trips, you’ll also find plenty of things to do in Melbourne in winter that will make you forget all about the cold. Catch a live music act at an intimate bar after work, spend your weekend cloistered in the warm confines of the flagship Myer Centre, and sit under deliciously toasty outdoor heaters on Degraves Street for your morning coffee.

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<h2 id="unique-winter-experiences">Unique Winter Experiences in Melbourne</h2>

It might be four seasons in a day, but every winter day in Melbourne brings the hottest new experiences. Check out these unique activities and events for your Melbourne winter getaway. 

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<h2 id="icebar">Chill Out at IceBar Melbourne</h2>

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For a truly “cool” experience (pun intended), head to IceBar Melbourne in Fed Square. Kept at a frosty -10°C, this sub-zero lounge is a fun novelty for visitors and locals alike. Don a snow cape and gloves before sipping on cocktails served in ice glasses. A fan favourite among locals and tourists alike, it’s the perfect way to embrace the winter vibe while staying right in the heart of the city.

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<h2 id="winter-market">Explore the Winter Night Market at Queen Vic Market</h2>

Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market transforms into a winter wonderland every Wednesday night during the season. The Winter Night Market is a must-visit, offering everything from live music and entertainment to mulled wine and global street food. Strolling through the twinkling lights while warming your hands with a hot drink is a classic Melbourne winter experience.

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<h2 id="obrien-ice-house">Glide Across the Ice at O’Brien Ice House</h2>

What’s more in style with winter than ice skating? Located in Docklands, O’Brien Ice House is Melbourne’s go-to spot for ice skating. Catering to all skill levels, this Olympic-sized rink provides a fun and energetic way to enjoy winter. With DJ nights, themed events and warm-up zones, it’s an exciting option for those who love to stay active even in the cold. Plus, if you’re travelling to Melbourne in winter with kids, this is a must-visit.

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<h2 id="lightscape">Immerse Yourself in Lightscape at the Botanic Gardens</h2>

Running from mid-June to early August each year, Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens is a dazzling experience and one of the best things to do in Melbourne in winter. This immersive event transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland of colour, light and sound. 

Wander through illuminated tree canopies, glowing tunnels, and breathtaking light displays, making it one of Melbourne’s most magical winter attractions. Tickets always sell out quickly, so we recommend booking ahead to avoid missing out.

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<h2 id="firelight-festival">Experience the Magic of Firelight Festival</h2>

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Kicking off on June 30th, the Firelight Festival in Docklands is one of the biggest and best reasons to visit Melbourne in winter. For all the ice kings and queens who love the cold, Firelight Festival is a must – it’s a literal celebration of the season, with fire pits, live performances and delicious food. 

Be mesmerised by fire twirlers, drumming performances and a lively festival atmosphere that will keep you warm even on the coldest nights. This annual event is a highlight for both visitors and locals looking to embrace the winter season.

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<h2 id="stay-warm">Where to Go and What to Do to Stay Warm</h2>

<h3 id="sydney-road">Café and Vintage Shop Hopping on Sydney Road</h3>

Sydney Road in Brunswick is a dream for those who love discovering hidden gems. While the many restaurants in Brunswick are in a league of their own, the suburb’s café culture and vintage shopping can’t be missed. Cosy up in one of the area’s charming cafés, which serve up arguably the world’s best coffee, not to mention delicious brunches and fresh-out–of-the-oven pastries. 

Just a 5-minute stroll from Rambla @ Solarino House, the Sydney Road café precinct is home to some of the city’s most renowned eateries and coffee roasters. Grab an authentic Lebanese goodie from A1 Bakery, get the best brew from the renowned Market Lane Coffee, fuel up with a fresh toastie from Three Hands Café, or indulge in a sweet treat from Savour Café and Juice Bar.

After coffee, hop between the countless vintage and thrift stores that line the road. If Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia, Brunswick is the vintage fashion star of the city. Discover totally unique pieces from Epic Vintage, get lost in a maze of retro goodies from Still Good Recycled, or find the perfect gift for that special someone in Mutual Muse Brunswick.

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<h3 id="brunswick-wine-bars">Unwind at Cosy Wine Bars in Brunswick</h3>

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Brunswick is home to some of Melbourne’s best wine bars, offering warm and intimate spots perfect for escaping the cold. Within walking distance of Rambla @ Solarino House, you’ll find plenty of candle-lit bars with plush seating and excellent selections. 

Some must-visits include:

• ReWine is a relaxed and cosy bar with fabulous food. It’s a sustainable wine merchant, meaning you can purchase wines and bring your bottles back for refills with the bar's unique barrel-to-bottle system.
• Miss Moses is a friendly neighbourhood bar with a great wine selection, delicious cocktails and regular live performances.
• Old Palm Liquor on Lygon Street has the warmest, cosiest atmosphere with moody lighting and intimate seating, perfect for a chilly night in Melbourne.
• Bar Spontana is a quintessentially Melbourne backstreet bar serving up wild fermented drinks and authentic Thai cuisine.
• Noisy Ritual is a chic urban winery with a mix of sparkling wines, whites, reds and rosé on the menu, alongside grazing platters and sharing boards – the perfect after-work venue to relax with friends.

Related: Explore more fun things to do in Brunswick all year round.

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<h2 id="hot-soak">Treat Yourself to a Hot Soak or Sauna Day</h2>

Nothing beats a hot soak or sauna session on a chilly Melbourne in winter day. Head to Sense of Self in Collingwood, a modern bath house featuring a warm mineral bath, dry sauna and steam room. It’s the ultimate way to relax, recharge, and stay cosy while indulging in a little self-care.

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<h2 id="myer-centre">Shop the Best Winter Fashion in the Warmth of the Myer Centre</h2>

If you need to update your winter wardrobe, Myer Centre Melbourne in the CBD is the place to go. The dazzling flagship store spanning multiple levels and an abundance of outlets is home to both high-end and affordable fashion brands. It’s perfect for picking up stylish coats, boots and knitwear without braving the cold. 

Plus, its central location makes it easy to pop in for a shopping spree between other activities. While you’re in the CBD, pop outside to browse the many arcade and laneway boutiques in the Block Arcade, Royal Arcade, Centre Place, the Emporium Melbourne, the flagship H&M in the stunningly converted GPO building, and Melbourne Central.

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<h2 id="degraves-street">Enjoy Outdoor Coffee Under Heaters on Degraves Street</h2>

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A trip to Melbourne isn’t complete without a laneway coffee experience, and Degraves Street is the ultimate spot for it. Even in winter (especially in winter), this iconic laneway is buzzing with energy, award-winning coffee and warming winter food. 

Thanks to the iconic line of powerful outdoor heaters, you can sip on a rich hot chocolate or a perfectly brewed flat white while soaking in the city’s European-inspired café culture. Grab a classic avocado on sourdough from Mockturtle, indulge in French toast at Café Andiamo, share a pizza at The Quarter, or grab a velvety cappuccino to go from Degraves Espresso Melbourne.

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<h2 id="stay-central">Stay in the Heart of Melbourne in Winter</h2>

Melbourne in winter is anything but dull. Lean into the season with ice skating and night markets or stay snug with wine bars and spa days. Whatever your preference, there are endless things to do in Melbourne in winter to suit your style.

So, grab your coat, embrace the city’s winter magic, and discover a whole new side of Melbourne this season. And, if you need a comfy and cosy place to stay, book a relaxed modern furnished apartment in our heart-of-Brunswick home Rambla @ Solarino House.

Further reading: Looking for more to explore during your visit? Check out these 12 Perfect Day Trips from Melbourne to add to your itinerary.

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