Things To Do in Melbourne Winters (2024)

Exploring Melbourne in the winter season? You might assume that the city becomes subdued during this time, but Melbourne is far from dull, even in the colder months.

Having spent several months in Melbourne, particularly during the winter, I initially shared the misconception that the city’s attractions hibernate in the colder season. However, my discovery proved otherwise.

Melbourne is a lively metropolis, providing various activities for visitors throughout the year, winter included. In this article, I’ll guide you through a list of exciting things to do in Melbourne during winter.

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About Melbourne

Renowned for its distinctive blend of fashion flair and culinary delights, Melbourne is one of Australia’s largest and most captivating cities. Boasting a significant European influence, it proudly holds the title of the capital city of Victoria.

Melbourne is a perpetual hub of activity, hosting many events and festivals throughout the year. Recognized as the sports capital of Australia, this vibrant city has mastered the art of keeping both locals and visitors thoroughly entertained. Even during the winter, Melbourne opens its doors to many attractions and activities for its guests to enjoy.

How to Get to Melbourne?

By Air

Melbourne boasts both domestic airports, namely Tullamarine and Avalon, and an international airport, Tullamarine.

• International Flights – Melbourne offers excellent connectivity for international flights, serving as a gateway from various corners of the globe. The city is a hub for numerous airlines, with prominent names like AirAsia and Scoot Airlines providing budget-friendly options, mainly from South East Asia.
• Domestic Flights – Regarding domestic flights, Melbourne maintains robust connections with cities and towns across Australia. Jetstar emerges as the budget-friendly choice for those seeking economical air travel within the country.

By Road

The highways and freeways that guide you to Melbourne are truly impressive, with some offering scenic coastal routes. However, the distance between Melbourne and major capital cities like Sydney and Adelaide is quite substantial.

Read Sydney to Lakes Entrance for more details on the road trip.

The journey from Sydney to Melbourne spans approximately 880 kilometres, taking around 8 hours and 30 minutes by road. You can choose between routes through Canberra or along the coast, featuring toll roads. Along these routes, you’ll encounter breathtaking stopovers, providing the perfect opportunities to take a break and relish the surroundings.

Covering a distance of approximately 730 kilometres, the road journey from Adelaide to Melbourne typically takes around 8 hours. It’s essential to be aware that this route includes toll roads.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Adelaide and Melbourne are situated in different time zones.

By Public Transport

• Buses – Greyhound and Firefly Express offer regular bus services between Sydney and Melbourne, with fares ranging from 60 to 250 AUD. Despite being a more budget-friendly option, it’s worth noting that the bus journey is my least preferred choice due to its extended duration of around 12 hours.
• Trains – TrainLink operates frequent interstate trains connecting Sydney (Central) and Melbourne (Southern Cross). The train journey closely mirrors the bus duration, taking around 11 hours, with ticket costs ranging from AUD 75 to AUD 250.
• For the latest information and updated prices, it is recommended to check the respective websites of the bus and train operators.

Things To Do in Melbourne Winters

Melbourne generally tends to be colder compared to other states and territories on the Australian mainland. The city is renowned for experiencing four seasons in a single day. Officially, the winter season in Melbourne spans from June to August. The temperatures typically range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius during this period.

When travelling in Melbourne, it’s advisable to layer up with clothes due to the rapidly changing weather conditions.

• The primary train stations in Melbourne are Flinders Street and Southern Cross.
• For the latest information on public transportation in Melbourne, visit the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.
• The Myki transportation card is utilized to pay for fares on public transport. Top up this card conveniently at train stations or news agencies.
• Melbourne is served by trams, and notably, trams 35 and 70 are complimentary, shuttling between city zones. This provides a beautiful opportunity to explore Melbourne for free.

Visit ACMI at Fed Square

Situated in Federation Square, the Australia Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a museum dedicated to screen culture. Featuring exhibitions that honour television, films, and gaming, the museum offers free general entry while certain events are ticketed.

Presently, an event is underway commemorating the enchanting journey of Disney and its movies. The Disney showcase marks 100 years of Disney characters and films, with an entry fee of AUD 26 per adult.

Sip Hot Chocolate or Coffee

Whether faced with questions or seeking comfort, the answer lies in hot chocolate or coffee. In Melbourne CBD, renowned for its exceptional cafes and restaurants, take some time to unwind. Delight at one of these remarkable cafes in a few hours, indulging in a comforting hot chocolate or your favourite coffee.

Winter Night Markets

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the enchanting winter night markets at Queen Victoria Market. Explore a world of street food, pubs, and bars.

Spanning five weeks throughout July, these markets have become a favourite among locals, offering a delightful experience with free entry.

Milky Way

Embrace the beauty of the winter season by witnessing the mesmerizing display of the Milky Way. The stars, dust, and night skies create a stunning spectacle on clear nights. Just a short distance from Melbourne CBD, locations like the Great Ocean Road offer breathtaking views of the Milky Way. Engaging in this activity comes with the bonus of being entirely free.

The Winter Village

Annually, Docklands transforms into the Winter Village, an event held throughout the winter season. With igloos and ice skating, visitors can revel in the experience of artificial snow and ice. For a remarkable dining experience, consider having a splendid dinner in one of the igloos.

If you long for snow and want to build a snowman, consider a weekend getaway to Mount Buller in Victoria.

Whale Watching

Between May and October each year, humpback whales embark on their migratory journey from south to north and vice versa. The winter season provides an excellent opportunity to witness this remarkable migration. Coastal areas like Port Fairy or the Great Ocean Road offer designated spots where you can sit and enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic whales.

Palais Theatre

Situated in the St Kilda suburb of Melbourne, the Palais Theatre is a heritage-listed venue. It has a seating capacity of nearly 3000 people and is Australia’s largest seated theatre.

Whether you fancy a captivating show or wish to experience an orchestra performance, the Palais Theatre offers diverse entertainment options. The ticket prices vary depending on the show or event you attend. Plan your visit based on the exciting lineup at the theatre during your stay.

My journey to the Palais Theatre coincided with the International Indian Film Festival, where the esteemed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was the guest of honour. This visit to Melbourne was explicitly planned to witness the presence of the iconic actor, making it a memorable experience at the Palais Theatre.

Visit ArtVo 3D Museum

I had the opportunity to explore a 3D art museum during my visit to Auckland a few years ago, and it was a novel and enjoyable experience for me.

Surprisingly, I discovered a similar attraction in Melbourne during my recent travels – ArtVo. This immersive gallery captivates visitors with its 3D effect, offering a much larger scale than my previous encounter. The gallery features various murals, ranging from animals to Iron Man, creating a visually stunning experience.

Given my affinity for animals, I dedicated much time to capturing photos of gorillas, elephants, koalas, whales, and dolphins within the museum. I highly recommend a visit to the ArtVo 3D art museum in Melbourne. With an entrance fee of AUD 28 per person, allocate more than an hour to appreciate the multitude of captivating artworks fully.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

For any cricket enthusiast, visiting the MCG is a cherished dream. However, even if cricket isn’t your passion, the MCG is an excellent location to understand the profound connection between sports and Melbourne.

Opting for guided walks at the MCG offers a comprehensive experience, where you are led through the different levels of the stadium while gaining insights into the rich history and captivating stories associated with the iconic venue.

Is Melbourne Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Melbourne is a secure destination for solo female travellers, given its remarkable friendliness towards tourists and a general lack of nonsensical incidents. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the city, like any other, encounters occasional unwarranted situations, particularly for individuals from different racial backgrounds. Exercise caution and stay vigilant about your surroundings, especially in isolated areas and during the night.

Closing Notes

Melbourne is a city that caters to a diverse range of travellers, whether they be backpackers or those seeking a luxurious experience. With its comprehensive offerings, Melbourne has rightfully earned its place among the best cities in the world. My deep affection for Melbourne is evident through my frequent returns to this captivating city, even in winter.

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