As winter wraps its chilly arms around Melbourne, the city morphs into a wonderland brimming with cosy activities and mouth-watering eats to warm both the body and soul. Don’t let the frosty weather fool you— Melbourne’s got plenty to keep you entertained and well-fed during the brisk months. So, suppose you’re a local ready to embrace the winter charm or a visitor looking to explore. In that case, we’ve got the lowdown on the best winter activities in Melbourne, ensuring you experience the city’s warmth and hospitality even on the chilliest of days.
Winter Night Market
The Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit event that brings Melbourne’s vibrant food and culture scene to life during the colder months. Held at one of the city’s most iconic locations, this market transforms into a bustling hub of activity every Wednesday night, offering an array of street food stalls, warm beverages, artisanal crafts, and live entertainment. Whether you’re craving hearty winter dishes like
Image: What’s On
Winter Wonderlights
Step back in time and experience the magic of Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, where the historic gold rush town is transformed into a winter wonderland. This enchanting event features sparkling light displays, captivating projections, and festive decorations that bring the 19th-century streetscape to life. As night falls, the town is bathed in a kaleidoscope of colours, with buildings illuminated by light shows and faux snow adding a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re enjoying the live entertainment, partaking in the variety of arts and crafts sessions, warming up with a hot chocolate, or simply taking in the picturesque ambience, Winter Wonderlights is a must-do this winter. Full day tickets are available from Friday June 28 and start from $68 for adults and $36 for children. Purchase tickets here.
Image: Secret Melbourne
Joy
Joy at the Immigration Museum is a captivating exhibition that celebrates the universal emotion of joy through the diverse lenses of Melbourne’s multicultural communities. This vibrant showcase features seven newly commissioned installations by seven leading Victorian-based creatives and demonstrates their definition of what joy means to them, from the carefree years of childhood to a celebration of belonging and togetherness. It’s an uplifting experience that highlights the shared humanity and unique traditions that bring happiness to people’s lives. Whether you’re interested in art and culture, or simply looking for a heartwarming outing, “Joy” offers a perfect indoor activity and escape from the winter blues. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the many facets of joy and celebrate the beauty of diversity at the Immigration Museum. Tickets start from $15 and can be purchased here.
Image: Beat Melbourne
The Moon Bar & Soi 38
Nothing screams a Melbourne winter outing more than a booking at a wine bar followed by a warm and comforting meal in a mildly sketchy-looking place. Lucky for us Melbournians, the city is filled to the brim with all of the above. Our top pick is The Moon Bar, located in Collingwood where you will find a welcoming atmosphere with an impressive selection of natural wines and creative cocktails that are perfect for sipping by candlelight. The intimate setting encourages great conversation and relaxation, making it a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. Just a short stroll (or Uber) away, Soi 38 serves up some of the best Thai street food in Melbourne, with steaming bowls of noodle soup and other hearty dishes that are perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. What more could you ask for on a chilly winter night?
Image: The Moon Bar
Girls Night In
Let’s be real, sometimes it’s too damn cold to go out and brave the weather. Enter a girl’s night in, combining the warmth of friendship and central heating. There is nothing better than gathering your closest friends for a night of laughter, binge-watching your favourite series (hello Bridgeton), treats and yes, cocktails with fluffy blankets by your side. Here are our favourite winter cocktails that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Hot Chocolate Martini
Ingredients:
- 25ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 25ml whole milk
- 25ml single cream
- 25g baking dark chocolate
- 25ml Smirnoff Vodka
- chocolate sauce
Instructions:
- Squeeze some Chocolate Sauce onto a small plate. Place your martini glass upside down so the rim is dipped in the chocolate sauce.
- Chop/Grate your dark chocolate into super small pieces.
- Mix together whole milk and cream into a mug, and microwave for around 30 seconds until boiling.
- To the hot milk, add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted.
- Then add the vodka and Baileys into your chocolate milk.
- Stir until fully combined. It doesn’t matter if your cocktail is still a little warm, we like it this way!
- Pour into your rimmed martini glass and serve. If you have spare chocolate feel free to grate this over the top of the drink at the end for an extra treat!
Image: Baileys
Winter Spiced Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon quill
- 2 star anise
- 2 allspice berries
- 30ml gin
- 30ml red vermouth
- 30ml Campari
- orange peel, to garnish
Instructions:
- Place spices in a saucepan over medium heat and toast for 1-2 minutes to release aromas. Add the gin, vermouth and Campari into a 500ml jar with the toasted spices and allow to infuse for 12 hours or overnight.
- Strain through a fine sieve and into a serving glass. Serve over a large ice cube and a strip of orange peel.
Image: A Grateful Meal
Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- 1 (750-ml.) bottle red wine
- 1 orange, sliced, plus more for garnish
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 3 star anise
- 1/4 c. honey
- 1/2 c. brandy
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer not a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm and garnish with more citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.
Image: Ambitious Kitchen
Read more of our Restaurant & Activity Recommendations here.
Banner image from Concrete Playground.
Find out some more winter activities in Melbourne below.
