Revel in the Wondrous Winter Season in Melbourne and Beyond!

If you’re looking to escape the mounting heat in Malaysia that is expected to last for the next few months, then chill out in Melbourne and beyond.

By Visit Victoria on June 20, 20235 minutes read

The winter fun in Melbourne knows no boundaries. There’s something to see, do and visit at every corner! In a melting pot of culture like Melbourne and regional Victoria, you won’t expect any less.

Whether you are looking at sharpening your snow sports’ skills, relishing in the destination’s abundant selection of cuisines and palatable wintry delights, or visiting dazzling art installations and galleries – there is something for everyone to have tremendous fun and an even better time.

So, don your best winter boots, knitted scarf, layers of winter wear and a warm jacket, because your cool escape adventures in Melbourne and regional Victoria are about to begin! Here are some highlights you mustn’t miss this winter season:

Winter Night Market (7 June – 30 August 2023, every Wednesday from 5pm)

Melbourne's Winter Night Market (© Visit Victoria) — Melbourne’s Winter Night Market (© Visit Victoria)

Melbourne’s unmissable winter event the Winter Night Market is back at Queen Victoria Market for a spectacular 13-week season, every Wednesday evening from 7 June to 30 August 2023. The Winter Night Market brings together Melbourne’s best street food traders, brewers, distillers, artisans and entertainment for the perfect midweek winter experience.

Rug up in your winter woollies and head to the market to enjoy delicious street food, hot bevvies like warm butter beer and mulled wine, roaring open fires, great shopping at artisanal stalls, roving performers and musicians, and fun at the silent disco. With free entry, the only prerequisites are to come hungry and ready for a good time.

Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi (9 June – 8 October 2023)

India Mahdavi (designer) The Townhouse Photo © François Halard — India Mahdavi (Designer). The Townhouse. (Photo © François Halard)

The blockbuster Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® exhibition will feature more than 100 works by Pierre Bonnard, a leading 20th century French painter celebrated for his iridescent palette – presented within a contemporary scenography by award-winning architect and designer, India Mahdavi. The paintings of Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) depict intimate domestic interiors, natural landscapes and urban scenes with subtlety, wit and a sensuous approach to colour and light.

To create the exhibition’s scenography, the NGV has commissioned the celebrated Paris-based architect and designer India Mahdavi. Described by The New Yorker as a ‘virtuoso of colour’ and ‘possessor of perfect chromatic pitch’, and winner of Designer of the Year at the 2023 Wallpaper* Design Awards, Mahdavi will envelop Pierre Bonnard’s works in an environment that complements Bonnard’s distinct use of colour and texture, and evokes the wistful domestic intimacy for which his paintings are renowned.

Lightscape (16 June – 6 August 2023)

Lightscape, an extraordinary, after-dark experience at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, is back with a brand-new trail. Following enormous successes in the UK and US, Lightscape, created in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, made its debut in Melbourne earlier in 2022 and was an overwhelming success, quickly becoming a highlight of Melbourne’s winter activities.

Winter Wonderlights (23 June – 17 July 2023)

Once the sun sets, Main Street is transformed by grand scale moving images projected along the facades of the buildings. (Image © joliphotos)

By day Sovereign Hill delights, but when the sun goes down, that’s when it really shines. Throughout the day, visitors can wander the streets as ‘snow’ falls, enjoy pantomimes and theatre shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, the chance to share a photo with St Nick, and wonderful wintry treats.

As the sun goes down, ever-changing projections bring Sovereign Hill’s streetscape to dazzling life, as a spectacular light show illuminates the much-loved museum. Only a short drive from Melbourne, Winter Wonderlights produces a unique Christmas in July like no other.

Hot Chocolate Festival (1 – 31 August 2023)

Enjoy 31 new delicious and exotic hot chocolate flavours in August! A selection of eight flavours will be available throughout the festival with each one served with an extra shot of hot couverture chocolate plus a handcrafted giant marshmallow. Hot chocolate tasting sessions are also on offer on the weekends throughout the festival.

During the 45-minute hands-on class, sip and sample a selection of eight amazing flavours. What’s more, choose from over 50 ingredients to make three different chocolate flavoured spoons, then just add to hot milk at home and create your own personalised, decadent hot chocolates.

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion (until 1 October 2023)

From the swagger of Mae West and glamour of Anna May Wong to the powerful punch of Pam Grier, this ACMI-curated exhibition salutes the groundbreaking achievements and impact of the screen’s revolutionary leading women. Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion features never-before-seen costumes, original sketches, interactive experiences and cinematic treasures, including iconic outfits worn by Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Geena Davis, Goddess honours the women who challenged narratives, defied expectations and transcended existing tropes.

Skiing and fun (All winter long, various locations in Victoria Snowfields)

People tobogganing down Lake Mountain. — Victoria Snowfields (© Rob Blackburn)

If there’s one thing you need to do in winter, it is to visit Victoria’s majestic alpine region. The ski season officially begins from 10 June onwards right up to August, or as long as snow lasts, so bundle and gear up for the ultimate snow and ski adventure! Located a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, there are three alps to spend your snow adventure at, namely Mt Buller, Mt Hotham or Falls Creek.

With slopes for all skill levels and also classes for beginners, let your snow sports spirit shine through exciting activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tobogganing or even snowshoeing while you course through the picturesque alps! There’s really nothing like admiring the frosty weather and the views of snow-capped mountains and trees, with a line-up of pocket events that will further enhance your visit in a place so majestic.

So, take a break from the heat and escape to the cooling weather in Melbourne and regional Victoria as you plan your next holiday destination. As you traverse the streets, you will definitely be filled with awe and wonder of the city and towns alike.

For more details, log on to www.visitmelbourne.com