Best things to do in Melbourne in winter
Rug up and prepare to explore the wonders of the Victorian capital this winter.
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Melbourne is cool in every way when the temperatures drop.
Kids watch free at the MCG
You simply can’t call yourself an Aussie sports fan until you’ve been to an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, aka the ‘G’. To make the prospect even more enticing, from rounds 16-19 (commencing June 16) all kids under 14 get in for free and there are games at Marvel Stadium too. Not to mention around the country.
Giggle at the Comedy Republic Replay Festival
What is undeniably the city’s best stand up venue has embarked on a rather smart campaign to give punters a second chance at viewing shows that were either sold out during the Comedy Festival or chuckle lovers didn’t get a chance to see. The program runs from July 4to August 2 with local and international talent. There’s also great show on every weekend featuring a slew of acts. Our pick? The ever loveable Lizzy Hoo. The venue is handily located in the CBD within walking distance of street art laden laneways, hidden bars and cosy coffee shops galore. They will also happily sort you out with a cold beer or three or a cocktail. One of the best comedy clubs not just in Melbourne but the country.
Fine dining at Aru Restaurant
It would be irresponsible of us not to steer you in the direction of a stellar Melbourne meal. Aru fits the bill perfectly. Named after the group of islands which ancient seafarers frequented as part of the Sino-Indonesian-Australian route, Aru touches on early techniques – fermentation, smoking, curing, preserving and fire-licked meat, vegetables and fish. The duck sausage sanga with leatherwood honey, onion and peanuts is a revelation. On a cold winter's day, the food here is a warm balm for the soul.
Shop vintage fashion at RetroStar
Take the stairs up to level one of the iconic Nicholas Building and immerse yourself in this Aladdin’s Cave of properly curated pre-loved fashion. RetroStar has been delivering the goods since 2002 and is the place to find that original Ralph Lauren sweater of your dreams. Be sure to check out Vintage Sole on the ground floor. Happy shopping.
Late-night cocktails at Her
Few cities do wee hours libations better than Melbourne and Her is a moodily lit, artfully directed den in which to set the world to rights. There’s also a rooftop should you choose to go al fresco but either way, the green apple gimlet is a cocktail for the ages.
Rock out at the Australian Music Vault
Incorporating the ARIA Hall of Fame, this free exhibition is a loud and vibrant celebration of Australia's diverse music scene. You can see iconic pieces up close and hear from the renegades who changed our musical tastes. It’s not just an exercise in nostalgia as young hitmakers can try their hand at digital music creation. Bonus points for the Mixtape tech where you can simply tap a card wherever you see a Spotify logo and have the playlist emailed to you. So make like Ross Wilson of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock and get your groove on.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
The musical version of this beloved film is currently rocking the Regent Theatre with one Eddie Perfect in the titular role as the mischievous undead. The play scored eight Tony nominations on Broadway and is a ripper of a night out and kids over 10 will love the dark fun, live music and whole new journey that stands apart from the movie.
Take in French Impressionism at the NGV
Among Melbourne's lauded collection of galleries and museums, the NGV is a legit world player. This exhibition from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston encompasses the likes of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet and Pissarro. It is divided into 10 thematic sections and when else will you be able to get up close to Monet's famous grain stacks under snow without leaving the country. The gallery also runs free tours so you can properly immerse yourself in culture. Afterwards, head to the Arts Centre Melbourne for some live music, dance, comedy, opera, circus or a musical.
Discover Lego paradise at the Melbourne Museum
The Victorian capital does public spaces particularly well and this constellation of buildings is one to definitely explore. A visit here can entail everything from the Lego Star Wars Exhibition with Brickman Masterclasses to sleepovers and elephants in 3D to winter school holiday programs and the Nocturnal Museum after dark night program. There's also the Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade tour that provides a new perspective on the sights of the city. Head to this local icon, grab a cup of coffee and discover one of Melbourne's must-see destinations for the curious. It's a great mix of free attractions and ticketed events - not to mention a perfect (warm) precinct to explore if the weather turns nasty and you need to escape the chill.
Light up at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
This marvellous expanse of green space in the heart of the city gets a literal glow up from June 20 to August 10, 2025 with Lightscape. Twenty light installations will transform the precinct and take you on a journey. And don't worry about weather as you can indulge in hot chocolate or warm mulled wine.
Hit the Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is one Victorian destination you won't want to miss. Round up a group of friends for the Ultimate Foodie Tour, browse the Melbourne Book Market on weekends and check out the winter school holiday programs. It's the Night Market that's got us buzzing though. Every Wednesday from June 4 to August 27, there will be a silent disco, vintage and vinyl stores that won't break the bank and so much street food. There's even warm butter beer -what a time to be alive!
Go whale watching off Phillip Island
Whale migration season lasts from May to October and the waters off Phillip Island - two hours from Melbourne - play host to pods of humpbacks. There's no better way to get up close than on a four hour cruise and this one has the added benefit of a jaunt to Seal Rocks.
Originally published as Best things to do in Melbourne in winter
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