Outdoor winter activities in Victoria that don’t involve skiing or snowboarding
YOU don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on ski and snowboarding equipment to enjoy the outdoors as the temperature drops. Here are Victoria’s most unique winter experiences.
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AS Melbourne’s temperatures dip and snow falls, winter lovers are strapping on their skis and snowboards to carve up the slopes in Victoria’s alps.
But there are still plenty of activities for those who prefer not to spend hundreds of dollars for the privilege of jostling with the crowds to stack it or faceplant in fresh powder.
Here are Victoria’s best winter outdoor activities that don’t involve skiing or snowboarding.
OUR BEST SPOTS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
GLAMPING PLACES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
ICE SKATING
Those feeling inspired by the recent Sochi Winter Games have their pick of outdoor ice rinks to glide and twirl on, with skate zones popping up across Melbourne and even in regional Victoria.
Ballarat is embracing its frosty reputation and bringing its Winter Festival back this year (June 30 to July 15) — and if it rains, skaters will be undercover in the covered rink.
And in Melbourne, you can skate into a winter wonderland at multiple rinks popping up in Sorrento, St Kilda and Southbank (June 22 to July 15).
The open-air rinks welcome skaters until late in the night, so rug up for a romantic skate under the winter sky.
Skaters in Melbourne’s northwest can also practice their swizzles at the Moonee Ponds Winter Fest (June 30 to July 15), with special discounted youth events over the holiday break.
TOBOGGANING AND SNOWPLAY
Sliding down a hill on a moulded plastic toboggan has got to be the ultimate budget winter activity, and those willing to share the runs or trek a little further will be rewarded with free entry.
Mt Donna Buang is the closest snow field to Melbourne, less than two hours’ drive from the CBD. It’s also free, so be prepared to share the three toboggan runs with other families.
For a taste of resort life, Lake Mountain is two hours from the CBD and comes with modern conveniences like a bistro and extra activities like a flying fox, tune run and laser skirmish. But you’ll have to pay for the luxury — it’s $56 car entry.
At 1509m high, Mt St Gwinear is another snowfield with free entry in East Gippsland’s Baw Baw National Park. The little-known mountain has a rustic vibe, with a heated shelter room and food van to keep snow lovers warm and fed.
Further afield, there’s nothing like the serene snow-covered slopes of Mt Buffalo, with plenty of room for children to explore in the Dingo Dell snowplay zone. The mountain’s Cresta Valley run is provided even more room for older kids to roam, with a diverse range of runs.
WHALE WATCHING
Winter is when the gentle giants of the deep journey from Antarctica and across Victoria’s coastline to calve and raise their young.
Wildlife Coast Cruises operates whale-watching trips from Phillip Island and around Wilsons Promontory in winter, with travellers spotting humpback and southern right whales, along with seals, dolphins and seabirds.
Landlubbers need not travel all the way to Warrnambool’s famed whale nursery at Logans Beach to see these huge mammals, but might need more than a pinch of luck to spot them along our coast.
Keep an eye on whale sightings along the Great Ocean Road and near Phillip Island online.
THE SECRET BEACHES YOU NEED TO VISIT
DOG SLEDDING
Few things are more thrilling than dashing in the fresh snow with a pack of energetic huskies.
These cuddly alpine dogs love to run, and Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours offers a range of sledding experiences at Hotham, Baw Baw, Dinner Plain from $140.
They also offer a budget-friendly adventure with snowshoe walks at Baw Baw alongside their retired dogs from $75.
At Mt Buller, Australian Sleddog Tours operates with rescue huskies and Dusty the kelpie, with sled rides from $80.
If you’d rather spectate, August sees the running of the Falls Creek Sled Dog Classic and the Sled Dog Challenge — Australia’s oldest sled dog race — at Dinner Plain.
ROADTRIPPING
Netflix may be calling your name but there’s something invigorating about going for a drive when there’s a chill in the air.
It goes without saying that the Great Ocean Road is arguably Victoria’s best drive, and the region doesn’t lose any of its beauty when the mercury dips.
You can also motor down the Black Spur between Healesville and Narbethong and be awed by mighty mountain ash trees in the mist.
For a truly wintry experience, motor down the Great Alpine Road from Wangaratta to Metung — but always check road conditions and snow chain requirements before setting out.
SEVEN SHOWS YOU MUST STREAM THIS WEEK
THE YOUNG FAMILIES JOINING THE GREY NOMADS
Off the beaten track, the 14km Bunurong Coastal Drive winds around the rugged Bass Coast between Cape Paterson and Inverloch, which is at its wild, untamed best in winter.
Looking to extend your Gippsland journey? Check out the verdant Grand Ridge Road and journey through the Strzelecki Ranges among towering mountain ash trees and dairy country’s rolling green pastures.
Closer to Melbourne, there are also plenty of forest roads to explore in the moody pine plantations around Macedon. Always make sure to check road conditions and carry a map when driving off-road.
SNOWSHOEING
Sure, you may look a little ridiculous wearing giant paddles on your feet, but the upside is seeing trails that skiers and snowboarders often don’t get access to.
A budget-friendly way to enjoy the snow, most ski resorts, including Dinner Plain, Mt Hotham and Mt Baw Baw, offer snowshoe hire for a bargain.
Lake Mountain even has a stunning 5km trail exclusive to snowshoers alone, while Falls Creek runs Nordic snowshoe tours with an experienced guide.
Make sure to be mindful of snowshoe etiquette by keeping to the left and not walking on ski tracks where indicated.
To make a night of the experience, Alpine Nature Experience near Hotham Heights ($109) offers a guided snowshoe trek followed by mulled wine or hot chocolate by the fire and three-course fondue dinner in a cosy off-the-grid tipi.
HOT SPRINGS
Not all winter activities are strenuous, with Victoria’s outdoor hot pools sure to tempt even the cosiest homebody out of hibernation. Peninsula Hot Springs is close to Melbourne and has an array of pools, sauna and Turkish hamam to loosen up those cold muscles. From $25.
In the Victorian alps, Dinner Plain may be a continent away from Japan but you’ll be transported to the slopes of Hokkaido as you soak in the outdoor onsen while snowflakes drift around you. Alpine bathing at Onsen Retreat + Spa opens June 9 and is priced from $45.
If you’re not quite ready to brave the winter elements, Hepburn Springs’ The Mineral Spa is all your Instagram dreams come true, with its architect-designed indoor/outdoor retreat overlooking a manicured garden. Retreat access from $65.
And for a truly luxe experience, the Japanese Mountain Retreat in the Dandenongs offers complete privacy, massages, yum cha and Japanese-style accommodation. Private outdoor bathing from $99.
DINGO CUDDLES
Set in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre opens its doors to the public every winter for a very special occasion.
The Toolern Vale sanctuary — Australia’s largest dingo breeding and rescue centre — comes alive with the pitter patter of tiny paws from May and runs puppy encounters ($49) with its newest pack members from July to September.
Founder Lyn Watson and her team of volunteers are running the open days beginning July 7.
At the snow, Mt Baw Baw’s dingo resource centre is home to alpine dingoes Rowdy and Warragul, with visitors able to view the native canines as they frolic in the snow.
CHASE WATERFALLS
Don’t listen to TLC — winter is the season for chasing waterfalls.
While Victoria has enjoyed an unseasonably dry year so far, wait for a downpour of rain and visit one of the myriads of waterfalls around the state.
The Otways is brimming with cascading curtains of pure water, the most notable being Erskine Falls in the Lorne hinterland.
Further west, Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians is always impressive, regardless of rainfall (or lack thereof).
In Victoria’s east, Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls are just a short walk from the carpark, while Steavenson Falls, near Marysville, is also easily accessed by a paved walking track.
SOVEREIGN HILL
Christmas in July never looked so quaint, with the famed living museum transformed into a snowy delight during its Winter Wonderlights program from June 30 to July 22.
With snowfall, pantomimes, festive craft activities, a reading of A Christmas Carol and a visit from jolly St Nick, visitors to the Ballarat attraction are guaranteed to be brimming with Christmas spirit.
Come nightfall, Sovereign Hill’s famed light projections will make a return to dazzle families with a dizzying display of colour.
Tickets from $27.60.
FIRE GARDEN
Want to sit around a crackling open fire but can’t be bothered traipsing out of the city?
Dining alfresco may not be the first activity to come to mind in winter, but Common Man is bringing a taste of campfire relaxation to the Yarra River.
The South Wharf eatery has transformed its lawn into a pop-up Fire Garden running all winter, complete with cosy blankets, open fires, camping chairs and live music.
To complete the winter hygge vibe, a James Squire-inspired menu includes hearty meats from the rotisserie and smoker, along with mulled ciders and wines to warm you from the inside.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Check local road closures, traffic updates and weather conditions regularly, remembering changes can occur quickly on the mountain
• Roads can be very slippery — having snow chains for your car tyres is highly recommended and drivers need to understand when and how to use them. Putting snow chains on should be practised before driving in snow area
• Drive according to the road conditions and obey directions of staff working on the mountain
• Travel in a car that is suitable. Small cars such as hatchbacks are generally not suitable and can often get into trouble on the slippery roads
• It’s cold! Dress in appropriate snow clothes, especially young children.
• Please take all rubbish with you
• If the area is a national park, dogs are not permitted
• Wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water
• If conditions change and making it to the snow is no longer appropriate, consider visiting one of the many other natural attractions nearby
— via Parks Victoria
— Eliza Sum is a Herald Sun digital producer and also co-founder of Melbourne Girls Outside. Follow on Instagram @elizasum
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