Melbourne has some rough winters. That’s balanced out by the myriad activities that it has to offer during the cold season. The city comes alive in a very special way, so let’s take a look at 5 winter activities that it has to offer.
During the winter months, Queen Victoria Market opens up at night, offering a distinctly different vibe from when it operates during the day. It runs from 5pm to 10pm every Wednesday. Warm-up by drinking some mulled wine as you enjoy the entertainment. Walkthrough the sheds and indulge in some specialty shopping.
There’s something for everyone regarding the culinary options at the night market. Feast on a Paella from Simply Spanish. Feel the amore as you dine on a pizza from 400 Gradi. Enjoy a warm soup from The Soup Factory. Want some Nepalese? African? Polish, even? They’ve got you covered. Indulge in the varied dessert options. Churros, sundaes, doughnuts, and of course, hot chocolate. You will know the meaning of the word decadence.
The shopping options are eclectic. You can find vintage clothes, vinyl records, jewellery, skin products, and cacti. There’s even a Pirate Shop! Lots of niche but charming options. You can buy books, look through an art gallery, or get a caricature of you by Anthony Pascoe.
Melbourne is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Australia. It is most certainly the film capital. The International film festival helped put the city on the map in this regard. Being one of the oldest in the world speaks to that. International is in the name so naturally, there are a variety of foreign films shown, along with the homegrown stuff. It is a great showcase for current Australian film talent.
The festival takes place in various locations, such as the Exhibition and Convention Centres, Cinema Nova, and the Astor Theatre, running from the 1 to the 18 of August. You’ll be entertained, you’ll be broadening your horizons, and you’ll be supporting your local film industry.
It doesn’t snow in Melbourne, but you don’t have to travel far to find where it does. At a 3-hour drive, Mt Buller is one of the most accessible snow resorts in the region, and in the country as a whole. There are ski runs for beginners, intermediates, and experts. With 22 ski lifts, you’ll seldom find yourself waiting to get back up to the top of the mountain. And while you are at the bottom, you can have a delicious warm cinnamon doughnut.
You can make a day trip out of it or you can stay a little while. There’s accommodation ranging from hostel like settings to apartments and private lodgings. And there are plenty of places to eat and bars along the side of the mountain.
Like coffee? Like cats? Then this is the place for you. It’s a coffee shop filled with rescue cats that you can pet while you sip your espresso. Need I really say more? It’s two floors, one where the food is prepared, and one where the cats are.
If you’re a cat person, then you know petting isn’t always high on our feline friend’s priority list. Food and sleep before all else. There are cats at this cafe who like their belly rubs (you can read up on each cat that lives there on their website) and regardless, you can enjoy them all do their thing as you eat a biscuit or a brownie. It’s best not to come just after they’ve been fed, as they’re usually ready to nap after that.
The skyline terrace at Fed Square is transformed into a winter wonderland. There’s a village made up of see-through igloos where you can eat (there’s a great big mega igloo dining and drinking hall) and snuggle up. Drink hot chocolate. Ice skate. Oh, and it snows every hour in the mega igloo. In case it didn’t feel enough like a Euro winter.
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