Winter in Victoria - Must Do Snowcation in Australia
76% of Singaporeans think Australia is all about the amazing beaches. Think again.
While Australia’s beaches are some of the best in the world, there’s much more to the lovely country even when the sun is down and the cold has come! We’ve put together a list of destinations in Victoria which shine even brighter with a sheen of winter over them - taken in order, one can cut a path straight through the best the region has to offer, but those who wish to explore in their own time may discover special events happening only in certain days during the winter!
There’s a whole new side to the region that can only be found in the winter - set a path through the snowy side of Victoria, and kickstart your next alpine adventure with our flight deals to Melbourne today!
Attack the Slopes at Mount Buller
Ski junkies who loathe the heat can rejoice - winter hits hardest in Australia’s middle months, making for perfect alpine sport terrain at Mount Buller, a three-hour drive away from Melbourne. Opening its doors to the public in June, strut your stuff on the slaloms on skis, snowboards, and even telemarks, or free-heel skiing. These slopes are open even after the sun sets, so ready yourself for some intense night rides! Kids can start their winter journey off with family-friendly toboggan rides, or opt for a casual dog sled ride or snowshoe trek around the ranges.
Warm down your aching muscles after your adrenaline rush with a physio session at the Mount Buller Gym, or sign up for the full experience at Breathtaker on High Spa, which integrates curated treatments with spa essences unique to the Australian region. The relaxation doesn’t stop there - watch a movie with the family at Australia’s highest cinema, or marvel at the alps from above as a helicopter takes you over Mount Buller and Mount Stirling. End the sky-high views with a warm drink at the famous Craig’s Hut, perched on the edge of High Country’s majestic landscapes.
Warm Up with Wine at Yarra Valley
Mother Nature knows no better beauty than the soft snowfalls of a cosy winter, and said beauty is even more spectacular when it dusts an already mesmerizing vineyard in shades of white. If this scene appeals to you, Yarra Valley is a must-do on your next trip to Victoria. Renowned for its Pinot and Cabernet varieties, the latter of which claims its distinctive flavours from the volcanic soil it blooms from, any discerning wine connoisseur can find bliss wandering through wineries and vineyards of all sizes during Australia’s winter season.
The expanse of the Valleys offer much more than just award-winning tipples. The Alowyn Gardens offer a heavenly landscape for travellers of all ages to relax and reminisce, while the Australian Rainbow Trout Farm offers the complete camping getaway - catch your dinner, sourced and reared from dams in the region, and cook it under the winter sun. If you’re staying late and wish to switch your drinks up, Australia’s first hot chocolate festival in Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is also happening throughout the month of August. The same homely warmth, minus the alcohol!
Wonderous Wednesdays at Queen Victoria Street Market
An icon rises as winter falls in Melbourne - the Queen Victoria Street Market, held between a stretch of sheds that shelter a plethora of art, food, and merchandise booths across the year, will begin its flagship event, the Winter Night Market, on 5 June. Catered for both locals and travellers, no two visits to this eclectic melting pot of Melbourne culture will be the same.
Those looking to get into the Christmas spirit early can join Queen Vic’s Christmas festivities from the turn of July - think a snow machine, full-blown Christmas decor, and even a ugly sweater contest! Even if you’re here earlier in the season, there’s plenty to take in - the forefront of fashion and art washes the streets in color, the quaint houseware booths beckon (and threaten to bust your luggage limits back home), and great food from around the warms the belly and the heart.
Winter Wonderlights at Ballarat
Heading out of the west end of Melbourne, a two-hour drive takes to another lightshow of festivities atop Sovereign Hill. The Winter Wonderlights brighten up the rampant Christmas activities from 29 June, and the rustic ambience of the township will take on a whole new identity as the sun sets. Whether you’re looking to party with the locals or to up your Instagram game, this is the place to be - you might never want to leave!
Start the day with a trip back in time at Ballarat, which was the centre of Australia’s 1850s gold rush, panning gold and exploring the underground mines. Grab a traditional raspberry drop from one of the candy stores in the area, before taking your place at Main Street before 5.30pm. Electric Canvas, a projections crew, will turn the entire town into an interactive light-and-sound experience - particularly awe-inspiring if you’ve already seen one side of the streets in the day. There’s much more to explore if you’re staying for more than a day as well - the Ballarat Winter Festival packs several other fun and quirky events, including the Ballarat Boutique, a pop-up ice-skating rink, and even a Salumi and Charcuterie festival.
If you’re only planning to head to Australia in the summer when the beaches are raving, you’re missing out. Buck the trends, skip the unnecessarily high flight prices, and undiscover Victoria with flight deals today!