Top Things To Do In Melbourne This Winter
The Charm of Winter in Melbourne
Winter in Melbourne is undeniably charming. Sure, it can be a bit cold and windy, but all the more reason to layer up in all your favorite jackets, scarves and boots to explore the city with a hot drink in hand.
There’s also lots of indoor activities that go beyond the shopping malls. We’ve got you covered for culture in June, July and August.
01 Rising Festival
(Until June 08)
Melbourne’s Winter Contemporary Arts Festival celebrates the darkness with light installations and theatre shows of all kinds. Whether you’re a contemporary art lover or just curious, they’ll be something for you in the extensive 2-week program.
02 CARTIER at the NGV
(Until October 04 )
Running through October 4, 2026, the NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® features nearly 400 extraordinary jewels, gems, and rare royal archives
03 QVM Night Market
(Wednesdays nights from 5pm until Aug 26)
Enjoy incredible street food, specialty shopping and Live entertainment. Free entry! Wed 5pm – 10pm, ends 26 August 2026.
04 Melb International Film Festival (MIFF)
(August 6–23, cinemas across the CBD)
Snuggle into warm cinemas across the CBD for one of the world's most highly regarded film festivals (August 6–23, 2026)
A great afternoon would be attending the Foodie Discovery Walk, followed by an early session at MIFF.
05 Lightscape:
(From June 12 to August 2, 2026)
The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into an illuminated night trail featuring twenty new light installations.
06 Firelight Festival:
Head to the Docklands waterfront (July 4–6) to warm up with glowing art, roaming performers, and spectacular fire displays. [1]
07 Laneway Cafes:
Hide away from the chill in CBD staples like Degraves Street or Centre Place, grabbing a world-class latte and a pastry. [1, 2]
08 Sports & Indoor Escapes:
AFL Games: Experience Melbourne's obsession by catching an Australian Rules Football match live at the nearby MCG or Marvel Stadium.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Escape the rain at Fed Square to explore interactive, state-of-the-art screen culture and film exhibitions.
Heritage Arcades: Stay dry while admiring the 19th-century architecture and boutique shops of the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.
Winter in Melbourne is a great time to get involved in the cinema, art and theatre that makes Melbourne Australia's cultural capital. Once you step out of the galleries and cinemas, spend 3 hours with us exploring the laneways and eating delicious food…. including some warm drinks! Join any of our winter delight walking tours.
