Wrap up warm and get ready for Melbourne and regional Victoria’s most magical winter yet! From a dazzling world-exclusive jewellery exhibition that reads like a royal who’s who, to snowy alpine adventures, glittering light trails and a month of films that will move you – this season is brimming with reasons to pack your coat and head south. Here’s what’s on your must-visit list.
RISING (27 May – 8 June)
RISING is a festival of new art, music and performance in the heart of Naarm/Melbourne and it kicks off the winter season in spectacular fashion. Over 12 nights, the festival turns up the volume on the music and movement that shapes the city, featuring work from hundreds of local and international artists scattered across Melbourne’s most iconic venues and public spaces.
Previous iterations have seen the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River) transformed with a massive ice-skating rink, light projections taking over Flinders Street Station and the side of Hamer Hall, and a host of comedy, musical, interpretive dance and theatre performances and much, much more. The programme changes from year to year, featuring a combination of free and ticketed events.
NGV Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2026: Cartier (12 June – 4 October)
Diamonds are forever, and so is the allure of Cartier. The 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® presentation brings the largest exhibition ever staged on the iconic jewellery house to Australian shores – exclusively at NGV International. Direct from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Cartier features over 300 resplendent creations: tiaras, necklaces, brooches, gemstones, design drawings and timepieces, many of which have never before been seen in Australia.
Trace the glittering legacy of the maison through the hands of royalty, silver screen legends and musical icons among them Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Princess Margaret and Dame Nellie Melba. A centrepiece not to be missed: a breathtaking display of more than 20 magnificent tiaras, including the celebrated Scroll tiara worn by Clementine Churchill at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (12 June – 2 August)
Whether it’s your first visit or a returning tradition, Lightscape 2026 promises an unforgettable night under the stars. Melbourne’s award-winning immersive light experience transforms Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with a spectacular collection of brand-new installations by leading artists from around the world, including exceptional Australian and First Peoples talent.
Encounter large-scale artworks, keep warm along the trail with hot chocolate, and lose yourself within a landscape ofcolour and music as the Gardens glow beneath the night sky. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, and every day during the winter school holidays.
East Gippsland Winter Festival (19 June – 19 July)
Discover a different side of winter as East Gippsland comes alive in a month-long festival of light, food, music, art and culture. Be welcomed by friendly locals and creative communities as a unique series of events pops up in towns and villages across Victoria’s far east, forming one of the largest and most diverse winter festival programmes in Australia.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a winter solstice swim, then warm up at medieval bonfire nights, winter feasts in spectacular locations, and wander through larger-than-life artist-made lanterns. The perfect antidote to anyone who thinks winter is best spent indoors!
Winter Wonderlights in Ballarat (26 June – 19 July)
Sovereign Hill transforms into a glittering wonderland as Winter Wonderlights returns. By day, enjoy the classic Sovereign Hill experiences – hop on a coach ride, try your hand at gold panning and more. Then, as night falls, the streets come alive with faux snow, wintry treats and music, all under the magical winter glow of stunning light projections. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family!
www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/winter-wonderlights
Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market (June – August, every Wednesday night)
The Winter Night Market is back every Wednesday night this winter, and it’s not to be missed. Embrace the chill as the market’s sheds and laneways come alive with the inviting aromas of delicious street food, the sounds of live local musicians, and the vivid spectacle of quirky roving performers. This season welcomes back beloved icons alongside many new and exciting traders. Best of all, entry is completely free. Just come hungry and ready for a good time.
Hot Chocolate Festival (1-31 August)
Taking place annually, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery (YVCI) and Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery (GORCI), are proud hosts to the exciting calendar event each August. With a unique flavour unveiled each day throughout the month, visitors will be spoilt for choice! The real cherry on top would be its hot chocolate which is barista-made, served in a large glass with amazing treats that come with it.
Then, experience the 45-minute hands-on tasting sessions for a delectable sip and sample of up to 8 flavours!
www.yvci.com.au / www.gorci.com.au
Melbourne International Film Festival (6 – 23 August)
Australia’s most celebrated film event returns to Melbourne this August. The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) presents a curated programme of innovative screen experiences – both long and short showcasing the biggest hits from the worldwide circuit, future award contenders and a compelling selection of homegrown and global talent.
With events across the city of Melbourne and select regional hubs throughout Victoria, there’s plenty to catch whether you’re a cinephile or a casual film-goer. Enhance your experience with a MIFF Talk, where you go beyond the screen to engage with the themes, ideas and talent of select festival material in panel and conversation events.
Victoria Snowfields (June – August)
It’s snow season in Victoria, and there’s nothing more smile-inducing than a thick dusting of white that gives a trip to the mountains a whole new meaning. The ski season officially kicks off on Saturday, 8 June – the perfect excuse to start planning your alpine getaway.
Get your thrills on a ski trip to Falls Creek, Mount Hotham or Mount Buller, and snowboard among the snowgums in the high plains of Victoria’s High Country. After something more lowkey? Hire a pair of snowshoes or a toboggan, or join a dog sledding adventure – the rescue huskies are guaranteed to melt your heart.
Chill out at the end of the day with a hot toddy at the alpine resorts or a parma and pot, before doing it all again tomorrow! For something a little more curated, join Wild Adventures Melbourne for five days of skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hotham, a snowshoeing dinner adventure in an eco village, and a wind-down through Gippsland’s hot springs and kayaking trails.
Whale Watching in Phillip Island (May – October)
Winter is whale season in Phillip Island. Between May and October, humpback whales, southern right whales and orcas migrate from Antarctica up the Victorian coastline and Phillip Island offers some of the best viewing spots along the way. On dry land, head to Cape Woolamai, Surf Beach, Pyramid Rock, The Nobbies or the Summerlands area with binoculars in hand.
Southern right whales are also occasionally spotted in the shallower waters off Cowes or San Remo jetty. For a closer look, set sail with Wildlife Coast Cruises on a Winter Whale Cruise or hop aboard the Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure Tour. Keep an eye out for dolphins, thousands of fur seals at Seal Rocks, and the impressive albatross with a wingspan stretching up to 2.5 metres.
www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/phillip-island/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/whale-watching
Live Music
Winter sounds fine in Australia’s live music capital. The city keeps the beat with its wonderfully diverse music scene, with local and international talent performing across grand theatres and historic band rooms. Jazz, hip hop, rock, Afrobeats, Latin and everything in between. For cosy afternoon tunes and high-energy headliners on the weekends, visit the Retreat and Brunswick Ballroom in Brunswick, Northcote Social Club in Northcote, and the Espy in St Kilda.
Step out for rock at iconic Cherry Bar, and smooth jazz vibes at the Paris Cat. Book ahead for big gigs and touring acts at the Corner Hotel, the Forum and the Arts Centre.
Natural Hot Springs
Escape the cool winter by warming up in the goodness of Victoria’s beloved hot springs. Check out the variety of natural soaks and spas that will leave you feeling utterly relaxed and rejuvenated. For an exceptional experience, don’t miss Alba Thermal Springs & Spa and Peninsula Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula, as well as Metung Hot Springs in the Gippsland region where you can stargaze and watch the magic of the night sky while soaking in natural mineral water.
Wind down this season as you marvel at Melbourne’s captivating cityscape experiences and inviting Victorian regions that promise the best winter adventure yet!
For more information visit www.visitmelbourne.com.
