This may seem counterintuitive but what better time to go ice skating than in winter? While Melbourne doesn’t see any snowfall to create outdoor ice skating rinks, the O’ Brien Icehouse has got you covered (and it’s indoors so its a win-win situation.) Lace up a pair of skates and spend your evening dancing away on the ice, or if you’re anything like me, clinging on to the handlebars for dear life. Whatever you decide to do, it’s a great activity to take the kids during the day and can be easily accessed by the historic City Circle Tram.
Looking for a date night idea this winter? How about checking out one of the many musical productions that will grace the stages of Melbourne this season. Check out the brand new musical based on the iconic Australian movie ‘Muriel’s Wedding‘ which is running until the 16th of June. After that, the incomparable Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will play at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne for a season there. Playing at the Comedy Theatre at the moment is Barnum: The Circus Musical which is running at the Comedy Theatre till early June.
If you’re a foodie and you ever find yourself in Melbourne, you will not be disappointed. This winter brave the cold and make a quick dash through the rain into the warm arms of any of the restaurants in the CBD. For a great Mexican feast, head to Fonda, one of the city’s most loved restaurants. I headed to Fonda last Friday night and was blown away by the quality of the food. For drinks, start with the Lychee & Elderberry margarita, a frozen boozy delight that is soft and the perfect accompaniment for the rich food. The fish tacos are also a must try along with the pulled pork quesadilla, it’s unlike any you’ve ever tried before. While you don’t need to book for groups less than 6, be prepared to wait as this restaurant is extremely popular, and for good reason too!
If ever you find yourself in the CBD on a frozen winter morning, what better way to warm up then by a great coffee and pastry combo? Agathe Patisserie’s Petite Shop in the Royal Arcade should be your next stop for Parisian style pastries to warm up your soul. Head pastry chef Agathe Kerr pairs classically French pastries like croissants with untraditional flavours such as matcha and pandan. But if it’s something warm and comforting you’re after, don’t fret as her range includes those as well.
If you’re need in a caffeine fix, then you’re in the right city. Melburnians are extremely proud of our coffee culture and so while there are many coffee shops I could tell you about, I’ll just leave this with you: Dukes Coffee Roasters. They roast their coffee locally in Melbourne and are pioneers of ethical trading. Housed inside the Ross House building, a beautiful space for you to enjoy a coffee before you brave the rest of the day.
Of course, if winter is one of your favourite time of year and you love the weather, what better way to enjoy it then to head to the snow this year? Mt Buller is Victoria’s premier ski resort and the easiest of all snow locations to get to from Melbourne CBD. Ski or snowboard your way down the many slopes at the resort, and then relax at the spa with a relaxation massage if you choose. There’s plenty to do at night time as well! Make your way to Mt. Buller’s cinema, the highest altitude one in Victoria to watch one of the latest blockbusters, and end your night with a velvety hot chocolate (marshmallows anyone?) If you’re wanting to take a tour (or even spend a night there), there are heaps of tour companies offering you the chance to make as many snow angels as you like. Melbourne based companies like Sightseeing Tours Australia, Melbourne City Tour and Last Minute Day Tours can provide you with transport to get to Buller, as well as cool upgrades such as equipment hire and skiing lessons taking all of the stress out of your next snow trip!
Where are your favourite winter hotspots? Did it make the list?
