With so many experiences to enjoy in Melbourne and beyond this winter, you’re in for an Aus-ome time!
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
With winter around the corner (June to August), Melbourne transforms into the perfect destination for cosy city adventures and scenic outdoor escapes.
From admiring Melbourne’s iconic skyline from high above, to snow-filled day trips and countryside experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the cooler season.
So, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best outdoor things to do in Melbourne and beyond this winter!
Psst, check out Klook’s Come Winter in Melbourne campaign page to enjoy up to S$50 off your next holiday. Plus, get 15% off with the code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> on all Victoria bookings from now till 20 July 2026 when you book via Klook (min. spend S$150, capped at S$22.50)!
1) Have some fun in the snow
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
For a change of scenery, head to the vast Victorian Alps and explore the famous ski destination, Mount Buller.
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
While winter sports enthusiasts love snowboarding and skiing here, it’s almost a sin to drive to Mount Buller and not try tobogganing — sliding downhill on the snow — or have a go at mountain hiking instead. Spectacular views of the Australian winter wonderland await you!
Mount Buller One Day Tour
Cost: ~S$93/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 5:30AM – 8:30PM
Pick-up point: Hotel pick-up
Or if you’d prefer somewhere closer to Melbourne city, head to Lake Mountain instead (~2-hour drive away).
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
There, you can take a scenic walk to Stevenson Falls — one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls, toboggan down snowy slopes, and then finish the day indulging in handcrafted chocolates and gourmet ice cream.
Lake Mountain Day Tour
Cost: ~S$142/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 8AM – 6PM
Pick-up point: Hotel pick-up
Read also: Melbourne Road Trip: 5 Off-the-beaten Tracks in Winter
2) Take a relaxing bath in hot springs
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
Visiting natural hot springs for some R&R is a must-do winter activity in Victoria, especially as the cool weather makes soaking in warm thermal pools even more comforting.
Drop by Alba Thermal Springs & Spa or Peninsula Hot Springs — both have thermal mineral pools, a sauna, and cold plunge pools (among many other facilities) set against peaceful views of lush gardens and rocky cliff formations in Mornington Peninsula.
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
Cost: From ~S$87/pax
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal VIC 3939
How to get there: 1hr 15min drive from Melbourne City (Google Maps)
Peninsula Hot Springs
Cost:From ~S$73/pax
Opening hours: Varies
Address: 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
How to get there: 1hr 15min drive from Melbourne City (Google Maps)
3) Skydive over scenic landscapes
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
With bustling urban cities, stunning fields, and turquoise waters — Victoria is a great place to have your first skydiving experience.
Dropping from 15,000ft above the roaring blue waves, you might just forget about your fear of heights as you take in breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the scenic coastline of the Great Ocean Road.
Tandem Skydive Over Great Ocean Road
Cost: From ~S$366/pax via Klook
Tour timings: 7:30AM – 6PM
Pick-up point: Normanby Rd, Southbank VIC 3006; Clarendon St Junction (Google Maps)
4) Soar above the city in a hot air balloon
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
Going on a hot air balloon flight just to take in the city view is one of the most boujee things to do in Melbourne. And compared to skydiving, it’s definitely a more peaceful way to enjoy the skyline — especially on crisp winter mornings when the city is wrapped in soft golden light and drifting mist.
Whether you’re searching for a perfect date idea or a fun activity to do with friends, a hot air balloon flight in Melbourne is enough to level up your trip from great to memorable! Flights usually begin at sunrise so you’ll get to see many iconic attractions (including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Yarra River) glow softly in the morning light.
Hot Air Balloon in Melbourne
Cost:From ~S$467/pax via Klook
Tour timing: Varies, starts ~1hr before sunrise (to be confirmed via email 2 days before the flight)
Meet-up point: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 25 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Google Maps)
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
If the city skyline isn’t your vibe, you can also experience hot air ballooning above the Yarra Valley with breathtaking views of wineries and the picturesque countryside!
Hot Air Balloon in Yarra Valley
Cost: From ~S$383/pax via Klook
Tour timing: Varies, starts ~1.5hr before sunrise (to be confirmed via the Global Ballooning Mobile App)
Meet-up point: Balgownie Estate, 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775 (Google Maps)
Read also: 11 Boujee Things to do in Australia to Add to Your Next Road Trip Itinerary
5) Ride in a vintage steam train
Photo credit: Visit Melbourne
Hop on the nostalgic Puffing Billy steam train on a full-day tour through the misty forests and charming winter landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges, just 1 hour away from Melbourne.
One of the things visitors love doing is sitting on the sills of its open-sided carriages to take in the fresh air.
Photo credit: Eastern Dandenong Ranges
But more than the train ride itself, every station it stops at has a worthwhile attraction like the museum at Menzies Creek station, or the Emerald Lake Park at Lakeside station.
The full-day tour also brings you to Phillip Island, where you can catch the famous Penguin Parade as little penguins make their way back to shore at sunset. You’ll also have the option to visit Maru Koala and Animal Park (AU$33/pax) at your own expense to get up close with Australian wildlife.
Puffing Billy Railway & Phillip Island Full-Day Nature Tour
Cost: From ~S$161/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 9:40AM – 9:30PM
Meet-up point: Multiple points
*Pro-tip: Get 15% off with the code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> on all Victoria bookings this winter from now till 20 July 2026 when you book via Klook (min. spend S$150, capped at S$22.50)!
6) Go on a picturesque coastal drive
If you didn’t drive along the coastline, did you really go to Victoria?
One of the top things to do in Melbourne is driving along the Great Ocean Road, which becomes even more dramatic in winter with roaring waves and some of the most spectacular views Mother Earth has to offer. For instance, the seemingly endless Southern Ocean, the tall limestone rocks known as the Twelve Apostles, and the lush rainforests, among many things!
Photo credit: @visitgreatoceanroad via Instagram
Bring your camera for this one because there are plenty of Instagrammable natural formations and wildlife to see. You can either join a day tour from Melbourne or rent a car for a fun road trip with your travel pals!
*Pro-tip: Plan your coastal drive during sunset to avoid the crowds — the view of the Twelve Apostles is said to be at its best during this time! But if you can’t drive, you can always opt for a sunset bus tour!
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Cost: ~S$145/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 7AM – 9:30PM
Pick-up point: Hotel pick-up
Read also: 8D Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary — The Ultimate Road Trip Around Victoria’s Best Adventures
7) Immerse yourself in gold rush history
Photo credit: Visit Melbourne
Visiting Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne’s surrounds, as you’ll get to learn more about the state’s “gold rush” history by being right in the centre of it.
You’ll see buildings, streets, and even people in costume to make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1850s.
Photo credit: Sovereignhill.com.au
Apart from visiting museums and exhibitions, you’ll also get the chance to do some fun activities like gold-panning. Plus, don’t miss the immersive 90-minute light and sound show called Aura, which tells the story of gold in dramatic, high-tech fashion!
Sovereign Hill Day Tour
Cost: From ~S$124/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 8AM – 5PM
Pick-up point: Hotel pick-up
8) Explore the city through unique tours
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Melbourne and its surrounds for good reason. Aside from the fact that it’s literally called the “Garden City”, recreational parks and cultural attractions are everywhere!
For something more unique, try the Moonlight Kayak Tour. Visit landmarks like the Victoria Harbour and Bolte Bridge while dining in your kayak during sunset, and viewing a pyrotechnic show.
Moonlight Kayak Tour in Melbourne
Cost: ~S$110/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 3:30PM – 6:30PM, Wed – Sun
Meet-up point: 912 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008 (Google Maps)
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
But if you’d prefer a more relaxing experience on the water, hop on a scenic cruise along the Yarra River. Choose from three unique routes that take you past iconic attractions and landmarks, including Federation Square and Government House.
Yarra River Cruise
Cost: ~S$29/pax
Tour timings: Varies
Meet-up point: Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006 (Google Maps)
And for those who love cycling, the Melbourne Bayside guided bike tour takes you to different villages and beaches in the St. Kilda and Brighton areas.
Melbourne Bayside Guided Bike Tour
Cost: ~S$113/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 9:30AM – 12:30PM (Mon – Tue)
Meet-up point: Brighton Beach Railway Station, 1 Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186 (Google Maps)
9) Get up close with diverse wildlife
Without a doubt, Australia is one of the best places in the world to experience wildlife.
Moonlit Sanctuary is an award-winning wildlife park recognised for its ecotourism and conservation efforts. Here, you can get up close with native animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in a peaceful bushland setting while learning about the protection and breeding of endangered Australian species.
Moonlit Sanctuary
Cost: ~S$34/pax
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 4PM
Address: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC 3912
How to get there: 55min drive from Melbourne City (Google Maps)
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
On Phillip Island — home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world — the famous Penguin Parade offers a magical evening as these adorable birds waddle ashore at sunset, returning to their burrows after a day at sea.
*Pro-tip: It’s best to arrive about 1 hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot!
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Cost: From ~S$29/pax
Parade timing: Varies (the penguins only return after sunset daily)
Address: 154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
How to get there: 1.5hr drive from Melbourne City (Google Maps)
Read also: The Complete Phillip Island Guide: The Day Trip From Melbourne You Can’t Miss
10) Hike along stunning trails
Locals would probably say hiking is one of the non-negotiable things to do in Melbourne and its surrounds. And with all the beautiful landscapes in the area, we can see why.
Just a hike in the Grampians National Park alone will make you fall in love with Victoria. If its rock formations like the Grand Canyon and Silent Street don’t capture your heart, then maybe a panoramic view of the verdant Border Ranges National Park from The Pinnacle Lookout will.
Then of course, there’s the iconic 98ft Mackenzie Falls, with clear waters cascading down picturesque rock formations. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see a rainbow mist here 🌈
For something less intensive, a scenic day tour to the Grampians National Park is just as rewarding. You might even encounter amazing wildlife including free-roaming kangaroos at Halls Gap and the iconic kookaburra along the way.
Grampians Hiking Day Tour
Cost: ~S$200/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 7:30AM – 7:30PM
Meet-up point: Taxi area between Hamer Hall and Melbourne Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004 (Google Maps)
Read also: Camping in Grampians: The most breathtaking escape from Melbourne city
11) Live a luxurious gourmet life
Photo credit: @yarravalleydandenongranges via Instagram
Australia has *chef’s kiss* amazing food-and-wine culture, and what better way to immerse yourself in it than experiencing it with your own palate!
Yarra Valley is an aspiring wine connoisseur’s dream come true since the region has tons of wineries and vineyards, where the best-of-the-best is produced. Spend the whole afternoon tasting different types of wine, learning how it’s made, and even trying some chocolates and ice cream.
Photo credit: Klook
There’s even a tour which takes you on an exciting Kangaroo Safari, where you’ll spot wild kangaroos in their natural habitat!
Not to mention sample fresh strawberries from a strawberry farm and try varieties of cheese at the Yarra Valley Dairy — on top of all the wine tasting to warm you up in the cool weather during winter.
Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour
Cost: From ~S$178/pax via Klook
Tour timing: 11:30AM – 7PM
Pick-up point: Federation Square Bus & Coach Terminal, Russell Ct, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (Google Maps)
Tips for planning your future Victoria trip
Victoria is definitely the Australian state to go for those wanting to experience the best of winter — from stunning natural sceneries and cosy train rides to unique wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures! But don’t let inconveniences and worry dampen your trip, make sure you’re prepared by booking these before you fly:
Essentials
Accommodation: Pre-book your hotels at least a month in advance, as rooms can sell out fast. Within Melbourne city, consider areas just outside the CBD as they tend to be more affordable.
Travel insurance: From S$35 for a 1-week trip to Australia
Local eSIM card: From S$16 for 1 week
Getting around
Car rental: Varies depending on season, but from ~S$26/day
Airport transfer: S$23/one-way for the SkyBus
Activities
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
If you’re planning a loooong list of things to do in Melbourne and beyond this winter, consider getting Klook’s Melbourne Pass (get up to 45% OFF now) — which allows you to bundle up to seven attractions from a pool of 11 choices, such as Yarra River Cruise and Sovereign Hill.
The Klook Pass for Australia also works wonders when exploring states on top of Victoria. For a discounted price (up to 30% OFF), you get to book two to five tours of your choosing, like the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley.
Hop on over to Klook’s Come Winter in Melbourne campaign page for more activity ideas, and you can enjoy up to S$50 off your next holiday too!
Psst…get 15% off with the code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> on all Victoria bookings this winter from now till 20 July 2026 when you book via Klook (min. Spend S$150, capped at S$22.50)!
Any other ideas for things to do in Melbourne and surrounds? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Klook and Visit Victoria.
