Melbourne This Winter

There's much to do in Melbourne this winter: food, design and film festivals, interstate football matches, shopping, and indulging yourself in spas, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Festivals, festivals

First off the bat this winter is the three-day Good Food and Wine Show which takes place at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from May 30 to June 1 as autumn turns to winter. Pamper your taste buds with delectable food, Aussie wines and other gourmet goodies.

Come July and there's the Melbourne International Design Festival at Federation Square from July 17 to 27 and the Melbourne International Film Festival at various Melbourne venues from July 25 to August 10.

And then there's the Melbourne Art Fair at the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building from July 30 to August 3. This is a biennial trade fair and public exposition of contemporary visual art in the Asia Pacific region featuring national and international galleries.

As winter draws to a close, there's the Melbourne Writers Festival at Federation Square and various other venues from August 22 to 31.

League and Aussie Rules

For the footie fans, the Melbourne Storm plays on home turf at Olympic Park in the National Rugby League premiership season, and 16 Melbourne and interstate teams battle it out at various venues in competition for the Australian Football League (Aussie Rules) premiership flag.

Shop till your drop

Winter is also the ideal time to explore Melbourne’s myriad lanes and arcades for hidden treasures, such as edgy clothes labels, eclectic jewellery and one-off homewares.

Visit Melbourne Central, QV complex, refurbished GPO, and Bridge Road (Richmond) for Australian and international labels, popular chain stores and bargain factory outlets. Try Greville St in Prahran, and Brunswick and Gertrude Sts in Fitzroy, for funky gear, retro clothing and recycled treasure. Check out the Melbourne markets.

Free rides

Tours are a great, time-effective way to explore Melbourne’s attractions and landmarks. Take either the free City Circle tram or the free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle. Or go on both hop-on, hop-off visitor-friendly services.

Join a group tour or explore Melbourne on your own.

Accommodation

Find the Melbourne accommodation of your choice.

Daytrips

• Mornington Peninsula and its wine region
• Yarra Valley wine region
• Phillip Island and the penguin parade
• Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles
• Sovereign Hill

Photo: Federation Square © Tourism Victoria