We’re deep into the winter season, and there’s lots of things to do, including searching for whales, playing in the snow, going for a walk or enjoying a winter getaway. And just because the sun sets earlier, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. And if you’re a bit of a night owl, you’ll find lots of things to do around Melbourne after dark. But what about further out? If you’re going on a getaway in Victoria, you’ll find lots of exciting things to do at night, like looking out for wildlife or soaking in mineral waters by moonlight. Here are some of our favourite things to get you started on your nocturnal adventure.
The best things to do in Victoria at night
Look out for glow worms
Visit Melba Gully in the Otways, and look out for the magical light of glow worms after dark. Travel along the 1.5km Madsens Track Nature Walk, and look out for little pinpricks of light at various points along the way. You’re more likely to see the glow worms after a bit of rain, or on nights with no moonlight. As this is a nocturnal adventure, remember to dress warmly and bring a torch light. However, the glow worms can turn off their lights if they’re feeling disturbed, so don’t shine the torch directly onto them. Instead, point your light at the ground, away from the creatures.
Take a walk to see Steavenson Falls
Not too far from Marysville, you’ll find the stunning Steavenson Falls. This magnificent waterfall plunges 84 metres into the river below, and is one of the highest waterfalls in Victoria. You can swing by during the day or check it out at night. Between dusk and midnight, the gravel path and the waterfall are illuminated with floodlights. The path from the carpark is a 700m return journey, and is suitable for all abilities.
Take a night tour of Moonlit Sanctuary
Every evening, Moonlit Sanctuary runs night tours, so that you can see animals in their natural, nocturnal environment. Get up close to potoroos, gliders, quolls, pademelons and more. Tours take between 90 minutes to two hours to complete, and start between 7pm and 8:30pm depending on the time of year. Bookings are essential and you’ll find this conservation park at the top of Mornington Peninsula.
Go stargazing
Find light in the darkness by going stargazing around Victoria. You’ll find plenty of beautiful places to look up and admire the cosmos. Closer to Melbourne, you’ll find tranquil spots like Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Further out, you’ll find quiet places that are just as breathtaking, like Lake Tyrrell, which transforms into a stunning mirror of the sky under the right conditions. This lake also has a Sky Lounge, or a circle of chairs where you can sit and take in the view.
Watch the Phillip Island penguins waddle home
For something really wholesome, head to Phillip Island and see their famous Penguin Parade. Watch the colony of little penguins appear on Summerlands Beach at dusk. Then, walk along the boardwalks when night falls and see the penguins make their way home to their burrows. This popular experience in Victoria occurs on every night of the year. Bookings are essential.
Soak in a hot spring
If you’re after a bit of rest and relaxation, you can’t go wrong with a trip to one of Victoria’s many fine spas. And thankfully, there’s a few hot springs around Victoria that are open at night. Soak in the blissful mineral waters and look up at the stars at venues like Peninsula Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa and Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. Metung Hot Springs isn’t open to the public at night, but they do offer overnight stays, so you can bathe from the comfort of your own private barrel.
Marvel at the Trail of Lights in Mildura
Travel out to this regional town, and wander among 12,500 twinkling ‘firefly lights’ on Lock Island. The spectacular Trail of Lights art installation in Mildura has been designed by notable artist, Bruce Munro. As well as the ‘fireflies’, you can also expect 22 Gone Fishing light sculptures. There’s several trails on the island for you to explore, so you can choose your own adventure.