Winter is a magical time of year, and it seems as if all of Victoria is celebrating this joyful season. When you’re not frolicking in the snow, have a wonderful time by checking out some cool winter festivals and experiences around Victoria. Sip on wine or hot chocolate, enjoy feasts by the fire and feel dazzled by stunning light projections, from Ballarat to East Gippsland. Bundle up in your winter woolies, hop in the car and treat yourself to a regional getaway with one of these seasonal events. Which one will you try?
Woodend Winter Arts Festival in Woodend
Escape to the Macedon Ranges for the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. Back for its 21st year, over 90 artists will take over the small village of Woodend with live music performances, talks and more. The festival will take place over the King’s Birthday long weekend, from Friday, June 5 to Monday, June 8.
Heathcote on Show in Heathcote
Drive out to the Heathcote region over the King’s birthday long weekend for wine, gourmet food, tastings, entertainment and more from over 20 participating venues. Heathcote on Show will run from Saturday June 6 to Monday June 8. See more here.
Roam Rutherglen in Rutherglen
Escape to Rutherglen over the King’s Birthday long weekend and take part in their wine festival, Roam Rutherglen. There’s 17 participating wineries to check out, with all sorts of fun stuff on like DJs, sparkling brunches, a King’s High Tea and more. This festival will take place on June 6 and 7. More info here.
Fireside Festival in the Yarra Valley
Fireside Festival is returning to the Yarra Valley for 15 cosy days and nights. Head to Healesville and sip on wine from 27 wineries, along with hot food and live music, on the Fireside Wine Trail. You can also look forward to other events, like the Shortest Lunch at participating cellar doors, roaring fires and hearty feasts. Fireside is on from June 12 to 27. See what’s on here.
East Gippsland Winter Festival in East Gippsland
The annual East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for the sixth time, celebrating art, food, culture and nature over one glorious month. With over 100 events to look forward to, there’s a lot of reasons for you to drive out of Melbourne and explore the region this winter. Expect a series of free events, dining experiences, picturesque locations and more. The festival will start on Friday June 19 and end on Sunday July 19.
Sorrento Solstice Festival in Sorrento
Whisk yourself away to Sorrento, and celebrate the winter solstice. Back for its third year, the Sorrento Solstice Festival attracts over 10,000 people to the coast, where you can heat up with a massive burning effigy on the bay. At the festival, you’ll also find glowing lanterns, live music, DJs, food trucks and more. The festival will take place on Saturday, June 20, followed by a Solstice Swim on Sunday, June 21. This festival is free to attend!
Nightide in Queenscliff
Experience a darker side to Queenscliff with their three-day solstice celebration, Nightide. Inspired by the Creatures of the Deep, you can expect roaring fires, tarot readers, food trucks, fire twirlers, burlesque shows and more. The festivities will run from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21. See the program here.
Mansfield Lantern Festival in Mansfield
Celebrate the longest night of the year at Mansfield Lantern Festival. Head to the High Country and stay warm against the winter chill with a lantern parade, street performers, open fires and more. The festival and parade itself will take place on June 20, and there will be additional events on the 19th and 21st, such as morning yoga. Learn more here.
Darker Days Festival in Bright
Embrace the darkness of winter with live music, dark beer and smoky food at Darker Days Festival in Bright. Find the festival at Bright Brewery from 12pm to 10:30pm on Saturday, June 20. Learn more here.
Solstice Search Party in Warrnambool
Warrnambool is embracing the darkness with the Solstice Search Party on Saturday, June 20. Head to Lake Pertobe and have fun with live music, neon installations, projections, food trucks and more. It’s free to attend, but you’ll need to register for a ticket. The party will run from 3pm to 8:30pm. Learn more here.
Winter Glow at Adventure Park in Geelong
Adventure Park is bringing back their dazzling Winter Glow experience. Escape to their delightful winter wonderland, and frolic in the snow, go on the rides, see ice sculpting displays, get a makeover in the Enchanted Snow Salon and more. This event will kick off on June 20 and run until August 29. Find out more.
Electric Wonderland in Bendigo
Rosalind Park in Bendigo will light up with projections, light shows and interactive moments. Electric Wonderland will return for the winter school holidays from June 26 to July 12. Learn more here.
Ballarat Winter Festival in Ballarat
Get into the winter spirit in Ballarat, with heaps of fun experiences. See Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill, skate around an ice rink, head to Kryal Castle, sip on hot chocolate and more! The Ballarat Winter Festival is on from Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 19.
Island Whale Festival on Phillip Island
Going whale watching this winter? Head over to Phillip Island and admire these majestic creatures at the Island Whale Festival. Look out for whales, take part in workshops and activities, learn from scientists and more. The festival will run from Friday July 3 to Sunday July 5. See more here.
Noojee Truffle Festival in Noojee
Follow your nose to the inaugural Noojee Truffle Festival, and celebrate this earthy treat by visiting truffle farms, wandering along misty forest trails and feasting on chef-led dinners. The festival will take over Noojee and the surrounding areas from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, August 2.