Winter is here, and while you might be tempted to wrap yourself up in blankets and hunker down at home, there are plenty of places in Victoria that are great for visits during the colder months. So, to satisfy your winter wanderlust without leaving the state, we’ve picked out a few winter towns and villages around Victoria that wear the cold like a cosy scarf. Maybe bring your thermals, though…
Visit these stunning towns and villages around Victoria this winter
Healesville
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour
If your favourite way to stay warm in winter is with a nice glass of wine, then staying somewhere in the Yarra Valley is a strong choice. We’d recommend Healesville, which is surrounded by notable wineries like Giant Steps, Domaine Chandon and Rochford Wines. If wine isn’t quite your thing, you could also grab a drink from the Four Pillars gin distillery.
When you’re not drinking, wander around Healesville Sanctuary and say hello to the animals, or visit the nearby TarraWarra Museum of Art for some indoor fun.
Healesville is also a short drive away from the Black Spur Drive, which looks fabulously moody in winter. Once you reach Narbethong, take a detour backwards to Warburton and swing by the Redwood Forest for an enchanting day out, or pop up to Mount Donna Buang for some fun in the snow.
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes
Feeling cold? Why don’t you heat up in the mineral waters of one of the many spas around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs? You’ll find plenty of places to soothe your weary muscles, with spots like the historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, or The Spa at Lake House. When you’re not getting nice and toasty at the spa, indulge in some excellent cuisine from notable restaurants like Lake House Daylesford and Sault. Pop into the cafe at the top of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens for a coffee. Escape the winter cold and get your dose of art at the historic Convent Gallery. Then, stay overnight and get cosy in one of the romantic villas or hotels nearby.
Ballarat
Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes
There’s so much to see and do in Ballarat during winter. A highlight event is, of course, the spectacular Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill. Head to this iconic attraction, walk underneath falling snow and see dazzling projections transform the picturesque streetscapes.
The fun doesn’t end there, with the town coming to life thanks to the Ballarat Winter Festival. Look forward to pop-up ice skating rinks, winter markets, a hot chocolate trail and more. This winter festival is on from July 5 to 27.
If you can’t make it for the festival, you could always go truffle hunting, visit a winery or go for an outdoor adventure.
Ballarat is just 90 minutes away from Melbourne, making it one of the best towns in Victoria for winter day trips. It’s also easily accessible by public transport.
Lorne
Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours
Known more for its beaches and coastal charm, we love Lorne in winter for the opportunities it offers further inland. There’s over ten waterfall walks within ten minutes of this coastal village, and heavier rain during the winter months makes it the perfect time to check it out. Avoid the summer crowds and chase waterfalls in Great Otway National Park. Near Lorne, you’ll find picturesque spots like Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls.
Take in sweeping ocean views from Teddy’s Lookout, get your adrenaline rushing at Live Wire Park and warm up with the popular, wood-fired bread or a bowl of pasta from Totti’s.
Warrnambool
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Whale watching season is upon us, and Victoria’s best coastal towns are the place to be to catch their migration. Base yourself in Warrnambool, and look out for whales at Logans Beach. There, you’ll find a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes. The viewing platform is free, close to a carpark, and there’s a ramp available for accessibility. Between morning and midday, the whales often breach the water to sun themselves, so you can watch them splash and frolic in the water. You can also drive nearby to the charming seaside village, Port Fairy, for more whale watching.
For more outdoor adventures, check out the lovely Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, which sits inside the crater of a volcano that formed 30,000 years ago. Go for a walk on one of the trails, and look out for wildlife along the way.
Experience a bit of history at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and stick around in the evening for their spectacular Sound and Light Show.
If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, find plenty of bliss at Deep Blue Hot Springs. Get pampered in the day spa, then sink into the heated mineral waters of the hot springs. There is an indoor Bath House if you prefer, but the outdoor pools offer plenty of heat, sensory caves and even waterfalls for a luxurious experience.
Bright
Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
This gorgeous town in the High Country is a popular autumn destination, but it’s also a great place to stay during winter. Located along the Great Alpine Road, Bright is close to other snowy destinations like Mount Buffalo. When you’re not away for the snow, stick around town for more outdoor adventures, like mountain biking or leisurely walks by the river.
Dotted around this picturesque town, you’ll also find breweries, cellar doors and wineries. Warm up over a tipple or a brew, and find something delicious from one of the excellent eateries and restaurants. Don’t forget to check out one of the boutique shops.
When you’re not admiring the snow-capped mountains from afar, go for a scenic drive to nearby places like Mount Beauty, and take in spectacular views of the valleys and national parks.
Mt Hotham
Distance from Melbourne: 4.5 hours
Escape to Australia’s highest alpine village and frolic in the snow at Mount Hotham. While it is a ski resort, which means you’ll need to pay an entry fee, it is a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for winter magic.
You’ll have plenty of things to do on the mountain, with 320 hectares of ski terrain and 35 kilometres of cross-country skiing for you to enjoy. If you don’t feel like skiing or snowboarding, there’s also tobogganing, snowshoeing, snow mobile rides, husky sled tours and more. As if that wasn’t enough, there is a shuttle bus that will take you ten minutes down the road to Dinner Plain, where you’ll find even more opportunities for fun in the snow. Sink into the onsen at Dinner Plain and feel your troubles melt away.
Stay warm by ducking into one of the many bars and restaurants around the village in Hotham. Update your winter wardrobe by popping into one of the shops, and grab any snacks you need from the supermarket. Stay on Mt Hotham overnight and enjoy ski-in, ski-out opportunities.
You can also look forward to fun events throughout the winter season, like fireworks on select nights in July.
If you don’t fancy the four and a half hour drive, you can do the bougie thing and fly to Hotham Airport from Essendon, Lilydale or Moorabbin.
Falls Creek
Distance from Melbourne: 4.5 to 5 hours
Boasting a similar appeal to Mount Hotham, you’ll find the largest skiable area in Victoria to explore at Falls Creek. Get moving with 450 hectares of skiable terrain, and find lots of ski-in, ski-out opportunities from accommodation around town. You can also go snowboarding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and back-country touring. This picturesque village is a ski resort, so you will need to pay an entry fee.
Around the village, you’ll find plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as a museum and a supermarket. After a busy day outdoors, indulge in a treatment at Astra Day Spa. Feel pampered with a soothing massage, or opt for a facial, body scrub or mani-pedi.