Winter Getaways Victoria: 10 Best Things to Do & How to Plan
If you’re looking to swap sun-soaked beaches for crackling fires, misty mornings and a glass of red in hand, winter in Victoria might just surprise you. From alpine escapes to cosy countryside stays and foodie spots worth the drive, there’s no shortage of winter getaways Victoria has in store.
In this guide, you’ll find some of the top winter activities to try across the state, plus a few handy tips to help you plan the perfect chilly-season escape.
10 Top Winter Activities in Victoria
Whether you’re chasing action, relaxation, or something in between, here are some of the best winter getaways Victoria has to offer:
1. Hit the Slopes at Mt Buller
When winter rolls in, Mt Buller is one of the first spots Victorians think of—and for good reason. Just three hours from Melbourne, this alpine village delivers proper snow play without the long-haul drive.
Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, learning to ski for the first time, or just here for the après scene, Buller’s got it all.
Opening weekend (King’s Birthday long weekend, 7–10 June 2025) is packed with fireworks, live music, and good vibes. Add 80km of ski runs, snow-shoeing tours, and cozy bars like Moosehead, and you’ve got a snow trip that ticks every box.
Location: Mt Buller, 3 hrs from Melbourne
Vibe: Active, family-friendly, alpine escape
Don’t miss: Twilight snow-shoe tour, early-bird lift pass discounts
2. Soak in Mineral Springs at Daylesford
Need ideas for romantic winter getaways in Victoria? Daylesford is a dream destination made for two. Nestled in spa country just over an hour from Melbourne, this charming town is known for its naturally heated mineral springs and lush bushland.
Drop into the Hepburn Bathhouse for a soak in 34–39°C pools or level up with a spa treatment at The Mineral Spa. With outdoor bathing, steam rooms and forest surrounds, it’s the ultimate way to thaw out. Round off your day with a slow meal at a country pub or a walk by the lake at sunset.
Location: Daylesford & Hepburn Springs, 1.5 hrs from Melbourne
Vibe: Relaxing, luxe, wellness-focused
Don’t miss: Mineral pool soak + bush walk around Lake Daylesford
3. Wander the Winter Night Market in Melbourne
Every Wednesday night from June to August, Queen Vic Market flips into full winter mode—with open fire pits, mulled wine, and some of the best street eats in the city. From gooey raclette and fresh paella to vintage stalls and live tunes, it’s the kind of place you can bring a date, your mates, or the whole fam.
Entry’s free, so just turn up hungry and soak it all in. The market runs rain, hail, or shine, with plenty of heaters and undercover seating to keep you toasty.
Location: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Vibe: Social, vibrant, foodie heaven
Don’t miss: Mulled wine, Wednesday fire pits, raclette potatoes
4. Spot Whales at Logans Beach, Warrnambool
Every winter, southern right whales make their way to the sheltered waters off Warrnambool to give birth—often just 100 metres from shore. The Logans Beach viewing platform offers front-row seats to one of nature’s most impressive shows.
The best time to catch them is between June and September, with mid-August often bringing the most activity. Pack a thermos, layer up, and bring binoculars. Bonus: Warrnambool’s also a great base for exploring the quieter stretches of the Great Ocean Road in the off-season.
Location: Logans Beach, Warrnambool (3 hrs from Melbourne)
Vibe: Nature-focused, peaceful, off-the-beaten-track
Don’t miss: Whale breaching mid-August; Great Ocean Road side trip
5. Sip Pinot by the Fire in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley might be a summer favourite, but winter brings a whole new vibe—think fireplaces, rich reds, and long lunches by candlelight. Tokar Estate and other wineries serve mulled wine and toast-your-own marshmallows beside outdoor firepits.
Time your visit with the annual Fireside Yarra Valley festival (12–27 July 2025), where wineries and distilleries host fire-cooked feasts, tasting flights, and low-key winter parties. It’s all just over an hour from the city but feels a world away.
Location: Yarra Valley, 1 hr from Melbourne
Vibe: Cosy, gourmet, wine-lover’s dream
Don’t miss: Fireside Festival events, Tempranillo tastings, marshmallow kits
6. Glamp & Bathe at Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs turns a frosty night into a spa-style mini-holiday. Purpose-built safari tents come with queen beds, heating, ensuite bathrooms and private decks just a few metres from more than 70 geothermal pools.
Book the Glamp & Bathe package for 24-hour bathing, guided sunrise yoga and a hot buffet breakfast. After dark, slip into the hill-top pool under starry skies or brave the Fire & Ice contrast therapy for an instant circulation kick-start.
Location: Fingal, Mornington Peninsula (1 h 30 m SE of Melbourne)
Vibe: Luxe, restorative, star-gazing
Don’t miss: Twilight bathing & Fire-and-Ice class
7. See Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights
Ballarat’s open-air museum lights up for Winter Wonderlights each July, and it’s one of Victoria’s best family-friendly events. By day, explore the old goldfields and try your hand at panning. By night, the whole town square comes alive with snow machines, carol singers, and glittering light projections. It’s festive without being kitsch and perfect if you’re chasing that Christmas-in-July feeling.
Location: Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (1 h 30 m NW of Melbourne)
Vibe: Festive, family, Christmas-in-July
Don’t miss: 5: 45 pm light-show kickoff & roast-turkey supper
8. Hike Winter Trails in the Grampians (Gariwerd)
Winter in the Grampians means cool air, misty trails and gushing waterfalls—plus fewer crowds on popular walks. Start in Halls Gap and head to The Pinnacle for sweeping views or follow the path to Mackenzie Falls, which really roars after rain.
Campgrounds are back open following fire closures, and winter’s actually a great time to pitch a tent (or book a cabin) and enjoy the peace of the bush.
Location: Grampians/Gariwerd, 3 hrs NW of Melbourne
Vibe: Rugged, nature-fix, waterfall season
Don’t miss: Pinnacle Lookout at sunrise, Mackenzie Falls in full flow
9. Road-Trip the Great Alpine Road & Snow-Glamp at Mt Hotham
For a slower kind of winter adventure, hit the Great Alpine Road—Australia’s highest year-round sealed road. The drive from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale takes you through snow-capped peaks, High Country towns and cosy wine stops.
Overnight in Bright (great for brews and bakeries), then head to Mt Hotham where you can stay in a heated dome under the stars. Don’t forget to pack snow chains—required for some stretches in winter—and plenty of snacks for roadside stops.
Location: Great Alpine Road, High Country Victoria
Vibe: Scenic drive, campfire nights, alpine views
Don’t miss: Hypedome fondue dinner, Bright’s craft-beer loop
10. Bundle Up for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
It might be chilly, but that doesn’t stop the penguins. Each night at dusk, hundreds of little (fairy) penguins waddle ashore at Summerland Beach—just like they’ve done for generations.
Winter is one of the best times to visit: the crowds are smaller, and the penguins are just as punctual. Rug up in your warmest gear, upgrade to the Penguins Plus platform for better views, and enjoy a hot drink from the café as you watch the world’s cutest parade.
Location: Summerland Beach, Phillip Island (1 h 30 m SE of Melbourne)
Vibe: Wildlife, family-friendly, bucket-list
Don’t miss: Penguins Plus upgrade & hot chocolate at the café
Tips for Planning Your Victoria Winter Getaway
To make the most of your Victoria winter getaways, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you lock in dates, stretch your budget, and stay safe on the road, so you can focus on the fun parts:
Book Early—Especially for Long Weekends
Popular spots like Mt Buller, Daylesford and the Mornington Peninsula can book out fast, especially around the King’s Birthday and school holidays. Accommodation, ski passes, and event tickets are all cheaper and easier to lock in if you plan a few weeks ahead.
Layer Up and Pack for the Cold
Victoria’s winters run cool rather than brutally cold, but conditions vary by region. Up in the High Country, temperatures regularly sit below freezing and can plummet to –5°C when snowstorms roll in.
That swing makes layering essential: think thermals, a mid-weight jumper, waterproof outer shell, plus beanie and gloves, even if you’re sticking to the coast or city. Focus on “layers over bulk”, so you can peel off when cafés crank their heaters.
Know the Driving Conditions
Heading to the snow? You’ll need snow chains for areas like Mt Hotham and Falls Creek—they’re often mandatory and can be hired on the way. For road trips like the Great Alpine Road, check VicRoads for closures or warnings after heavy rain or frost.
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Deals
While some experiences are busiest in winter (think snowfields and whale watching), others offer great off-peak rates. Wineries, spas, and luxury stays often run winter specials—perfect if you’re planning a midweek escape or want a little extra comfort without the price tag.
Be Flexible with Your Itinerary
Rain or cold might shift your plans—especially for outdoor hikes or wildlife viewing. Keep your schedule loose where you can, and build in a few indoor options like hot springs, galleries, or winery visits, just in case.
Keep Your Devices Powered Off-Grid
Whether you’re pitching a tent in the Grampians, pulling into a breezy coastal campsite, or hitting the road for a longer trip, staying powered up can be a challenge. Phones, lights, cameras, and that trusty electric blanket all need juice, and cold winter days drain batteries even faster.
A grab-and-go portable power station solves the problem without feeling like dead weight, so you can camp off-grid comfortably or linger at remote lookouts as you please.
With a 1,024Wh LiFePO₄ battery, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus stores enough juice to run a camp fridge all night and still top up phones at breakfast. Tipping the scales at roughly 12.5 kg, it slides easily into a hatchback boot or caravan locker.
The 1,800W inverter (3,600W surge) and X-Boost mode up to 2,600W handle everything from induction cooktops and kettles to hairdryers, handy when winter mornings bite.
Thanks to 1,500W AC fast-charging, it reaches 80% in just about 40 minutes at a powered site. Prefer to go green? Just unfold your solar panels, and the DELTA 3 Plus turns into a solar generator, taking up to 1,000W of PV input and topping itself during lunch beside the van door.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station
With a 5-year warranty for peace of mind, it’s the perfect power solution for road trips, camping adventures, or keeping your home running during outages.
Conclusion
From alpine escapes to relaxing road trips, winter in Victoria gives you every reason to get out and explore. Wherever you’re heading, a bit of planning goes a long way, and the reward is a winter break that feels just right. So, grab your layers and start mapping out your adventure. Your ideal winter getaway Victoria is closer than you think.
FAQs
Where is the best place to go in Victoria in winter?
Victoria offers a variety of winter destinations to suit different interests. For snow enthusiasts, alpine resorts like Mount Buller and Falls Creek provide excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. If you prefer milder climates, the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley offer cosy retreats with hot springs, wineries, and gourmet dining. For coastal beauty and wildlife, consider visiting the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island, where you can enjoy scenic views and the famous Penguin Parade.
What to do in Victoria in the winter?
Winter in Victoria is perfect for a range of activities. You can hit the slopes at alpine resorts like Mount Buller for skiing and snowboarding. Relax in natural hot springs at the Mornington Peninsula or Metung. Explore cultural attractions in Melbourne, such as museums and galleries. Enjoy whale watching along the Great Ocean Road or at Phillip Island. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Where is the warmest part of Victoria in winter?
Mallacoota, located on the eastern coast of Victoria, is known for having the warmest winter temperatures in the state. Its coastal location and surrounding natural beauty make it a pleasant destination during the cooler months. Additionally, areas like Mildura and Echuca in the northwest tend to have milder winter climates, offering sunny days and comfortable temperatures.