Winter in Melbourne: A City That Shines in the Cold
As days shorten and we plunge into the winter darkness something contradictory occurs in Melbourne. We find light in the darker nights; we rise and shine.
As the shortest day of the year on 21 June approaches, Melbournians meet ‘peak winter’. But forget the short days and cold. Honestly, is there a better time to be alive in this beautiful city? I doubt it.
With local residents rugging up in the uniform black puffer jackets and stylish scarves, we start to turn inward, challenged to experience the full range of winter activities on offer. Melbourne is well-known as a multi-cultural city, but it’s also multi-facetted. Nowhere is this more on show than in the months of June, July and August when pavements glisten with the last of the fallen leaves, café lights shine through bare branches and Melbourne literally lights up to celebrate its diversity and showcase its inner glow and warm hospitality.
From the cultural to the sporty, the visual to the musical, underpinned by a true sense of community, there is something for everybody in Melbourne in winter. Let’s go exploring…
Let’s Explore Melbourne in Winter
A blockbuster winter at NGV
Nobody, but nobody does it better than the National Gallery of Victoria. Just when the extraordinary Yayoi Kusama exhibition has closed to record numbers and great acclaim, here comes the Winter Masterpieces Exhibition, featuring 100-plus French Impressionist paintings from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA).
As NGV Director, Tony Ellwood, noted, the Impressionists ‘introduced a new way of seeing things’. Experiencing the works of Pissarro, Renoir, Degas and Monet in 10 stunningly themed rooms, inspired by the grand houses of Boston, is a once in a lifetime moment.
In the final room, 16 Monet paintings dominate the circular gallery. Yet for all the grandeur of the works, the exhibition is also very personal with the voices of the artists captured in letters, diaries and journals.
This ‘new way of seeing’ is on display in portraits, still lives, forest scenes and ocean landscapes. The colour and light literally invite you to step right in to the scenes portrayed. You’ve been warned, don’t miss this very special offering which is on display until 5 October. Book tickets here.
Music for all
Melbourne is a very democratically minded music town. Yes, you can save up and enjoy amazing musicals such as Hadestown, Beetlejuice or Annie. But there are also so many more affordable ways to get out and sing! One of my favourites is by joining one of the regular Glee Club events in the city or inner suburbs.
You can rock up and pay a modest entry fee to join like-minded souls singing their hearts out for 90 minutes or so in a warm and encouraging space. Themes include music of the 60s, 70s, 80s, or artists such as the Beatles, Crowded House, boy bands and big-voiced divas.
There is also a wide range of local choirs to be joined and pub music nights whether your taste runs to rock, pop or folk or Irish ditties. There really is no excuse not to join in. Singing is good for your mental health, your heart rate and your soul.
The CBD is Rising
The core program of this celebration of music, art, performance and lights runs from 4-15 June in the heart of Melbourne, with much of the activity centred on the Flinders Street-Federation Square precinct.
Other associated activities, however, run through July and August. These include Swingers: The art of mini golf (Flinders Street Station, June 4 to August 31) which is described as ‘tapping into the subversive history of mini golf with an art exhibition about rebellion and play.’ Enjoy the trailer here.
Try also Legends (of the Golden Arches) with Joe Paradise Lui and Merlynn Tong, a collaboration with the Melbourne Theatre Company in an exploration of the Chinese underworld. Expect fun and surprises at the Lawler, Southbank Theatre.
Beanies at the ‘G
Community and a good cause brings Melburnians together at the MCG on the second Monday in June, the King’s Birthday holiday. Here 80,000+ footy fans gather wearing distinctive blue beanies in support of former AFL player, Neale Daniher’s mission to ‘fight the beast’ of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Current Australian of the Year, Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and expected, like so many sufferers, to last less than two years. Yet 12 years later he was escorted in a wheelchair past a guard of honour formed by players from the Melbourne and Collingwood football clubs. Some 80,000 spectators rose in unison in support of this mighty man.
The King’s Birthday clash is a wonderful gathering – long may Neale Daniher live to lead it.
Share the love
And one more thing. It’s all very well for those of us fortunate to have a roof over our heads, warm clothing and meals when needed.
Not everyone is this lucky, as it soon becomes apparent when you walk through the CBD and suburban thoroughfares. It is estimated that 1100 Melbourne residents could be sleeping rough every night this winter.
What can you do to help? It seems that there is support in the form of warm clothes, food and some shelter for many of our homeless. But they need funds to keep doing this good work. By donating to one of the organisations serving these people in need, your money will be converted to a practical form of support.
Additionally you may wish to volunteer for one of the many op shops or food services currently helping those in need. Here’s a few to get you started.
- Uniting Vic & Tas volunteers for food, op shops, emergency relief;
- Sacred Heart Mission for food, op shops, general support;
- Anglicare Community Pantry low priced groceries and fresh food;
- Empower Australia Food Relief Centres.
And remember, nothing makes you feel better than the warm afterglow of giving.
Want to make the most of winter in Melbourne?
Here are some of our most popular guides to help you enjoy it all:
- Melbourne Lunch Specials – Warm up with hearty, affordable meals across the city
- What’s On in Melbourne This Week – Stay up to date with free events, exhibitions and pop-ups
- Melbourne Concerts and Melbourne Musicals – From midweek matinees to blockbuster shows
- Shopping in Melbourne – Discover cosy boutiques, winter sales and local gems
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
