Fancy an early or mid-winter getaway? Melbourne may be just the location you need to keep your mind off the cold – with so many fun activities on offer, the weather will be the last thing on your mind!
Pack your winter woollies and rug up to make the most of these fun winter festivals when you travel to Melbourne this winter.
Kellybrook Cider Festival
Held annually, this festival is in its 26th year! So on May 3-4, make sure you head to the Kellybrook Winery and Restaurant to immerse yourself in all things cider.
While the adults can enjoy cider tastings and sales, children will also be catered to at this event, with plenty of entertainment options on offer for the younger crowd, including live bands, face painting, balloon fun and Irish donkey and pony rides.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
With a range of events spread over 10 days, you will want to ensure you have a rental car in Melbourne organised so you can attend as many of these gigs as possible!
With big-name artists such as The Charles Lloyd Sky Trio, Larry Carlton Quartet, Alister Spence Trio/Dawn of Midi, Mary Stallings, Derrick Hodge plus Chris Turner and Jorge Pardo "Huellas" headlining, there is guaranteed to be something to suit every taste.
You could choose to catch a show at one of the iconic venues in Melbourne or if you prefer something more personal, there are intimate club gigs available as well as family-friendly concerts, film screenings and a late-night art party.
As well as enjoying plenty of homegrown Aussie talent, you can also appreciate artists from the USA, UK, Israel, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Sweden and New Zealand.
There will be over 100 events, including 30 free shows over the ten days. This includes four festival exclusives and 12 Australian Premieres. If you love jazz, this is the place to be from May 30 – June 8.
Melbourne International Film Festival
Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is full of artistic destinations that are simply unmissable.
So, it's no wonder the Melbourne International Film Festival has such a devoted audience and strong following – there is a huge range of treats to feast your eyes on.
Including films from 50 countries, this event spans 17 days. See if you can fit in a red carpet gala, special event or party. These can be found throughout the CBD from July 31 – August 17.
There are also plenty of homegrown films to enjoy, although it pays to get in quick. This festival has been a part of Melbourne's calendar for 63 years and enjoys annual admissions of around 165,000 people.
Melbourne Writers Festival
Want to crack a smile, enjoy a laugh or become so moved you shed a tear (or two)? Then make sure you book tickets to enjoy the Melbourne Writers Festival from August 21 – 31.
This is an annual celebration not only for writers, but also for readers, thinkers, illustrators and performers.
Watch in on a lively panel discussion, head to a workshop, film screening or attend a professional development session – the choice is yours.
Children can also take away some wonderful lessons to last a lifetime, with the Schools' Program able to open some doors for the kids to meet their literary idols. Or, they can try their hand at creative writing and develop their love of books.
Melbourne Festival
Head to one of the world's leading arts festivals. Held in Federation Square from October 10 – 26, this festival is full of visual art, films, outdoor events, theatre and dance groups that are sure to wow the audience.
Here you can see local, national and international talent as it debuts for the first time – and with a range of ticket prices and venues, there is something for everyone!