The winter school holidays are almost here! This year Victorian government schools will be on a break from 29 June to 14 July before term three kicks off – some private schools have longer. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. In fact, there’s more than you could possibly fit in your schedule. From light shows and projections through to unique winter experiences to a range of different arts festivals, there’s something for just about everyone happening across Melbourne and regional Victoria over these holidays.
1. See a world-first light show deep below Marvel Stadium
A never-before-seen labyrinth of light and sound will ignite the Docklands precinct this winter – transforming the underground space at Marvel Stadium, visitors will weave their way through a mythical maze of light and sound – through cutting-edge technology, dynamic audio and over 144,000 lights.
It’s part of the annual Firelight Festival which sparks into action as the school holidays begin, from Friday 28 June to Sunday 30 June, while the all-new Firelight Labyrinth experience will run from Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July.
2. Playfully interact with ACMI’s new exhibition Beings
Endless play abounds at ACMI this winter, as world premiere exhibition Beings comes alive Comprised of 13 artworks drawn from the 20-year career of international art and design collective Universal Everything – including the premiere of four brand new artworks – Beings features an assortment of curious characters born from code.
3. Learn about ancient Egypt at the NGV’s blockbuster Pharaoh exhibition
The internationally exclusive blockbuster exhibition now open at the NGV, Pharaoh, celebrates three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture through more than 500 objects on loan from the British Museum, including monumental sculpture, tomb and temple architecture, coffins and funerary objects, as well as a significant display of exquisite ancient Egyptian jewellery. The Ancient Egypt for Kids exhibition is running alongside it – a free event that invites children to explore the mysteries of ancient Egypt through engaging activities.
4. Join in a brand new festival dedicated to play
A new children’s festival dedicated to play, nature, science and imagination will take over the city of Melbourne in the winter school holidays from 29 June to 14 July. Playbound, the 16-day extravaganza is presented by Museums Victoria, the City of Melbourne, ArtPlay, Melbourne Recital Centre, Road to Zero and Gowrie Victoria. It promises to deliver an array of fun-filled performances, workshops, exhibitions and activities for kids aged 0-12.
5. Experience the light, nature and wonder of Lightscape
The immersive Melbourne hit Lightscape returns to transform the Botanic Gardens after dark with a reimagined trail and brand new installations. Surround yourself with the interactive Submergence as well as the beloved Winter Cathedral and Laser Forest at Fern Gully. It’s running this year until 4 August.
6. See a family movie at the Children’s International Film Festival
The Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) is back with a month-long celebration of cinema designed to captivate and inspire young audiences and their families until 14 July. CHIFF program features 18 Australian premiere titles, a program of family short films and special events tailored to young filmgoers aged from three years old and up. Participating cinemas are Classic Cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Cameo Cinemas.
7. See a 12 metre long Tyrannosaurus rex fossil at Melbourne Museum
Victoria the T. rex is a world-class, interactive exhibition starring the real fossil skeleton of a 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus named Victoria at Melbourne Museum. The state-of-the-art exhibition running from 28 June to 20 October features real fossils, film, augmented reality and holography designed to transport you back to the Cretaceous period.
8. Participate in NAIDOC Week Celebrations
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Find out about activities in your local area here.
9. Experience the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest adventure
The Briars Community Forest in Mount Martha has turned into a legit dark and magical forest for the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest adventure This nighttime woodland trail experience is filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films and has been brought to life by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators.
10. Get a birds eye view of Melbourne from the Skyline Ferris wheel
Jump aboard the Skyline Ferris Wheel that promises breathtaking views of Melbourne’s cityscape, truly a one-of-a-kind vantage point to see a unique perspective of the CBD and beyond. It’s at the Polly Woodside Park next to MCEC until September.
11. Take part in Springvale’s Fire Fest
Join in an electrifying evening at Fire Fest in Springvale on 6 July. Get ready to witness breath-taking fire performers and thrilling fire stunts that will leave you in awe. Enjoy mesmerising fire shows and groove to the rhythm of live music that will keep you on your feet all night long.
12. See the Lego-based Art of Brick exhibition
Visited by more than 10 million people around the world and earning a spot on CNN’s “must-see” list, The Art of the Brick is currently at the Melbourne Showgrounds. This brand new, immersive version of Nathan Sawaya’s iconic LEGO art exhibit features original collections, over 100 sculptures made from more than 1 million bricks, a LEGO safari, moving installations, 360 degree projections, and much more.
13. Check out Gumbuya World’s new Indigenous digital light experience
Prepare to be transported to a realm of wonder and awe as Gumbuya World Theme Park proudly presents ‘Gumbuya Dreaming’, a mesmerising digital light experience created by acclaimed Indigenous artist Wayne Quilliam from 8 June to 21 July.
14. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci experience at THE LUME
Step into the mind of genius! Explore original sketches and inventions by Leonardo da Vinci at THE LUME Melbourne. Be amazed by a 360º Mona Lisa replica, AI, VR tech, and a Renaissance culinary journey at Caffé Medici. Immerse yourself in the Renaissance with multisensory galleries taking you through the world of da Vinci.
15. Take part in Monash University’s Family Fiesta
Family Fiesta is Monash University Performing Arts Centres’ annual event, offering children’s live and interactive art and performances at very low ticket prices or for free, from July 3 to 6. This year’s program features an exciting collaboration between artists and scientists, presenting theatre, music, and art that will transport young audiences on a space discovery mission to interplanetary worlds. All activities are grounded in accurate science, designed for children aged 0-12 and their families.
16. Attend a kids dance party at the State Library
Kids Takeover is back at the State Library, but with a fun twist: it’s happening after hours. Dance in child-friendly raves, explore illuminated art, tour the building by torchlight and so more. It’s happening on 3 July and bookings are essential.
17. See a performance of Beauty and the Beast
The enchanting and timeless tale of Belle and her Beast has been brought to life in a reimagined production boasting all the spectacle and grandeur audiences know and love. The incredible new production from the producers of Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen – playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 24 November.
18. Warm up with delicious laksa at a pop-up festival
One of the Northern Territory’s most iconic food festivals is heading south. Melburnians will get to soak up the Darwin International Laksa Festival, with Collingwood’s Molly Rose Brewery hosting a pop-up event on Sunday 7 July.
19. Check out the NBA Exhibition
The NBA Exhibition in Docklands is the ultimate experience for basketball enthusiasts! This basketball exhibition is a one-of-a-kind adventure through the amazing universe of the NBA. The event runs until 23 June and offers over 20 themed sections combining the NBA’s rich and storied past with interactive elements that transport you into the world of basketball.
20. Visit a winter wonderland in Geelong
Winter Glow at Geelong Adventure Park from 22 June to 21 July sees the amusement park transformed into a winter wonderland of snow, lights, fire and ice. Build snowmen, roast marshmallows, see ice sculpting, go on rides, play mini-golf, watch fire twirlers and marvel at the 2.7 million dazzling lights and hundreds of glittering installations all over the park.
21. Check out the new Banksy art exhibition at Docklands
Experience a stunning street art exhibition of museum quality – The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, featuring over 180 Banksy artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals, mapping shows, and more. After its incredible success in Europe, the United States, South America, Asia, and Australia – where over 1,750,000 people visited it – the exhibition is currently showing at the District Docklands.
22. Experience the thrills of The Moscow Circus
The Great Moscow Circus is touring Victoria for the first time in six years. Experience thrilling acts including daredevil BMX and Pro Scooter Riders, multi-motorcycle cage riders and a world record acclaimed pole act. The Wheel of Death and electrifying high tricks on the trampoline heighten the extreme theme. It’s on at Port Melbourne from 28 June to 14 July.
23. Be a farmer for a day at the Collingwood Children’s Farm
Connect with a community of friendly farmers and animals at the Collingwood Children’s Farm all-day school holiday program, Farmer for a Day running from 2-11 July. Learn farming and gardening skills surrounded by plants, animals and new friends. Suitable for kids aged 8–14 years old.
24. Join in the fun at the Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival
Running over the winter school holidays from 2-12 July at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, Roola Boola is one of Melbourne’s most successful children’s arts festivals for ages 0-12. This year’s program is jam-packed with performances, workshops, free events, music, theatre, art, craft and more.
25. Take part in an immersive board game experience at Monopoly Dreams
Enter Monopoly Dreams and be whisked away into the delightful world of Monopoly! Melbourne’s newest attraction is a fully immersive and interactive experience, featuring games, laser maze, and the chance to win Monopoly money. he fully immersive experience operates across two different zones: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion – with 15 different attractions in total.
26. Experience Bendigo’s Rosalind Park transformed into an electric wonderland of lights
Bendigo’s Rosalind Park is putting on what has become a winter tradition of a light show throughout the park. Electric Wonderland will run from June 28 – July 14, which will feature light installations that celebrate the Lunar Year of the Dragon, gastronomy, interactive pathways, laser lights, thousands and thousands of fairy lights, and a 40m replica of the city’s iconic landmark, the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
27. Catch a performance of Wicked at the Regent Theatre
The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” The current season has been extended, and it is playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre until 25 August.
28. Go on a dinosaur safari in Berwick
Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick is set to undergo a prehistoric transformation as Dino Safari stomps into town, inviting families to journey back in time to the breathtaking wonders of the Mesozoic era. The event will span from 28 June to 7 July 2024, with daily sessions between 9.30 am and 4.00 pm.
29. Discover the magic of Winter in Williamstown
Discover the magic of Winter in Williamstown these school holidays. Enjoy the ice-skating rink, free light projections, DJs and other affordable family fun along the water within historic Williamstown.
30. Indulge in Dessertopia’s limited edition glow-in-the dark desserts
Dessert enthusiasts and anime fans alike have reason to rejoice as Dessertopia Neon Nights makes its highly-anticipated return in 2024. This year they’ve introduced an electrifying twist – an Anime Edition. From glowing desserts and gelato to luminescent beverages, Dessertopia Neon Nights 2024 guarantees a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary. Dessertopia Neon Nights: Anime Edition is happening until 29 September 2024 at 342 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne.
31. Celebrate 100 years of skiing at Mt Buller
Prepare to be awed by an incredible spectacle on 6 July to celebrate the 100th anniversary of skiing at Mt Buller with an illuminated with a torch-lit descent and fireworks display to mark this momentous occasion.
32. Go wild with animal encounters at Luna Park
This winter, Luna Park’s pavilion transforms into a wild enclosure for all kinds of creatures, feathered, furry, or fierce. Get up close and cosy with real-life, slippery, scaly critters of all kinds at the Animal Encounters sessions for a limited time only these school holidays. Sessions are available from 1-5 July and 8-12 July.
33. Have a crappy time at a poop museum
Unko Museum, translated as the “Poop Museum”, is a fun and interactive exhibit with super adorable decor. Enter a world of colour and unleash your inner child in a uniquely Kawaii (cute) poop universe imported from Japan! Unleash your inner child with a treasure trove of interactive games, embark on a hilarious voyage as you capture priceless moments against a backdrop of whimsical Instagrammable settings, and take home curious souvenirs.
34. Celebrate at a Christmas in July wonderland in Narre Warren
Step into a world where winter magic reigns supreme, where the air is filled with festive cheer and the ground blanketed in glistening snow. From 21 June to 21 July Narre Warren’s sprawling field transforms into a whimsical haven, welcoming all to FROSTED – A Winter Spectacular, a celebration of Christmas in July unlike any other.
35. Experience Joy at the Immigration Museum
Celebrating culture, nostalgia, and the pursuit of happiness, the Immigration Museum’s expansive exhibition Joy features seven Victorian-based artists showcasing their interpretations of joy through immersive installations, until 29 August.
36. Visit Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights
Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill is hosting its annual Winter Wonderlights event from 28 June to 21 July. By day Sovereign Hill delights with ‘snow’ falling in the streets and much-loved theatre, food and activities. Then, as the sun goes down it really shines, with changing light projections bringing the famous streetscape to life in a spectacular display of colour and movement.
37. Experience the immersive ArtVo ‘trick art’ gallery Docklands
Entering a realm of optical marvel in Docklands where ArtVo’s expansive murals transport visitors into a world where they can encounter exotic wildlife, conquer rugged landscapes, and ride epic waves. Spanning an impressive 1400 square metres, the gallery invites exploration through diverse zones, each boasting its own mesmerizing illusions. Departing from conventional art exhibitions, ArtVo revolutionizes the museum experience, allowing patrons not only to admire but also to embody the art through interactive posing.
38. Head to Phillip Island’s Whale Festival
As winter sets in across the state, it’s time to welcome back whales to the waters off Phillip Island and the Bass Coast as part of their annual migration. Each year between May and October, around 400 humpback whales, southern right whales and orcas pass through the area as they migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters off Queensland where they give birth to their calves. The Island Whale Festival from 5-7 July celebrates the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of events across the festival weekend.
39. Experience the Air Playground at Scienceworks
Play with air, the amazing invisible elemental force, and experience the science of aerodynamics. Whoosh, swirl, gust, squish, flow, float and more at Air Playground. Float objects in mid-air, place material in fast moving air-jets, squish a giant inflatable tentacle sculpture with your body, launch balls sky-high with compressed air, craft paper planes to soar and more.
40. Join in the fun at the Eynesbury Winter Festival
The Eynesbury Winter Festival is making a return on Thursday 27 June to Saturday 13 July – bigger and better than ever before. With exciting new attractions for the whole family, there’s plenty more to see and do in 2024 including fireworks, DJs, a Kids Fun Day, an ice rink, a carnival zone, winter treats and more. Check the schedule for all the activities.
41. Walk along a rainforest canopy in the Otways
Experience a breathtaking bird’s-eye-view of the rainforest canopy, just 2.5 hours from Melbourne’s CBD. Otway Fly Treetop Adventures takes your rainforest experience to new heights in the lush surroundings of the beautiful Otway Ranges. The 600 metre-long, 25 metre-high elevated walkway provides unrivalled views of the unique beauty of the region’s flora and fauna. Experience the life and beauty of the Otway Ranges from the rainforest floor, right up to the soaring heights of the treetops.
42. Ignite your senses at the City of Casey’s Winter Arts Festival
The City of Casey’s Winter Arts Festival is back for 2024 offering an exciting line-up of arts, cultural and entertainment experiences to warm up your winter. This year’s festival runs until 14 July offering more than 60 events across Casey from interactive experiences and workshops to engaging performances and immersive art installations.
43. Take part in a play-based kids festival in Castlemaine
Mount Alexander Shire Council is hosting an exciting program of events for kids aged 0-12 and their care-givers this winter. The FLIP Winter Children’s Festival is designed for children and their big people to learn, grow and have fun together. The festival promises five weeks of family-friendly activities, performances and experiences focused on dance, art, nature, music and play.
44. Enjoy food and fun at the Queen Victoria winter night markets
Warm up with cozy fires, delicious street food, and lively entertainment on Wednesday nights at the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market. Sample some of Melbourne’s top street food vendors and sip on drinks like spiced milo, mulled wine, butterbeer, and hot gin toddies.
45. Attend a show at the Melbourne Magic Festival
The Melbourne Magic Festival casts its spell across Melbourne with over 130 performances of 30 different shows including top international guest magicians from all over Australia. Be amazed as Melbourne becomes a magical hub in winter for 14 days only from 1-13 July with special events, workshops and live shows for everyone from child-friendly to adults-only.
46. Witness Indonesian street performing arts at Federation Square
Celebrating the vibrant traditional performing arts practice of Reog Ponorogo, this inaugural cultural event on 29 June will showcase dramatic costumes and the folkloric stories of the northwest region of East Java and Ponorogo in Indonesia.
47. Experience life-sized animatronic dinosaurs at all four of Victoria’s zoos
Victoria’s zoos are being transformed into prehistoric playgrounds with Zoos Victoria’s new Dinos at the Zoo immersive experience providing an unforgettable journey back in time until 14 July.
48. Enjoy a range of family friendly activities at the East Gippsland Winter Festival
Featuring more than 100 plus spectacular events right across the region, the East Gippsland Winter Festival running until 21 July presents one of the largest and most diverse winter festival programs in Australia. The festival salutes winter’s long nights with pop-up events, lavish winter feasts, art installations, lantern parades, workshops, wellness experiences and more.
49. Check out a banking museum inside the ANZ’s newly refurbished Gothic Bank
Following a two-year restoration project to return this Melbourne architectural icon to its former glory, ANZ’s historic Gothic Bank has reopened – offering a museum where you can bank. The refurbished building now houses an ANZ specialist hub providing banking services, alongside a museum that charts the storied history of ANZ and the iconic site.
50. Take the kids to an AFL game for free
The AFL has announced the return of its Kids Go Free Month which will provide free entry to the footy for kids aged 14 and under for rounds 16-19. Designed to coincide with the winter school holidays nationally, the game’s smallest fans will have free entry to matches played between Friday 28 June to Sunday 21 July. Each match played during the period will have nominated ticket categories available in which junior tickets are free. There will also be a variety of family-focused activities and fun for big kids and small kids alike and an enhanced match-day experience full of entertainment, giveaways, food and beverage offerings and more.
51. Take part in a circus festival in the Yarra Ranges
Be amazed by show-stopping performances and get involved with interactive workshops when Ruccis Circus turns Burrinja at Upwey into a big top from 29 June to 6 July with shows for big and small and classes at the theatre.
52. Indulge at foodie wonderland Grazeland as it celebrates winter
Rug up and celebrate winter at Grazeland in Spotswood, and enjoy lively winter displays, live entertainment, fire pits and hearty food and drinks at their annual Winter Wonderland event, every weekend until Sunday July 28.
53. Visit the biggest metal art gallery in Australia – Metartworld
Get ready to be blown away by the mesmerizing metal art wonders of Metartworld! Be amazed as you step inside a massive 2,500-square-meter space filled with incredible, one-of-a-kind statues crafted from recycled materials and scrap metal. Get lost in beautifully themed areas featuring everything from anime and movies to animals, the military, cars, motorcycles, and even royalty! And that’s not all – buckle up for an impossible adventure through a dreamy, starry sky exhibition.
54. Unleash your creativity at the LEGOLAND Play Unstoppable Festival
Join in as LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne gets taken over by the Play Unstoppable Festival from 29 June to 14 July. Be part of the celebrations and take your imaginations on an adventure of limitless discovery, making new creations that only you could ever dream of.
55. Experience the magic of Kryal Castle’s Frozen Kingdom in Ballarat
The Frozen Kingdom event at Kryal Castle running until 21 July is the perfect school holiday extravaganza, packed with spectacular knight battles, engaging theatre performances, and hands-on activities for the whole family. The icy spectacular is part of the annual Ballarat Winter Festival and offers an epic program for all ages.
56. Enjoy a special Care Bears themed afternoon tea at The Langham
The eagerly anticipated Care Bears Afternoon Tea, an enchanting experience for families, returns to The Langham, Melbourne these school holidays from 8-14 July. With two sessions daily immerse yourself in a world of sharing, caring, and rainbows, where every moment promises warmth and delight. Experience the happiest afternoon tea of the year, where both children and adults will be treated to a delightful goodie bag alongside scrumptious Care Bears-themed treats.
57. Be captivated by the Silvers Circus Spectacular
Prepare to enter a world of entertainment where your imagination will soar like never before in this completely re-imagined modern circus spectacular. Silvers Circus has been a household name since the early 70s and has returned with a 90-minute spectacular featuring performances by elite artists from around the globe. You can catch it at the Burnley Oval in Richmond from 28 June to 21 July.
58. Journey back in time at the Prehistoric Bayside Exhibition in Brighton
Melbourne’s Bayside is home to one of the most important fossil areas in all of Australia, dating back roughly 5-6 million years of age. From giant Killer Sperm Whales that ate other whales, to monstrous sharks half as long as a basketball court, Prehistoric Bayside showcases the tumultuous lives of these bizarre beasts, displaying this groundbreaking fossil material for the first time. These fossils were found with the help of numerous citizen scientists, whose contributions are helping us piece together this ancient landscape, one bone at a time. The exhibition is showing at Brighton Town Hall from 29 June to 25 August 2024.
59. Unleash your kid’s inner creativity at Chaos Lab
Things are about to get fun and creative! Chaos Lab is the ideal place for little ones to have fun being creative while discovering the scientific facts behind the play. Explore a mirror maze, a slime station, a neon graffiti wall, a ball pit, and many more surprises. Meet the manic mad scientist and their lab assistants who will guide you through different zones to play, create, learn, and get just a little bit messy.
60. Check out Tarneit’s Firefly Night Market
The Tarneit Firefly Night Market is back for 2024 on 6 July. Soak up the buzz as you explore market stalls, live music, cultural performances, interactive art and more. With more than 70 market stalls to explore and a vibrant line up of entertainment to take to the stage, there is something for all ages.
61. Experience magical winter moments at the Arthurs Seat Eagle
Prepare to be delighted as faux snow flurries cascade from the summit every hour during the school holidays. Immerse yourself in cultural enrichment with yarn and yidaki sessions by Living Culture. Enjoy the thrill of nocturnal animal shows and enchanting winter night flights, offering a unique perspective of the Peninsula after dark.
62. Celebrate art in unexpected places at Immerse in Knox
Knox transforms into an interactive celebration of the arts with the return of Immerse. The month-long event will run from 28 June – 28 July and feature a range of evening projection installations, interactive pop-up events, and surprising performances for community of all ages to attend.
