Melbourne
Insider guides: Winter in Melbourne
Whether you're up early, or out late, discover a cool new side of Melbourne.
Explore Melbourne like a local. Follow our Melbourne insiders through city laneways and down neighbourhood streets, on the hunt for their favourite places, high and low. Meet Smith & Daughters restaurant owner Shannon Martinez in her Fitzroy heartland. Follow Ingrid Rhule, Manager of Exhibition Design at National Gallery of Victoria, as she weaves her way to work, on a journey of cultural inspiration. Get to know hospitality maestros Zara & Michael Madrusen and their favourite bars around town. And hang out with Melbourne fashion stylist Meggy Smith, as she shops her way from city jewellery store to neighbourhood boutique. Whether you're up early, or out late, discover a cool new side to Melbourne. Delve a little deeper this winter and discover a twist at every turn.
This content is produced,
in partnership, by
Nine and Visit Victoria.
Shannon Martinez
"Melbourne in winter is the best.
Hands down. No matter what you're into, Fitzroy has everything. Food, music, culture, art. Everything is here.
You don't need to leave."
— Shannon Martinez, Smith & Daughters restaurateur, Fitzroy.
Shannon’s winter hot tips
Smith & Daughters
Restaurants
Can vegan food get any more hip than this? Owner Shannon Martinez proves plants can be the heroes of your delicious life.
Naked Upstairs
Bars
Hit the rooftop of Fitzroy's Naked For Satan for authentic Basque country comfort food, complete with views of the distant Dandenong Ranges.
Quick bites
Melbourne
Got somewhere you need to be? Grab a quick bite in between the action. This town's got casual fine food down to an art.
Melbourne's top tables
Melbourne
Melbourne's got top tables and rock star chefs galore. It's a step up from a twist of pepper and a twirl of the lazy Susan.
Fitzroy
Destinations
Perch in a Brunswick Street bar and celebrate the way that sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same in this bohemian enclave.
Late night bars
Food & wine
Tuck into a tipple while everyone else is tucked in bed. These Melbourne bars will keep the light on for you well after the last tram has gone home.
Zara & Michael Madrusen
"We're absolutely spoilt in Melbourne. There's a lot of beautiful casual spaces. See a glow in the window, wander in, hop up at the bar and enjoy some beautiful food and drink."
— Zara Madrusen, Owner The Everleigh, Heartbreaker and Bar Margaux.
Zara & Michael's top spots in winter
Heartbreaker
Bars
A neon-lit dive bar with jukebox, pool table, craft beers and cocktails, The Everleigh's CBD sibling is bound to pull at your heartstrings.
The Everleigh
Bars
For a night out full of speakeasy charm, oh-so-knowledgeable barkeeps and impeccable cocktails, head down to The Everleigh.
Bar Margaux
Restaurants
Melbourne meets New York and Paris at this French-style basement bistro from the award-winning team behind The Everleigh. Good Food Guide Bar of the Year 2020.
Embla
Bars
A city wine bar with quiet confidence that attracts gourmands and wine lovers alike, and accolades from Good Food Guide and Australian Gourmet Traveller.
Kirk's Wine Bar
Bars
Enjoy the best bits of the City Wine Shop and the European at the other end of town at Kirk's Wine Bar, like fine wines, cheese plates and bistro food.
Ingrid Rhule
"I think there is a great excitement and buzz in the air. Melbourne in winter is definitely the place to be. …[P]ockets of art and industry together, I think that's what makes Melbourne really special."
— Ingrid Rhule, Manager, Exhibition Design,
National Gallery of Victoria.
Ingrid’s winter hit list
Market Lane Coffee
Cafes
Refuel with superb coffee in chic city surrounds and grab beans, tips and all the gear you need for unbeatable home coffees, too.
NGV International
Art galleries
See one of the most impressive collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art at this iconic Melbourne gallery.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Art galleries
Be inspired by three dedicated exhibition spaces, two historic kitchen gardens and a sculpture park, all located on 15 acres of beautiful landscape.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Art galleries
See superb collections of Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art on permanent display as well as special exhibitions at The Ian Potter Centre.
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
Art galleries
See works by the best contemporary artists and attend inspiring workshops and public talks at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Laneways
Melbourne
There's always a new restaurant, cafe boutique or bar to discover just around the corner in Melbourne's bustling, creative laneways.
Meggy Smith
"As a fashion destination, Melbourne is a creative, unique place to visit in winter.
…I think our laneways really electrify our city. There are so many hidden gems and so many wonderful eclectic stores."
— Meggy Smith, Melbourne Fashion Stylist.
Meggy’s winter hot spots
Pieces of Eight
Art & design
Get a piece of contemporary gorgeousness at this urban gallery showcasing artisinal jewellery and objects made by established and emerging artists.
Windsor
Destinations
Windsor impresses with its cheerful mix of boutiques, gastro pubs and brekky hotspots, retro stores and some of the best Asian food in the south.
City laneways
Destinations
There's always something new to discover in Melbourne's hive of bustling, creative laneways with their boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars.
You may also like...
Theatre and performance
Melbourne
See blockbuster productions at grand theatres, or catch new local talent on tiny stages, in surprising locations.
48 hours: Romance
Itineraries
Make your weekend in Melbourne an affair to remember. Indulge in luxurious accommodation and enjoy the city's famous bars, restaurants and galleries.
Melbourne winter dining best 6
Food & wine
From hand-made pasta to piping hot dumplings, we help you discover the six best foodie spots to warm up day and night this winter in Melbourne.
Events
Melbourne
Melbourne's events calendar is packed: music, film and design festivals, major exhibitions, sports events, theatre, and food and wine celebrations.