If there’s one city fit for serving up weatherproof experiences, it’s Melbourne. Said to be the city with four seasons in a day but the good news is that come winter, you have a pretty good idea of what you’re going to get. But don’t let the cold and wet shy you away as Melbourne comes to life year-round.
The Winter Village
Designed for weatherproofing your Melbourne winter escape, the Winter Village is an alpine-inspired pop-up winter wonderland. Located at Federation Square and backlit by Melbourne’s twinkling city lights, the Winter Village is sure to be a magical favourite for a couple’s weekend in Melbourne. Test your ice-skating skills or warm up with a hot toddie as you nestle into one of the 24 private igloos, with food and drinks delivered. The Winter Village is free to enter and open 7 days a week, however best to book ahead for skate sessions or igloo sittings.
Cozy up at a pub with a fireplace – there’s quite a few!
You can’t go past Melbourne’s world-class pub culture. If the cold isn’t for you, don’t worry because the city is lined with pubs with fireplaces to keep you cosy. As one of the most highly sought after pubs in Melbourne, pay a visit to Marquis of Lorne in Fitzroy serving up wholesome meals and craft beer. If a pub crawl speaks to your soul, don’t be afraid to also check out Napier Hotel and Grace Darling Hotel on your way back into the city centre.
Cheese, Please!
Whilst you could hunker down at home feasting on fromage in your favourite flannelette panamas, going to a specialised cheese and wine bar like Milk the Cow sounds like a better story to tell those missing out on their winter vacay. Milk the Cow is located in both Carlton and St Kilda.
Flights come in small or large sizes, starting from $24 for a pairing of wine, beer, cider, gin or whisky, making for the perfect outing. For a wider spread, pick and choose your favourites from the 180 varieties in the 6-metre cheese cabinet or leave the choice to the expert Cheesemongers.
All Milk the Cow cheese can be boxed to go in a gorgeous cheese box, complete with a branded disposable wooden cheeseboard inside so why not package up all of her favourites and take some late-night goodies back to your hotel room.
The Small Bar Scene
When looking for somewhere intimate to enjoy a quiet drink, Melbourne’s unique bar scene is like something like no other. The city’s bar scene itself is far from small, but it boasts some niche spots with limited capacities that are well-suited to your date night.
A must visit is Bar Americano; the first standing room only venue in Australia. When you see it you’ll understand why with a capacity of just 10. It is one of the world's leading classic cocktail bars with a location rich in history. Next wander a short 500m north to Beneath Driver Lane. Hidden behind the iconic GPO building, down Driver Lane, two lights either side of the doorway identify this underground hideaway. Descend beneath the laneway to another world of deep strumming blues, martinis, reimagined classic cocktails, and French inspired bar food.
Where else to explore? Also try The Everleigh, Handsome Bar and Bad Decisions.
Game Over
Looking for a nostalgic experience to end the night? Visit Bartronica’s retro gaming wonderland in the middle of the city where you can show your competitive side on everything from Mario Kart and Smash Bros to the extensive range of Pinnies and classic arcade games. Open until late Tuesday through Sunday in a basement off Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
When the adventure comes to an end and it's time for a restful night's sleep, retire to your guestroom at Crowne Plaza Melbourne.
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