Skating At Melbourne Festival 2018

Overview

Melbourne winters mightn't be known for their ice and snow (just yet, anyway), but that doesn't mean you can't slide across a frozen surface in the centre of the city. From June 22 to July 15, a spot along the Yarra will become a winter wonderland thanks to the return of the Skating At Melbourne Festival.

With the event heading to Southbank for the first time, the CBD is getting a good dose of frosty fabulousness: ice skating, obviously, but also ice sliding, bouncing, rides, music, food and more. It's the next best thing to heading to Europe when Melbourne's at its iciest.

Last year, the food offerings included German sausages and glühwein, so prepare to really feel like you're abroad. Entry to the area is free, but you'll have to pay for all of the fun stuff, with the fest open from 10am–9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am–11pm on Thursday and Friday, 9am–11pm on Saturday and 9am–10pm on Sunday.

The lineup of events includes not only regular ice skating, but a romance-themed 'date and skate' night each Tuesday, plus an 'Ice Ice Baby' disco evening every Thursday.

And if you're over St Kilda way, you're in luck — a skating rink is popping up there too.