Melbourne’s Cosiest Winter Activities

This season, some of The Pass’ favourite Melbourne pubs are leaning into the cold with private Yarra River glasshouses, riverside cinema sessions, beachside salsa and winter movie nights by the bay.

Whether you’re planning date night, group drinks, a family outing or a midweek excuse to leave the house, here’s where to get cosy in Melbourne this winter.

The Wharf Hotel has gone full winter fantasy with its new Glasshouses, a seasonal experience overlooking the Yarra River.

Running from June to September, the Glasshouses are fully enclosed private spaces for groups of up to 10 guests. The launch themes include Sunflower House, a golden garden escape filled with bright blooms, Starry Night, a dreamy after-dark setting with deep blue and gold details, and Scarlet Bloom, a rich red floral glasshouse made for a very photogenic winter dinner. There are multiple sessions available daily, with limited spots per session.

Guests can choose from two $59 per person packages. The Dining Package includes a classic sit-down winter meal with a share-style platter, while the Lounge Package is made for grazing, with share platters, pizza, chips and garlic bread.

Optional upgrades include chocolate fondue, beer tasting paddles, gin tasting flights, a Kids Spritz Paddle, self-led Paint & Sip and Polaroid cameras. Families are welcome too, with kids’ activities and roaming entertainers on Sundays.

Book your spot now →

Yarra Botanica is taking midweek movie night and putting it right on the river, which is exactly the kind of sensible behaviour we like to see.

Every Wednesday from 7pm, the floating bar will screen a rotating program of crowd-pleasing films, from rom-coms and classics to cult favourites. The winter program includes How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Love Actually for Christmas in July, Mamma Mia, The Notebook, Mean Girls and Interstellar.

Movie-only tickets are $29 per person, with an optional two-hour beverage package available for $52 per person.

It’s a strong choice for date night, friend night or “I need a Wednesday plan that doesn’t involve scrolling on the couch in trackies again” night.

Book your spot now →

West Beach Pavilion is bringing winter plans to the bay, starting with Salsa & Sip on Monday nights.

The beginner-friendly dance class runs from 6pm to 7pm, and no partner or experience is needed. Translation, you can arrive with two left feet and still have a good time. Tickets are $29 per person and include a drink on arrival, which feels like a fair reward for being brave enough to dance on a Monday.

West Beach Pavilion is also hosting Winter Cinema every Wednesday at 7pm, pairing classic films with cosy beachside vibes. Tickets are $25 per person and include popcorn.

Film highlights include The Notebook, Mamma Mia!, Paddington 2, The Parent Trap, Love Actually, Elf, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and a pet-friendly screening of 101 Dalmatians. The dogs have been invited. This is serious cinema.

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Morris House is bringing Christmas forward, and thankfully, it’s bringing the laughs with it.

The Bogan Comedy Christmas Feast is a Christmas in July lunch and show made for anyone who likes their festive feast with a side of stand-up. Round up your crew, dust off the ugliest Christmas jumper you can legally wear in public, and settle in for a long lunch packed with comedy, prizes and proper festive chaos.

The show features a lineup of comedians from the Australian comedy circuit, serving live laughs while guests tuck into a three-course Christmas feast. Tickets also include a glass of premium wine on arrival, which feels like the correct way to begin any Christmas lunch, July or otherwise.

There’s also an Ugly Christmas Jumper Competition, so this is your chance to wear something itchy, loud and deeply questionable. Fashion is temporary. Comedy lunch glory is forever.

Book your spot now →

Cold nights deserve better than cancelled plans and another lap around the streaming apps.

From private riverside glasshouses to movie nights on the water, salsa by the beach and winter cinema in St Kilda, Melbourne has plenty of cosy plans worth leaving the house for.

Find your table, pick your movie, book your spot and give winter the main character treatment it’s been asking for.