Winter attractions set to open in Melbourne and Canberra

Pop-up winter attractions featuring ice skating, family fun and seasonal experiences are set to open in Canberra and Melbourne.

On the banks of the Yarra, Melbourne’s Rising festival will offer ice skating, art installations and outdoor dining over 12 days and nights from today (7th June) to 18th June.

With the ice skating rink described as a “highlight”, Rising offers a packed program of music, food, visual art, dance and performance.

Melbourne landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall and Fed Square will host Rising events, with thousands expected to rug up and experience the city’s must-do winter festival.

Flinders St station’s historic top floor will present Shadow Spirit, the largest exhibition of First Peoples art in Victoria; Melbourne Town Hall will be transformed by the immersive cinema experience, Euphoria and St Paul’s Cathedral car park will be this year’s Rising festival hub complete with a food market, art installations and performances.

The Rink at Rising offers a fun ice-skating experience for all ages and, for those donning skates for the first time, beginners can try out a lesson with professional coaches. During the school holidays, The Rink will host a special program of activities, including ice skating demonstrations, bubble art making and family-friendly DJs.

A key part of Canberra’s winter events calendar, Winter in the City will enable Canberrans and visitors to experience real, fresh snow as the heart of the CBD is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Winter in the City will feature snow play, toboggan rides and ice skating along with shopping, eating, and entertainment experiences.

Last year 20,000 people visited the ice rink and organisers are expecting more this year with the addition of real snow.

Winter in Canberra will also see Questacon host spectacular mid-winter nights with illuminated igloos, roaming performances, mesmerising fire shows, family-friendly activities and science by night.

Images courtesy of Winter in the City.