In this story:
Want to try something new and unexpected this winter? Escape hibernation and try one of our top things to do in Melbourne! From making collage art to learning about blacksmithing, there are so many hidden gems to try in your local neighbourhood. Here, you can spend quality time with your loved ones, learn a new skill and head home with something handmade to show for it.
Still not convinced? Read on to discover these cosy winter activities in Melbourne that you probably didn’t even know existed.
Cut, paste and settle in at a collage workshop in Eltham
Looking for a comforting and calming activity? Head to this sip and snip collage workshop with Storyholding and spend a cosy day indoors making your own collage art.
Set inside the stunning Montsalvat Arts precinct, this workshop feels miles away from the city rush. The historic buildings, leafy surroundings and cosy studio setup make it one of those winter activities in Melbourne that immediately slows your brain down.
You don’t need to be artistic or even crafty to enjoy it either. Half the fun (or mess!) comes from flicking through old magazines, discovering unexpected colour combinations and creating something completely unplanned.
What to expect:
- There’ll be French background music!
- Coffee, tea and light refreshments provided
- Feel free to browse Montsalvat Community Centre before or after the class
Why you’ll love it:
“Rochelle's energy is so passionate and inspiring! I had done some collaging previously, but her ideas were so fresh and varied. The resources provided were also incredibly varied and abundant—no end of opportunity for creativity. The company of the class was beautiful too, so it was a wonderful way to spend a winter's evening. Looking at my finished piece today and loving it more and more. Highly recommended this workshop.” - Anne C.
Heading to Brunswick? Discover how to spend a mindful morning in Brunswick here.
Make your own silver jewellery in the CBD
Jewellery making might not scream “winter activity” at first, but honestly, it’s one of the cosiest ways to spend a cold Melbourne afternoon. Held indoors in a relaxed, slow-paced setting, it’s a meaningful way to switch off from the cold and spend a few hours creating something personal.
At HEECHO, you’ll learn how to create your own personalised silver ring from scratch—shaping, stamping and polishing it by hand along the way.
The best part is, you can add initials, a special date or a letter that means something to you. By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk out of a workshop wearing something you made yourself. Not bad for a winter weekend plan.
Whether you’re after unique winter date ideas or fun things to do with friends, this workshop turns a freezing day into something surprisingly memorable.
What to expect:
- Intimate, small guest size of up to four people
- You’ll get a HEECHO ring box
- Take photos of your rings after the class!
Create a winter signature scent in Balwyn
Want to make your own winter perfume? Head to Yi’s DIY Workshop in Balwyn!
Instead of picking up another off-the-shelf scent, you’ll build your own fragrance from scratch, learning how different notes layer and interact. Think vanilla, woody, cinnamon or fresh—mixed and matched until it actually feels like you.
What makes it so special is how personal it becomes. No two blends leave the room smelling the same, because everyone’s drawn to different combinations without even realising it.
The workshop itself is slow, cosy and a little addictive in the best way. Once you start experimenting with scents, it’s easy to lose track of time.
What to expect:
- Molly the dog hangs around the class!
- Take home a 30mL perfume with gift wrapping
- You can also add a personalised, custom label
Brighten grey days with mosaic coasters in Docklands
Some winter days in Melbourne feel so grey. That’s exactly why we recommend this colourful mosaic coaster workshop.
At Be-ras Creatives Art Cafe in Docklands, you’ll spend a few hours arranging vibrant mosaic pieces into cheerful custom designs that instantly brighten your mood.
The process is calming without becoming boring. You can focus entirely on patterns and colours while chatting, snacking and slowly watching your coaster come together piece by piece.
What to expect:
- Sip on a cup of coffee while you craft
- Take home two mosaic coasters
- Browse around the Docklands area after the class, whether you want to eat delicious food, discover new art and culture or go ice skating!
Why you’ll love it:
“This was a great and relaxing way to spend a cold Melbourne winter morning. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the class and had so much fun creating colourful mosaic coasters. Rashmi was such a wonderful instructor who was so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. We also enjoyed her delicious coffee. We’d definitely recommend this workshop!” - Kirsten R.
Heat things up with a blacksmithing adventure in Cheltenham
If unexpected is what you’re looking for, grab your friend or partner and head to this couples blacksmithing workshop with Forge On. Yes, actual blacksmithing.
You’ll work together beside the forge, heating and shaping metal while learning traditional blacksmithing techniques from an experienced teacher. The workshop is also beginner-friendly, so you don’t need any prior experience to enjoy it. You’ll be guided through the process step-by-step.
And honestly? Winter is the ideal time to try it. Working beside a roaring forge while Melbourne temperatures drop outside feels so nice (you’ll be so warm afterwards!). It will be hands-on and memorable in a way that dinner reservations rarely are.
What to expect:
- Wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes (leather and PPE provided)
- Choice of five items to make
- You can both make the same or a different item
Why you’ll love it:
“One of the best date days that my partner and I have had in ages! We came in as total beginners with zero metalworking experience, just hoping to do something a bit adventurous together, and we were completely blown away by how much fun we had and how much we learned in two hours!
Ron is an incredible teacher, warm, funny, patient, and genuinely passionate about his craft. He made us feel totally at ease in the forge and struck the perfect balance between hands-on guidance and letting us experiment.
If you’re a couple or a pair of friends looking to try something new, especially if you enjoy crafts or learning with your hands, this workshop is an absolute gem. After a string of samey date days and winter cabin fever, this experience brought such a spark of joy, connection, and creative energy into our relationship. My partner and I are already thinking about what we'd like to make next!” - Annabelle I.
4 years in business
Runs regularly
Brunswick & Burwood
1 to 18 guests
$110 - $119
12k followers
