The coolest time of year to visit Melbourne
With the official start of winter just days away and cooler days finally upon us, the annual emergence of that very Melbourne fashion staple has been unleashed on the streets again – the ubiquitous puffer jacket.
When exactly the puffer jacket became a necessary part of everyone’s wardrobe I’m not quite sure, but in coming days it’ll be almost impossible to cross the street without facing an onslaught of horizontally ribbed black nylon, with its accompanying swishing soundtrack and latte-clutching inhabitants seeking centrally heated offices.
A puffer jacket. You can’t avoid these in Melbourne over winter.
I’m possibly the only Melburnian who doesn’t own a puffer jacket. And as someone trying to promote my credentials as a local who can give overseas visitors an authentic experience, I’m probably not doing myself any favours admitting it. But then I’m a tour guide, not a fashionista. Fighting the cool, it seems, remains more important than looking cool, so at least this item of apparel demonstrates the pragmatism of my fellow Melburnians.
Sunset on the Great Ocean Road
Chief among the benefits to being in Melbourne at this time of year is the fewer number of people at popular locations. The shorter days mean you can enjoy a sunset at the famous Twelve Apostles with just a handful of other people at around 5 o’clock, whereas in summer you’ll not only be jostling with hundreds of other visitors for the best vantage point, you’ll also not see the inside of your Melbourne hotel room until well after midnight.
Speaking of attractions on the Great Ocean Road, last week I did a couple of short walks in the Otway Ranges. In my opinion the moist tree fern-lined gullies come alive at this time of year. You can almost sense the vegetation breathing a collective sigh of relief that the season of hot weather and high trekker numbers is over and the business of relaxing over the next few months and soaking up the persistent moisture can begin again in earnest.
One of the Otway Ranges’ wonderful walks, at its most majestic over winter.
And then of course there’s the footy. AFL, Melbourne’s very own contribution to the world of sport, dominates the local airwaves and many a dinner table discussion this time of year. Everyone who visits Melbourne between March and September should try to get to a game. I promise that even if you don’t have a clue what’s going on, the atmosphere of the crowd at ‘The G’ when the siren sounds is something you’ll never forget.
An AFL Football. AKA a footy.
I have no problems saying that winter is the coolest time of year to visit Melbourne, if you’ll pardon the pun. My advice is to get out there and enjoy it. But just remember to grab yourself a puffer jacket first.
