Pictured above: Lake Daylesford
There’s still plenty to do and see in Melbourne’s west during the colder months, from festivals and markets to wineries and breweries. So bundle up this weekend, pack a ‘brolly, and start exploring!
Festivals and Events
Little Kids’ Day In – Ready, Set, Glow
Kids aged 5 and under will love this sensory-based day of music, dancing, light, shows, and open-ended STEM spaces where they learn through play. There are colour, light and glo shows, plus a Disco Dance Party with music and live performers.
- Scienceworks: 35min from Westwood
Monday 5 June, 10am–3pm
museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/little-kids-day-in-ready-set-glow
Ballarat Winter Festival
The regional town of Ballarat turns into a winter wonderland every year at the Ballarat Winter Festival. There’s something for adults and children alike, including the spectacular winter lights at Sovereign Hill, a theatre program, kids’ activities, wintery food and mulled wine and a pop-up ice rink. It makes the perfect family day trip or romantic weekend away this winter.
- Ballarat: 1 hour from Westwood
Saturday 24 June – Sunday 16 July ballaratwinterfestival.com.au
Adventure Park Winter Glow
If you’re looking for school holiday inspiration, look no further than Winter Glow at Adventure Park in Geelong. Kids will fall in love with this winter wonderland, which includes snow, rides, epic light installations, fire twirling and ice sculpting displays, plus some winter food favourites such as roasted marshmallows and hot chocolates (there’s also mulled wine for the adults!).
- Adventure Park Geelong: 1hr 25min from Westwood
Friday 16 June – Sunday 16 July
adventurepark.com.au/winterglow
Winter Sounds Daylesford
Winter Sounds is a music festival spread across one weekend and a variety of extraordinary spaces, from the beautiful St Peter’s Church to the town halls of Daylesford, Glenlyon and Clunes, the Bullarto Bush Hall and aboard the Spa Country Railway. The talented lineup includes Mo’ju, Gareth Liddiard, Jen Cloher, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker, Adalita, and more.
- Daylesford and surrounds: 1 hour from Westwood
Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 August
wintersounds.com.au
Weekend Markets
There’s no better way to spend a sunny winter morning than wandering a Sunday market with your hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee. The Eynesbury Market is on every fourth Sunday with a wide range of stalls from farmers and produce growers, along with artisan craft stalls and food vendors.
If you want to make a day trip of it, the Daylesford Sunday Market runs every week and you can also book a train ride on a restored vintage train at the Daylesford Spa Country Railway.
- Eynesbury Sunday Market: 25min from Westwood
eynesburyfarmersmarket.com.au - Daylesford Sunday Market: 1 hour from Westwood
daylesfordsundaymarket.com.au
Wineries & Breweries
There are several wineries within a half hour’s drive of Westwood, perfect for a weekend lunch with friends and family. Witchmount Estate offers casual dining and grazing at their cellar door or a full menu at their on-site restaurant, while Arundel Farm Estate offers an a la carte or two-course menu for weekend lunches. Russo Estate is a great pick for a Friday night with an Italian menu and $10 cocktails, plus live acoustic music on select Friday nights in winter.
If you want a break from vino, head to the family-friendly Round Rock Taphouse for snacks, burgers, pizzas and more, with local beers on tap.
- Witchmount Estate: 8min from Westwood
witchmountestate.com.au - Arundel Farm Estate: 20min from Westwood
arundelfarmestate.com.au - Russo Estate: 11min from Westwood
russoestate.com.au - Round Rock Taphouse: 8 min from Westwood
rrtaphouse.com.au