Five Ways to beat the Winter Blues

Posted on by Miriam

It’s mighty cold here in Melbourne at the moment, which isn’t really surprising given we’re in the midst of winter. As much as I’d love to just hit the road and head to warmer climate, well …

“A long trip north sounds fantastic … however not all of us can simply up and go to Central Australia or the Cape. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t uncover ways to enjoy a short break and chase away the winter blues …”

That’s the premise of my column in the current issue of On the Road Magazine.

With about six weeks left in Winter I thought I’d check out a few more ways to embrace the season.  There’s always something happening, an event, a festival, indoor events. No need to hibernate, just cos it’s cold.

White Night Reimagined

White Night transforms the city of Melbourne. Buildings along city streets are illuminated with a kaleidoscope of projections changing the view every few minutes. Musicians play on street corners and balconies and the vibe is incredible. We went last year and I wrote about it here.

This year it promises to be even better. And it’s more than just one night. Prepare to enter a different realm and be transported into another world for a three-night winter spectacular across three of Melbourne’s inner-city parks and gardens: Carlton Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Birrarung Marr.

On the eve of spring, White Night reimagined 2019 will be full of art, culture, large scale performance and, held in conjunction with the Melbourne Food and Wine festival, it promises to be a delicious experience for all of the senses.

Save the dates: Thurs August 22 – Sat 24 August.

Hit some Speed in Winton

Feel a need for speed?  Head to Winton, about 2.5 hours from Melbourne where the festival of speed is guaranteed to blow away a few cobwebs 

Featuring a 300 plus field of historic cars at the Winton Raceway, from the 1940s through to the 1990s, this is one for those who like to live life in the fast lane. Or those who just like to perve at old cars.

Towns Rugged Up

If you happen to be passing through Benalla in August you’ll notice it’s all dressed up for Winter. Yep, they’re a creative bunch and you’ll find yarn installations on pergolas, lane ways, trees and bollards all through the month of August. This rugged up Winter yarn bombing seems to be the ‘in thing’ now.

Even my hometown dresses up for its annual shindig, aka the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival on Sunday 25 August. It’s always a big day out with an influx of people flooding the village from all across Melbourne. There’s hoards of families milling the streets, steam train rides, buskers, markets, music and loads more. It’s a fantastic festival, though now my kids are grown up, we tend to either hibernate or leave town.

Cheese and Wine anyone

Want to escape Melbourne’s winter and head to Tuscany, without the airfare?  Okay, well, I can’t promise vineyards and warmth but there’ll be pane Toscana, olive oil and salami. And lots of vino to try.  All you need to do is close your eyes and you’ll be transported through food and wine from Collingwood to Tuscany!  Visit Tour of Tuscany tasting for all details.

How about a Blobfish beer festival at the Meat Market in North Melbourne?  Sound bizarre? This new beer festival focuses on funky, barrel-aged and mixed fermentation beers. 

The website tells us … “Like the blobfish, they emerge from the depths of the beer scene – intriguing, slightly obscure, somewhat unknown but always exciting. Melbourne’s iconic Meat Market hosts 16 breweries from across Australia, plus a handful from overseas.

Over two sessions on Saturday 24 August, the event includes a special festival restaurant, oyster bar, premium cheese, a bottleshop for unique takeaways, live acoustic music, natural wine, and more.”

Now, don’t let the name put you off but, for those who love their cheese, The Mould Festival is Australia’s most famous cheese festival. Come and taste the best cheese from all over Australia in one place. Don’t let the name put you off.

You gotta hand it to Melbourne, we’re not called the foodie capital of Australia for nothing!

Wonderland Run

Now personally, the Grampians is to be savoured and walked. However, for those who feel particularly energised, put your running shoes on. What a setting for a run!

The Wonderland Run Grampians, held from 24-25 August, is a trail running weekend that caters for runners of all abilities with trails in Halls Gap ranging from 2kms to a 60km ultra marathon.

You’ll be running in some of the most spectacular landscape in Victoria. Visit Wonderland Run Grampians for all the details.

Close to home

Walking with Harry at Mt Macedon

In my mind I have a dream, a vision and plans that involve travel, writing and lots of new adventures. In the meantime it’s all about learning, enjoying the steps and the small joys that we can find every day and every where.

Sometimes the best things are found right on our doorstep. And they cost very little. A day trip to Macedon, an invigorating walk in the fog, my daily walks with Harry, coffee in a new cafe around the corner, dinner with close friends in a new restaurant. It doesn’t take much to break out of the ordinary and immerse ourselves in a new experience. Every time we step into something new we’re creating a new version of our story.

Where is your story taking you?

Whatever season you’re in, winter or summer, embrace it all, look for the joys that light a fire in your soul and let your passions guide you. Life’s too short not to dream, plan and seek out what we love.

Keep enjoying the journey.

Cheers, in love and light

Exploring the Otways. Never before have I felt so certain I’m on the right path. Here’s to following our dream and always looking up

58 thoughts on “Five Ways to beat the Winter Blues”

  4. Cheers to following our dreams, Miriam. You do look cold yet you’ve not experienced the cold we have here, so count your blessings. Love the way you are exploring you and what you can do. Thank you for sharing a part of your life. No worries ….. Spring will be here soon! Much Love to you! 💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Haha, yes I’m sure our winters are not nearly as cold as yours Amy. It’s never really stopped me from doing too much anyway. Hope you’re well and following your own dreams. xx 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Hey PC, why doesn’t that surprise me? Good choices my friend and yep, gotta make the most of even winter. Hope you’re having a good week. 😊

      Like

      Reply

  6. what a diverse range to warm the soul, Melbourne does that so well!
    and you do sound joyful, like you’re on the right path … go forth young lady ❤
    impressed at Benella's yellow yarn beauty 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. White Nights looks fabulous, Miriam, but as you said there are plenty of small things to brighten your life. Yesterday evening we strolled to the Carmo Church to watch a procession, and admire the partial lunar eclipse. It was a lovely warm evening, but it would have been just as beautiful if we’d needed to wear coats. 🙂 🙂 Soon be Spring, hon!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. That sounds beautiful Jo. And yes, it certainly can be in the small things that we find joy. Enjoy the rest of your week my friend and I’ll second what you said, roll on Spring! 😊🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. All of your suggestions would be great Miriam, but also a bit chilly, especially the Grampians. We were down on the NSW Central Coast two weeks ago and it was beautiful. I was kind of glad we left before the weather turned icy there too. Congratulations on another great magazine story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Miriam, in that last photo I feel you’ll be looking up a long time until you see the top! Magnificent trees and a beautiful winters walk. Lots of great ideas for the season and I love the sound of yarn bombing and have read lots about it on blogs but never seen it for real. Looks a warm cuddly colourful day out! Congratulations on the article and good luck with your plans for the future … a matter of looking forward and living now! 😀❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Annika and so sorry I missed your comment. Yes, yarn bombing is incredibly creative. Every year our town’s centrepiece tree is decked out and weaved into something quite extraordinary. Thanks for your warm wishes. Looking forward and living … I love the sound of that. Much love and hugs to you Annika xx ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Miriam, your posts are so lively. I find it so weird to hear winter in august! But, that is because august in the uk is supposed to be summer. Lol.

    Finally, each time you show your magazine articles, i cant stop feeling so so so so very happy for you.. hugs ..so happy you can get paid for doing what you love. Just fabulous.

    😘🤗👏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Bella, you’re very kind. Thank you for your lovely thoughts and good wishes. I do consider myself very blessed. Hard work and perseverance has certainly paid off. 😊 And yes, it’s very cold here in August. Such extremes from your seasons. I hope you’re well. xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. Fabulous things to do all over, especially like the sound of the Blobfish Beer Festival. Very odd. You need to get out and about and have a go at all of this stuff I think.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Loved reading this via my phone app a few weeks ago Miriam, and so enjoyed your narrative. I wonder where the original idea of ‘Rugging up trees’ with crochet or knitted yarn came from 🙂 As when we went to the Isle of Wight earlier in the year, we saw lamp-posts decorated this way along a street as we drove past.

    And you are right, about the best things often to be found on our doorsteps.. We have some wonderful woodland walks near by
    Sending love and well wishes Miriam, loved reading, and if those didn’t beat the winter blues. I don’t know what will ❤ 💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Sue, you’re always such a beacon of light when you visit. Yes, those yarn bombed trees and lamp posts are absolutely quirky but I have no idea where the ideas originated. Regardless we’ve enjoyed a fairly mild winter here, although today was and the next few days are predicted to be truly arctic. 🥶
      Love and best wishes back to you my dear friend. xx 💚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. We’re blowing up a gale here though balmy temps still.. Like a tropical storm.. Maybe Earth has already tilted a few degrees more lol. But I do feel Winter will have a sting in her tail this year here… 🙂 MUCH love back ..

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  21. It looks like there are many great things coming up in the area around you. The White Nights looks like it will be especially wondrous. I love a good walk in the fog. It always feels so magical like the veil between worlds has thinned. We are well into summer and it has been a very hot one for here in Virginia. We’ve been trying to find time to get out and enjoy the lakes surrounding us. School has just started and soccer is right behind so we’ll be a little more limited in our excursions, but we should be able to do some things nearby. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.