GRAB your winter woollies, pack your thermos and head to Ballarat for the annual Winter Festival.
Just 75 minutes west of Melbourne, the city turns into a winter wonderland in July, with everything from flame-throwing and jousting to potato and whisky tasting.
Here is our guide to some of the highlights of the month-long festival:
Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights: Christmas in July: Watch as Sovereign Hill’s Main Street is immersed in a sea of light, colour and sound. The event will take place every night in July, with building projections lighting your way and ‘snow’ cascading at regular intervals
Knights of Fire – Joust of the Flame: See knights on horseback armed with flaming jousting sticks battle it out in Kryal Castle’s main arena to cure the icy heart of the Snow Queen. The castle is a replica medieval castle about 8km east of Ballarat. This show is on in July only.
Whiskey and beer: Savour top drops and meet winemakers as part of The Red Series wine festival on July 29 or taste fine beers at the Ballarat Brew Festival on July 22. Both events 1-6pm at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
Ice is nice: With a frozen forest, ice skating rink and an igloo haven, this is a chance to snuggle up in your woollies, wander through the mystical forest, lace up your skates and take to real ice in the CBD, and explore the Antarctic wonders on offer.
