Winter can cop a whole lot of weather-related flak, and while we do acknowledge that it's cold, we reckon winter is a great time to rug up, get cosy and head out for some family-friendly fun.

Topping our list of things to do in and around Melbourne this winter is Adventure Park's Winter Glow Festival, bursting with snow-related jollity without the hassle of lugging everyone to the slopes.

Step Into a Winter Wonderland at Adventure Park's Winter Glow 

Geelong's most epic winter festival is back - and bigger than ever! Now in its sixth year, Adventure Park's Winter Glow is returning for the 2026 July school holidays with more snow, more rides, and more magic than any previous season.

From 20 June to 29 August 2026, families can enjoy snow, lights, ice, and theme park rides in a fun-filled family festival celebrating all things winter.

Victoria's Biggest Indoor Snow Zone

Visitors can revel in the magic of snow at the biggest indoor snow play zone in Victoria - and the largest outside the ski resorts! Build snowmen with 150 tons of machine-made snow under a huge undercover zone, rain, hail or shine.

There's also a Snowball Throw Zone where you can take aim and safely hurl snowball after snowball at friends and family from behind the specially designed wall. High-country magic, no mountain drive required.

3.3 Million Sparkling Lights in Victoria's Largest Lights Display

Experience the magic of 3.3 million sparkling lights and over 1,000 dazzling installations along a 2.5km accessible lights trail - the largest lights display in Victoria. Marvel at spectacular set pieces, including the Ice Castle, Sparkle Archway and Emoji Fields, plus enchanted gardens, fairytale scenes, winter wonderlands, and immersive tunnels.

Whether you're after jaw-dropping backdrops or beautiful family photos, this trail delivers at every turn.

Live Performances & Ice Sculpting

Watch world-class ice sculpting come to life with performances from renowned local artist Glenn Smith and world champion ice carver Kevin Roscoe. See incredible works take shape before your eyes - one of the most unique live art experiences you'll find anywhere in Victoria this winter.

Meet the Ice Princess

Step into a winter fairytale with the Ice Princess Meet & Greet. Little ones can come face-to-face with the enchanting Ice Princess herself for a truly magical moment they won't forget.

Unlimited Rides Including Two Brand-New Thrills

To match the record-breaking snow, Adventure Park is debuting two new thrilling rides that bring an alpine edge to the festival. Hop into a tube and hurtle down a frozen track on the brand-new 45-metre Ice Toboggan - a classic mountain pastime with a Winter Glow twist. Then conquer the heart-pounding new Drop Zone, a 20-metre tall drop tower and the tallest of its kind in Victoria.

All entry prices include unlimited rides on 10 awesome theme park rides: the brand-new Drop Zone and Ice Toboggan, plus family favourites including the Wave Swinger, Crazy Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Air Balloons, Tea Cups, Red Baron, and Carousel. You'll also get access to two mini golf courses - perfect for keeping the whole crew entertained between snow sessions.

Enchanted Snow Salon

New for 2026, little dreamers can step into the brand-new Enchanted Snow Salon, where they'll undergo a magical transformation into winter royalty, complete with a shimmering tiara, regal cloak, and a dusting of signature winter glitter. (Additional cost applies.)

VIP Winter Igloos

For those seeking the ultimate festival base camp, VIP Winter Igloos offer a cosy, private sanctuary amidst all the winter fun. Limited to just four per night, these exclusively styled domes are perfect for families and groups to retreat, warm up, and soak in the festivities in style. (Additional cost applies.)

Delicious Winter Feasts

Kids can roast gooey marshmallows over roaring open flames, then warm up with the ultimate winter treat: loaded hot chocolates topped with marshmallows, chocolate bars, fairy floss, cream, and more. Indulge in hot speciality donuts with gourmet toppings and chocolate-covered churros. Adults can keep the chill at bay with spiked hot chocolates, spiced cider, or mulled wine by the open fire. Winter feasting has never looked so good  (additional cost applies).

Adventure Park's Winter Glow: The Fast Facts

Winter Glow is Geelong's annual winter festival, now in its sixth year at Adventure Park. The festival features Victoria's biggest indoor snow play zone, with 150 tons of machine-made snow, a Snowball Throw Zone, and a fully undercover setup, so weather is never a concern. A 2.5km accessible lights trail showcases 3.3 million sparkling lights and over 1,000 installations, making it the largest lights display in Victoria. Live entertainment includes world-class ice sculpting performances from renowned local artist Glenn Smith and world champion ice carver Kevin Roscoe, plus an Ice Princess Meet & Greet. All entry tickets include unlimited rides on ten theme park rides, including the brand-new 45-metre Ice Toboggan and 20-metre Drop Zone (the tallest drop tower of its kind in Victoria), plus access to two mini golf courses. 

Adventure Park Winter Glow FAQs

What is Winter Glow at Adventure Park? Winter Glow is Geelong's annual winter festival held at Adventure Park in Wallington, on the Bellarine Peninsula, and features Victoria's biggest indoor snow play zone, a 2.5km light trail with 3.3 million lights, live ice sculpting, theme park rides, and family dining and activities.

When is Winter Glow 2026? Winter Glow 2026 runs from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 29 August 2026, including every day of the Victorian July school holidays. Check adventurepark.com.au for specific opening hours and session times.

Where is Adventure Park's Winter Glow? Adventure Park is located at 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington, on the Bellarine Peninsula. It is approximately 25 minutes by car from central Geelong and around 75 minutes from Melbourne's CBD via the Princes Freeway.

What's included in a Winter Glow ticket? All Winter Glow tickets include entry to the snow play zone, access to the 2.5km lights trail, unlimited rides on ten theme park rides (including the new Ice Toboggan and Drop Zone), and two mini golf courses. Some experiences, including the Enchanted Snow Salon, VIP Winter Igloos, and marshmallow roasting, are available at additional cost.

How much does Winter Glow cost? General Admission is $42 pp for guests 90 cm and over.  Under 90 cm go FREE. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly for July school holiday dates.

What is the snow play zone like at Winter Glow? The snow play zone is Victoria's biggest indoor snow zone and the largest outside the ski resorts. It features 150 tons of machine-made snow under a large undercover area, so it's accessible rain or shine. Visitors can build snowmen and throw snowballs in the dedicated Snowball Throw Zone, which features a specially designed wall for safe snowball fights with friends and family.

What rides are at Winter Glow 2026? Entry includes unlimited rides on ten theme park rides: the brand-new 45-metre Ice Toboggan, the new 20-metre Drop Zone (the tallest drop tower of its kind in Victoria), plus the Wave Swinger, Crazy Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Air Balloons, Tea Cups, Red Baron, and Carousel. Two mini golf courses are also included.

Is Winter Glow suitable for toddlers and young children? Yes. Winter Glow is designed as a family festival with experiences across all ages, from snow play and carousel rides for little ones through to the new Drop Zone for thrill-seekers. The lights trail is fully accessible and suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

What food and drink are available at Winter Glow? Winter Glow offers a range of alpine-style food and drinks, including loaded hot chocolates, hot specialty donuts with gourmet toppings, chocolate-covered churros, and marshmallow roasting over open flames (additional cost). Adults can enjoy mulled wine, spiced cider, and spiked hot drinks.

Book your Winter Glow tickets NOW.

More Cool Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne's Best Ice Skating Rinks
The Best Spots to See Snow Near Melbourne
Where to go Skiing in Melbourne in 2026

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