The sunshine has mostly disappeared, and the leaves have fallen off the trees, which can only mean that winter is closing in. Instead of just hiding out under the covers at home waiting for the beach weather to return, strap on your boots, put on some gloves, and take advantage of the change of season by exploring the cold-weather activities and fun things to do in Docklands this winter!

Docklands Firelight Festival
The Firelight Festival is back to deliver its fiery wonder! Drawing on the winter solstice traditions, experience spectacular nightly pyrotechnics, flame jets and fire drums, roving performers, and eclectic music in bespoke settings. With over 40 performances a night from all corners of the globe, including gypsy tunes, New Orleans brass, jazz, mariachi, bluegrass and a one-man band, crowds wandering the three precinct promenades will be dazzled with scorching entertainment. Fire drums, flaming jets and fire performances will keep you warm on the outside while blazing BBQ, sizzling paellas, soups, sweets, mulled wine and toasty hot chocolate will warm you from the inside.

Where
Victoria Harbour Promenade and New Quay Promenade
When
June 30 - July 04

Winter Wonderland Circus
Wonderland is presenting a Winter Wonderland of family fun under the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Docklands. The event features the Winter Wonderland Circus Live in the heated Wonderland Spiegeltent starring a thrilling cast of Australia’s top circus performers to keep you on the edge of your seat and laughing out loud for the duration of 50 minutes. As well as the amazing Winter Wonderland Circus, there will also be the exciting debut of the 'It's Snowtime', an undercover snow pit!

Where
Under The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
When
June 26 - July 10

O’Brien Icehouse
Since it's already cold outside, why not embrace it with a day spent ice skating. O’Brien Icehouse has created a fun environment where people of all ages can enjoy ice skating safely. Whether you’re a beginner or an ice skating pro, you’re guaranteed to have a day jam-packed with fun at the best ice skating rink in Melbourne. O'Brien Icehouse is a sports and entertainment centre with two Olympic-sized rinks - the largest ice arena in Australia. The world-class facility also hosts national and international figure skating events and is home to two Australian Ice Hockey League teams - Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs - as well as the Melbourne Ice Women’s team.

Where
105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands
When
Open 7 days

Dragon Boat Festival
Gather your friends and family to watch the Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club race across the Yarra at Docklands. To celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, there'll be musical entertainment from Australia Dunhuang Arts Academy at Yarra’s Edge by Mirvac, along with free Lune croissants, TimHoWan yum cha and Alley Milk Tea.

Where
Voyager Point Park Cres, Docklands 3008
When
Sun 6 Jun 11.30am - 2.30pm