Winter in Tropical North Victoria comes with a twist – it’s the season where sunshine becomes your best friend and jackets are just along for the ride. Perfect for school holidays, our region serves up crisp mornings, warm days and plenty of room for family adventures. From riverside exploring to easy outdoor fun, it’s a place where kids can roam and parents can relax. Turns out winter might just be the coolest time to visit.
When are the Winter school holidays?
- Victoria: Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July 2026
- New South Wales: Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July 2026
- South Australia: Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July 2026
1. Up, up and away
Winter mornings get a glow-up this July as Balloons Over Mildura takes to the skies. Across the festival period, families can watch colourful balloons rise with the sun or book a breathtaking flight with Global Ballooning. Make a note of Saturday 4 July for the dazzling Night Glow, then return Saturday 11 July for the crowd-favourite Key Grab competition. It’s fresh air, big smiles and a little touch of magic your holidays. It’s a spectacle not to be missed!
2. Full throttle family fun
From Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July, the Hattah Desert Race turns up the volume. Just outside Mildura, the action is fast, dusty and seriously fun, with riders of all ages tackling the red dirt. Pack a chair, find a good viewing spot and settle in as engines roar and tyres fly. Expect high-energy moments and plenty of excitement the whole way through.
3. Two nights, double the glow
As the sun goes down, Mildura’s light-filled experiences take centre stage. Wander the Trail of Lights on Lock Island (open Thursday to Saturday), where glowing installations guide families along the riverfront, with plenty of space to explore at your own pace. Then, make time for the Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) in Wentworth (open Thursday & Saturday), where music and light collide in a mesmerising open-air performance. Together, they create a winter evenings experience that feels both magical and memorable.
4. Water fun that lasts all Autumn
Circle the dates, Friday 3 July and Friday 10 July, for free movie nights on the riverfront at Powerhouse Place. First up, Planes flies in alongside Balloons Over Mildura, followed by Paddington for Teddy Bear Picnic Day the next week. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks and settle in under the open sky for an easy, feel-good evening with the family.
5. Make it to local market
There’s no better way to spend a morning than exploring Mildura’s local markets. Across the holidays, you’ll find everything from farm-fresh produce to handmade goods at Sunraysia Farmers & Makers (Saturday 4 and Saturday 18 July), Red Cliffs Country Market (Sunday 5 July), SRS Benetook Farm Winter Market (Saturday 12 July) and Merbein Lions Club Market (Sunday 19 July). Come ready to browse, bite and discover.
6. Play it warm
When the chill kicks in, Mildura’s indoor spots keep the fun rolling. Dive into history at the RAAF Memorial and Museum, check out classic cars at the Mildura Holden Motor Museum or watch gemstones come to life at Woodsies. For something more active, there’s Sunraysia Tenpin Bowling, Laserpunk Laser Tag, CravVR and Nitro Golf, giving families plenty of ways to mix playtime with a little discovery.
7. Nature calls (and it’s close)
Adventure is never far from Mildura, even in winter. Take a day trip to Mungo National Park for ancient landscapes, head to Hattah-Kulkyne National Park for wildlife spotting or explore the Pink Lakes in Murray-Sunset National Park. Cooler days make exploring comfortable, with wide-open spaces inviting kids to roam, explore and take in the region’s natural beauty.
8. River days done right
The Murray River keeps things moving all year round, offering a calm and scenic escape during the school holidays. Families can hop aboard a ride with Mildura Paddle Steamers or unwind on a gentle cruise with Mildura Cruises, taking in river views and local wildlife. It’s a simple way to slow things down and enjoy quality time together on the water.
9. Adventure mode: On
Looking for something a little different these holidays? Turn Mildura into your very own adventure playground with the free Agents of Discovery app. With missions set along the Riverfront and Trail of Lights, kids can crack codes, solve clues and explore alongside Agent Sunny. It’s an interactive mix of tech and outdoor fun, sparking curiosity, keeping little bodies moving and adding a playful twist to your family day out.
The coolest kind of holiday
Winter in Mildura has a way of bringing it all together – fresh air, open spaces and just enough warmth to keep the days rolling. Whether you’re chasing adventure, slowing the pace or mixing a bit of both, it’s a destination that makes family time feel easy.
Pack the car, follow your curiosity and let Mildura do the rest. These are the kind of holidays everyone looks forward to.
Find more information and book your activities in advance by visiting the links below.
Take a break, make it to Mildura safety
Getting to our region safely starts with taking the time to pause along the way, and the TAC Pause Stop program is designed to help you do exactly that. As one of just 15 premium Pause Stop locations across Victoria, the Mildura Visitor Information Centre is a dedicated safe‑break zone where travellers are encouraged to pull over, reset and continue their journey refreshed.
With easy parking, clean facilities and a welcoming on‑site café, it’s the ideal place to stretch your legs before the final stretch north. And once you arrive in Mildura, you’ll find the same warm hospitality, helpful local advice and everything you need to make the most of your stay – safely and confidently.
