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Between the beautiful summer days and cheerful Autumn afternoons Melbourne begins to transform. Open toe shoes are slowly replaced by dainty boots, silk scarves are lovingly put aside and colorful merino wraps are abundant. Winter is marching towards us and I for one am excited.

I was born and raised in this beautiful city. Accepting the harsh reality that if I didn’t like the weather there was no use complaining. With a teaspoon of patience and a pitiful look on my face, I would side and watch the world outside my bedroom window. Even as a young child, I knew that soon enough the weather would change. It was only after my first winter in the Macedon Ranges did I really understand what it meant to be cold and coffee-less. A terrible affliction for a Melbourne girl.

Winter in the southern end of Australia bashes through the days and nights and brings us some wonderful adventures. While so many friends are complaining about the cold these little adventures are planting a firm smile on my face.

Skiing

Yes I know I’m a little late to the party on this sport. Not only has the recent Winter Olympics re-energized the snow sports sector in Australia, it has also given me blind hope that one day I will ski with grace and poise. Not like the scared rhino on chopsticks that I currently impersonate.

Snow Bunny in training

My obvious lack of skill doesn’t damper my determination. This year will see Mt Buller and Mt Hotham full of laughter at the sight of me falling on my arse.

Soaking up the sunshine-Mt Buller

Camping in the snow.

This little dream of mine will become a reality this year, thanks to some great sales in Melbourne I’ve been able to grab the necessary outdoor gear for a night or two away at Bluff Hut. While James is a regular Bluff Hut visitor all year around I’ve been to scared to take myself out of my comfort zone of Melbourne cafes in winter and head up into the Alpine National Park.

One of the joys of Bluff Hut is the wonderful people you meet along the way. Whilst we camp out, hard core I know, there is a hut (it’s true) available for use, toilets and horse yards. You never know who’s going to be there doing what.

The Alpine National Park stretches from central Gippsland all the way to the New South Wales border where it adjoins Kosciuszko National Park. Within the park are some of Australia’s most stunning alpine landscapes, including mountain peaks, escarpments and grassy high plains. The Park is open all year round with a variety of adventured filled activities. Most of the areas are only about a 3hr drive from Melbourne. So easily achievable for a quick overnight escape.

So what will you do when Winter comes knocking on your door?