Instead of curling up on the couch as the cold sets in, why not enjoy the special pleasures the cooler weather brings? This winter, get into nature in one of the most rewarding ways: with a friend, a hot drink, and a relaxing stroll. Here are the best spots to grab a coffee before heading out to enjoy the crisp winter days in one of Victoria’s beautiful parks.

In Melbourne

Albert Park, Melbourne

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to getting coffee in and around Albert Park. Take a stroll around the lake after visiting one of the cafes in the beautiful surrounds of the park itself – take your pick from the Boatshed Café or Sir Albert Café at MSAC – or cross Canterbury Road to visit Jack the Geezer. Along Victoria Avenue, visit Lenny, the Avenue Food Store, and Albert Park Deli, or stop at no. 84 on Bridport Street.

Opening hours vary; check websites for details.

Brimbank Park, Keilor East – Lumbar & Co.

A handy little café and kiosk, Lumbar & Co. is the best stop-off to grab a hot drink before taking a walk along Brimbank Park’s extensive network of trails. Or let the kids explore the extensive, accessible playscape while you take in the beautiful artwork and sculptures that tell the stories of the area. Brimbank Park also has social script resources for children on the autism spectrum. These social scripts have photographs and simple text to show children what they may see and experience during a visit – learn more at Parks Victoria’s Autism Friendly Visits page.

Open 7 days 7am-5pm.

Jells Park, Wheeler’s Hill – Madeline’s at Jells

Take in the peace and quiet of a frosty morning at Jells Park with a walk around the wildlife lake to spot herons, pelicans, darters and cormorants – and when you’re done, stop at the kiosk at Madeline’s to treat yourself to one of their unusual and utterly delicious chai lattes.

Open Monday to Friday 9am-3pm; Saturday & Sunday 8am-4pm.

Yarra Bend Park, Kew – Studley Park Boathouse

Tucked right up against the water’s edge in Yarra Bend Park, the historic Studley Park Boathouse is a picturesque stop-off on your way to enjoy the lush surrounds of Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park. Grab a flat white from the kiosk and set out on one of the many short and fascinating walks – or take a friend and hire a rowboat or canoe for some tranquil winter watergoing.

Kiosk open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-5pm; Café open Monday to Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-4pm.

St Kilda Pier and Breakwater, St Kilda – Little Blue/St Kilda Kiosk

This charming eatery dates all the way back to early 20th century, and is the best spot to get a coffee or milkshake before taking a winter stroll on the beach at St Kilda Pier and Breakwater. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline, or try to spot the penguins and rakali from the breakwater.

Kiosk open Thursday and Friday 10am-late, Saturday 9am-late, Sunday 9am-7pm.

Around Melbourne and Victoria

Arthurs Seat State Park, Mornington Peninsula – Eagle Café

Ride the gondola from the Base Station at Arthurs Seat State Park up to the all-accessible Eagle Café, where you can get a long black, take an invigorating walk through the sculptural winter landscape in Seawinds Gardens, and enjoy the spectacular views over Port Phillip and the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas.

Open 7 days 10am-4:30pm, April to October.

Mount Buffalo National Park, Bright - Dingo Dell Café

For a real winter celebration, get rugged up and take the kids above the snowline in Mount Buffalo National Park to visit Dingo Dell Café. They can have a snowball fight, and you can savour a hot chocolate in the gorgeous alpine surrounds of Mount Buffalo National Park.

Open 7 days, 10am-4pm when toboggan slopes are operating, otherwise open Thursday to Sunday 10am-4pm.

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi – Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Café

Grab a coffee and walk among the historic surrounds of the State Coal Mine, where you can follow the heritage trail, meet Cobber the pit pony, climb aboard the old steam locomotive and stop by at the museum.

Open 7 days, 9am-4pm.

Point Nepean National Park, Portsea – Radio Luna

Visit Radio Luna for a caffeine hit before heading up Point Nepean Rd to Point Nepean National Park. Here you can walk among the many remnants of the area’s fascinating defence history. Visit the historic Quarantine Station, explore the ammunition magazines and tunnels at the Fort, or bring your bike and cycle along Coles Track. Be sure to stop in at the Visitor Info Centre for help planning your day trip, and check out the Historic Highlights on our website for more tips.

Open Wednesday to Friday, 5:30pm-10pm; Saturday 12pm-10pm; Sunday 1pm-6pm.

For more inspiration on getting active in nature this winter, check out our best circuit walks, top dog-friendly walking trails, and the best accommodation options for a warm winter getaway.