Victoria is made for winter. Whether your idea of a great winter is sitting by a crackling fire with a few friends, relaxing in a natural thermal hot spring, getting in touch with nature, or pumping adrenaline by jumping out of a helicopter and skiing down a mountain, you’ll find it all.

If you’re a nurse or midwife exploring Australia, Victoria is the place to be in winter with so much to do and see. HCA has many shifts for agency nurses across Victoria, whether it be a metro or rural location.

To help get you started planning your winter activities while you pick up some agency shifts we’ve compiled our top 5 things to do to stave off the winter blues. There’s so much more to do, so get exploring!

1. Skiing in Mount Buller

If you fancy yourself more of an adventurous type, hit the slopes at Mount Buller where the temperatures drop below zero, making it perfect for skiing or snowboarding. It’s easy enough to get there by driving, public coach or for the adrenaline junkies, you might prefer to even charter a helicopter to drop you and your friends directly at the top of the mountain.

When you’re not carving up the snow, take a sled tour with a posse of huskies where tours range from an introductory 1 hour to the ‘Powder Hound Adventure’, a picturesque 3.5-hour trail from Corn Hill to Howqua Gap Hut. There will be photo opportunities so don’t forget your camera!

Plan your trip by visiting the Mount Buller website here.

2. Experience the Mornington Peninsula

Often described as a combination of Europe’s coastal living with an Aussie touch, the Mornington Peninsula, while quieter in the winter months, is a goldmine of activities that are sure to keep you toasty warm.

To start off your visit, rejuvenate your body and mind in the thermal mineral hot springs of Peninsula Hot Springs. Critically claimed, award winning, and with over 20 pools, some with a 360-degree view of the country side, the hot springs are the perfect place to zone out and dedicate some time to just yourself. If you’d rather stay indoors, there’s even a Turkish hamam built into the side of a hill where you can let steam and heat to help open your pores and mind.

When you’re ready, connect with nature in one of the lush national parks and discover the many wine and food experiences hidden away on the Wine Food Farmgate Trail where you can set yourself up with a warm meal, glass of vino and a roaring fire.

To see more of the (activities), or start booking your visit, see the Mornington Peninsula Website here.

3. Soak in some Art and History at the National Gallery of Victoria

History buffs rejoice ‚ the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was founded in 1861, making it the largest, most visited and oldest art museum in Australia. The NGV even has some history of its own; being home to one of Australia’s most famous unsolved art heists, the theft of Picasso’s The Weeping Woman in 1986 as a protest against the perceived poor treatment of arts by the state government at the time. In something out of a spy thriller, the painting was anonymously returned two weeks later in a railway station locker.

The National Gallery of Victoria hosts over 40 exhibitions a year from fashion and design to art through history from all over the world, so there’s always something for everyone. Upcoming exhibitions can be found here and remember, general entry is free.

4. Go footy mad in the home of AFL

Melbourne is Australia’s sporting capital and we don’t stop for the winter. Winter in Victoria is ALL about the AFL! The 2018 AFL season has started and runs until 29^th September where the magnificent MCG plays host to the Grand Final.

Haven’t been to a game before? We suggest you plan and book ahead as games are often sell-outs.A game at the MCG, Etihad Stadium in the CBD or GMHBA Stadium in Geelong are a spectacle to behold,with tens of thousands of fans cheering their approval or disapproval you will not to be disappointed. So, rug up (its going to be chilly) grab a meat pie with sauce and a beer and lap up some typical Aussie culture.

See the upcoming games and book your tickets at www.afl.com.au.

5. Philip Island Penguins

Yes, they’re cute and usually associated with the Antarctic, but at just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Philip Island Nature Parks offer a daily parade of Little Penguins as they waddle their adorable 33cm high bodies up the beach to their burrows. The super keen can get up close and personal with the penguins through and underground viewing experience, or book a VIP tour to get the best seat in the house.

Philip Island Nature Parks also offer many ecotourism experiences, including a multimedia Antarctic experience, tree-top boardwalks along the Koala Conservation Centre and an EcoBoat Adventure Tour direct to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals.

Profits generated by the Nature Parks are invested into conservation, research, ecotourism and educational initiatives, helping insure all future generations can continue to experience the magical wildlife at the park.

Bookings are essential and fill up quick! Visit the Philip Island Nature Parks website to buy your tickets.

If Victoria sounds like the place you want to be this winter, get in touch to pick up some shifts by emailing [email protected].

If you’re an overseas application looking to work in Victoria, please email [email protected]. Don’t forget to also send us your travel photos to [email protected] of what you get up to in Victoria, and we’ll feature them on our Facebook and Instagram!