Please note that this is a temporary, outdoor ice rink subject to varying weather and ground conditions. We advise that you check the weather forecast for the day of your visit, consider the nature of the event and the effects of any inclement weather on surface conditions, and wear suitable clothing and footwear.

What are the best public transport options?

To Brisbane Site (King George Square)

• City Cycle Station: King George Square
• Buses: King George Square Station
• Train: Central Station

To Bondi Site (Bondi Beach)

• Buses from the city – 380 or 333 (or train from the city to Bondi Junction then 333). Buses from West Sydney – 355
• Parking at the beach car park is available, subject to availability

To Sydney CBD (Cathedral Square)

• Train: Museum Train Station
• Bus: 200, 323
• Undercover parking is available, subject to availability.

To Melbourne Site (Royal Exhibition Building)

• Tram 86 or 96 to corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets
• Free City Circle Tram to Victoria Parade
• City loop train to Parliament Station
• Bus routes 250, 251 and 402 to Rathdowne Street

Undercover parking is available, subject to availability. For more information visit the Melbourne Museum Car Park page.

If I'm ice skating, when should I get there?

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your booked session to allow for skate fitting etc.

At what age can I bring my children?

There is no minimum age for children, although each child aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We advise parents to use their discretion as to whether the child will enjoy the experience if they are very young.

What are the available ice skate sizes for hire?

We have every size in the Skate Hire Hut from kids size 9 to adults size 13.

Can I bring my own skates?

Yes you can. We reserve the right not to allow a person to use their own skates if we decide that they are not suitable.

What if it is raining?

The rink can operate in nearly all weather conditions. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing. This is an outdoor event and no refunds will be given due to inclement weather. In the unlikely event that the Duty Manager deems it necessary to close the ice rink, alternative sessions will be offered for skating, subject to availability.

What do I do with my bags, coats etc. when I am skating?

For health & safety reasons, bags and cameras cannot be taken on the ice. There will a cloakroom on site with a small fee to house your belongings.

Do you have to book to eat at the Alpine Ski Hut?

Not at all! It's first in best dressed at the Alpine Ski Hut.

I can’t skate!

Don’t worry, most people in Australia aren’t very experienced. If you really feel like it’s not your thing just come along and watch rinkside and enjoy the atmosphere, it's free!

How long does the Winter Festival run for?

The Australian Winter Festival dates are:

Brisbane Winter Festival 9 - 26 June

Bondi Winter Festival (Bondi Bergstation) 30 June - 17 July

Sydney Winter Festival 22 July - 12 August

Melbourne Winter Festival 18 August - 3 September

How long is the ice rink open for?

The ice skating rink is open from 4pm - 10pm every weekday and 10am - 10pm weekends with skating sessions on the hour, every hour. The last skate session is 9pm.

How long do you get to skate for?

Each session is 45 minutes long. Once you get your skates, you can skate for as much or as little of a session as you choose.

I came late for my session, can I skate in the next one?

While we would love to give you more time on the ice, if the next session is sold out we have to give priority to those who have booked and arrived for their skating session.

I can’t make my skating session, can I change my tickets to a different session?

You can change your tickets online by logging into our website, provided that you change your tickets more than 48 hours in advance of the session you have booked. Otherwise, our tickets are like those of a concert or other event, non-refundable. All ticket sales are final and we are unfortunately also unable to change ticket categories. So, please check carefully when making your booking.

What does it cost if I don’t want to skate?

Entry to the event site is FREE.

Do you have locker facilities?

We have limited locker facilities available for hire on a first come first served basis. Lockers cannot be booked in advance and are not included in your ticket price.

Do I have to book online?

It is recommended that you book online as doing so will ensure that you are able to attend the skating session you want. If a session does not sell out online, some tickets will be available from the ticket office, on the day, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Also, the skating packages are only available online.

What are these skating packages?

There are a few different types of tickets, so you can choose which ticket is best for you whether you're a family of four, a cuddly couple, or a solo skater.

We've got a few specials and package deals for you, with added goodies to complement your skating session. Our packages have been carefully crafted to make your experience at the Winter Festival that little bit extra special.

What are the Snowflake Tokens and what can I use them for?

The Winter Festival Snowflakes are tokens that can be used at all hospitality outlets and for attractions like the ice rink. They are a great way to give a gift to friends or can be used for staff or other functions as a flexible way for purchases on site.

Do I need to have snowflake tokens to purchase food and drink?

No, all of our food and drink stalls accept cash as well as snowflake tokens.

I have booked a ticket, what do I do now?

Please print your ticket and bring it to the ticketing office at the festival. Staff will process your ticket and direct you to the Skating Hire Hut with a stamp for the appropriate skating session. Please note that without that stamp you may not be able to collect your skates or get out on the ice.

Liability

Tickets cannot be refunded and Alpine Designs P/L shall not be liable for consequential losses, including but not limited to travel and car parking.

Alpine Designs P/L the operator of the ice rink retains the right to refuse admission or request visitors to leave the venue at any time.

Alpine Designs also excludes all liability for any loss, damage to personal property or injury to visitors, however caused, but do not exclude liability where any death or injury is caused by the negligence of Alpine Designs P/L, its staff or suppliers.

We reserve the right to close the ice rink and access to areas within the grounds around the ice rink at short notice and without prior warning.