6 ways to enjoy Victoria in winter

This year Steve and I decided our main travel goal was to see more of our state. When all this amazing stuff is on your doorstep you tend to ignore it, and we'd done that for too long. This year it was time to pack our bags and hit the open roads.

I've never been more in love with Victoria. It surprises me at each turn and it has everything: city, bush, beaches, and even desert. And although many Victorians complain about the cold down here at this time of year, there are heaps of things to enjoy in winter. Here are my top picks:

Plunge yourself down a cold mountain. A skiing trip to Mt Buller is one of life's musts. It's exhilarating, adrenalin-rushing fun that also happens to be in one of Victoria's most beautiful areas (in my humble opinion). If skiing isn't quite your thing but you want to play in the snow with the kids, Lake Mountain or Mt Baw Baw are the closest spots to Melbourne, with great toboggan runs.

Experience snowy history. Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is enjoying a white Christmas in July theme, which is a fun way to take in some gold rush history. Pan for gold, do a mine tour, watch old-fashioned lollies being made and see more of life back in the day. Kids of all ages love it here.

See the cute animals. I don't think the wildlife spotting gets any better than on Phillip Island, especially in winter. Buy a three parks pass for the Penguin Parade, Koala Sanctuary and Churchill Island farm, and if you can do the Seal Rocks cruise, do. You might just luck in with a touch of whale spotting while you're out on the seas at this time of year, as we were lucky enough to experience.

Eat chocolate. Think you can do that anywhere? Then you clearly haven't been to my new favourite shop and cafe: the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Willy Wonka would be proud of this place, with its fantasy feel and indulgence at every turn (dessert accompanied by a shot of melted chocolate, anyone?), and even better: they're having a chocolate festival throughout August. And because this is the Yarra Valley, you're right on the doorstep of the state's best wineries - and nothing goes better with chocolate than a glass of red.

Cosy up in a small town. Walhalla is a truly magical tiny town, and never more so than during the month of August when the light festival is on. I first visited Walhalla two years ago on a blogging trip, and have returned each year since for a train ride with my family.

Be a city slicker. Melbourne is not only stunning in winter, it's made for it. The national gallery, museum, Scienceworks, beautiful theatres, and let's not forget the shopping and coffee. But I think one of the best events on the winter calendar is Open House Melbourne in late July, where you can get inside some of the city's most fascinating buildings. I'm planning to get to some kid-friendly spots for OHM this year.

Maybe you'd like to go against the crowd and head (or stay) south for the winter?