Winter in the west

The ice rink in Williamstown is around until Sunday, July 14. (Supplied)

The month of July in Melbourne’s west promises a line up of events and activities to check out before the school holidays are over.

Winter in Williamstown is returning to Commonwealth Reserve every day until July 14. With DJs, light projections, and most notably an ice-skating rink, head down and catch it before it melts. Open from noon daily.

Eynesbury is keeping to the cool theme, with the Winter Festival back for it third year, with a rink of its own and lots of other attractions for the whole family, including a fireworks display.

The ultimate dinosaur adventure awaits at Werribee Open Range Zoo. See large, animatronic dinosaurs come to life in a setting like no other.

For those after an arts and culture experience, proud Makwarra Paakantji and Wiradjuri songstress LEO will be performing at the Braybrook Community Hub, Wednesday, July 10, from noon as part of NAIDOC Week.

There is also a new public artwork lighting up the night sky in Footscray throughout winter.

‘Welcome to Footscray’ serves as a gateway leading into the Footscray CBD, created by acclaimed Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal artist and long-time Footscray resident Brook Andrew.

For sport buffs, the Melbourne West Special Olympics will be hosted this weekend at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

On Saturday, July 13, athletes from across the state will be competing in backstroke, freestyle, and butterfly races.

For those travelling on the train this month, have a listen to the Storytowns Podcast’s Railway Stories, a number of geo-located podcasts that offer commuters and visitors to explore Melbourne’s west by train.

The series covers local history, culture, and attractions, including intriguing facts such as a Sunshine-made harvester sold to a Russian Tsar, the taste difference between Northern Pho and Southern Pho in St Albans, and the international significance of the Cheetham Wetlands in Point Cook.

Rug up and enjoy all the west has to offer this winter.