where're the places near melbourne to see snow

Where’re The Places Near Melbourne To See Snow?

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    Does anyone know if Melbourne has any decent snow? The thought of Australians as in snow is a long cry from the beautiful beach paradise we're used to. Yet, it shouldn't stop you from doing Eddie the Eagle yourself at one of the several nearby snow resorts that are only a short ski trip from the heart of the city.

    The ever-changing climate of Melbourne is a common topic of conversation; who hasn't heard the phrase "four seasons in one day"? But the question is: where exactly in Melbourne can one locate the best snow mountains? Intelligent people will make the most of the snowstorm we get by visiting Victoria's top attractions, so they'll load up their snow gear and throw it on top of their Tarago before setting out.

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    FAQs Melbourne To See Snow

    Here’s a snapshot of some of Melbourne’s top choices for a family trip to the snow: Mt. Donna Buang Mt Donna Buang summit (1,245m) is located in the Yarra Valley, overlooking Warburton in Victoria, only 88km away from Melbourne, making it the closest snow destination for a quick day trip. Plus, there is no cost to access Mt Donna Buang.

    Perhaps the most well-known of Victoria’s snowfields, Mt Buller packs a punch just three hours from Melbourne. Be prepared for the people as there’s room for an easy 7,000 people to be accommodated at the resort.

    According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the last time snow hit the ground in Melbourne was in 1986. In 2020 there were reports of a light dusting of snow on the upper levels of some high rises. However, the only time there’s been a heavy snowstorm in Melbourne was back in 1849.

    The closest snow to Melbourne can usually be found in Winter on the summit of Mt Donna Buang, near Warburton and just 70 km east of Melbourne. For daily snow updates (during snow season) go to Visit Warburton Facebook page.
    June and July are the coldest months and October is the wettest. Annual average rainfall for Melbourne is around 649 mm.
     

    Melbourne To See Snow

    It may not be the best idea to break out the skies in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), even though it may feel as chilly as a snowfield during the winter. Nonetheless, a short drive from the city will take you to some of the country's finest ski areas. We have compiled a list of the top six places to go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, and snow tubing in the Melbourne area.

    Mt Buller

    Being one of the most easily accessible snowfields, and one of the busiest, Mt. Buller is only three hours away from the rush and bustle of Melbourne. The resort can accommodate over 7,000 guests, so there's plenty of room for all the snow bunnies. Visiting Buller is cheap, as it just costs $50 to get inside the Mountain. Mansfield, a picturesque town, may be found at Mount Buller's base.

    It's a great home base for exploring the surrounding area, and it's secluded enough to feel like a true escape. We recommend going throughout the week to avoid the crowds. There are many places to eat and rent equipment, such as snow chains and warm clothing, in Mansfield.

    Stay in adjacent cities like Northampton, where you can rent a room for roughly $120 a night and get public transportation to Mt. Buller, if you're on a tight budget.

    If you'd want to be close to all the excitement in Buller village, there are a number of ski lodges in the area. A night at the summit will cost you at least $170 per person, and that's before you factor in food and activities.

    In the warmer months, you can run, walk, or ride your bike along Mt. Buller's many trails. Trails for hiking and mountain biking abound and can be enjoyed by groups of any size, from solo adventurers to groups of friends and family. Buller Air Zone is the resort's indoor trampoline park, perfect for those rare moments when you've had enough of the great outdoors.

    Perhaps the most well-known of Victoria's snowfields, Mt. Buller is only three hours away from Melbourne. The resort can easily handle 7,000 guests, so make sure you have enough space for everyone. Newbies can take advantage of free, designated Snow Play zones, and experienced riders can take advantage of Team Buller's rider coaches to hone their snow skills. Among the best spots to observe snow in Melbourne, it also features a wide variety of venues to eat and drink.

    Falls Creek

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    If you're looking for the most skiable area in Victoria, go no farther than Falls Creek. It offers a wide range of difficulty across its 90 runs. It's possible to ski both during the day and at night, with night skiing offered on select weekdays.

    If it requires a village to bring up a child, then it needs a Village Bowl to get them out on the slopes. Twilight Tuesdays feature a variety of family-friendly activities, and throughout the months of July and August, there is a night entertainment every Thursday. Keep in mind that it's a four-hour journey from Melbourne proper, so you'll want to reserve some of the plentiful lodging. Prior to leaving, check the Falls Creek snow report.

    Falls Creek is Australia's premier ski destination, and it features some of the country's best slopes. Falls Creek offers approximately 90 different runs, so there's something for everyone from novices to youngsters to intermediates to experts. Both the longest green run in the country and a wide variety of more challenging slopes are included. The U.S. Alpine Skiing Team trains there.

    Falls Creek, the largest alpine resort in Victoria, is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy cross-country skiing. Falls Creek provides a true ski-in, ski-out experience from the lifts to the village by closing its on-mountain roads to automobiles for the duration of the ski season.

    It's possible to find a variety of apartments and resorts in Falls Creek, some of which are located within a few feet of the lifts. Go into your private, luxury apartment in the resort's prime location, ski or board straight up to your door, and kick off your boots on heated floors in front of an open fireplace.

    Unique amenities, like as outdoor hot tubs on private balconies, make it possible to take in the alpine scenery without risking frostbite. At the chalets, visitors can enjoy amenities like a heated indoor pool, a hydrotherapy spa, a sauna, and a game room. Most hotels provide free breakfast, and those that don't usually have bars and restaurants on site nearby so that guests may refuel after or before shredding.

    If you're looking for hotel-style lodging close to the nearest chairlift, the Falls Creek Hotel is a great option. The hotel provides a complimentary cooked breakfast and the option to add dinner to your stay for an additional fee. Guests can also stay in the modern and large QT Falls Creek.

    Staying in a private apartment, chalet, or hotel in the heart of the village will cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars per night. Lodges with other guests are cheaper than private apartments by about $150 per month. The lodges are still conveniently positioned within the heart of the resort village, just a few feet from from the main gondolas. Traveling to and from adjacent communities like Harrietville, Bright, and Mount Beauty is an inevitable part of any low-cost alternative.

    Road cycling and hiking are two of the most popular summertime pursuits in Falls Creek, and they are accessible to people of varying levels of experience. Australia's tallest lake, Rocky Valley Lake, can also be explored by renting a canoe and paddling across its serene waters.

    In fact, guided equestrian tours of the mountainous region are available. There is a lot to do in the Kiewa Valley and the surrounding mountainous region, including exploring the area's 18-hole golf course, vineyards, paragliding, hang gliding, and 4WD routes.

    Mt Hotham

    Mount Hotham Alpine Resort is worth the four and a half hour trip, as it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia. While Hotham isn't the best choice for a day trip, it's the excellent destination for an exciting weekend escape. Mount Hotham has it all: three terrain parks, 35 kilometer of cross-country ski trails, snow play, sled dog tours, a ski school, surfing lessons, equipment rental, and a wide variety of lodging options.

    Mt. Hotham is one of Australia 's highest ski areas, and it features 13 lifts and more than 80 courses that are perfect for beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders. Hotham is the most remote of the Australian alpine resorts, despite boasting 320 hectares of skiable terrain, its own airstrip, 18 restaurants and pubs, and even a luxury day spa.

    Cars or 4WD private vehicles are charged $51 per vehicle, per day and $56 on the spot for resort entry and parking.

    2-day lift tickets for adults and kids start at $181. Also, on Mondays and Fridays, a 50% discount is offered for single-day lift passes to college and university students.

    To rent out your apartment or cabin with a view of the snow-capped mountains is a surefire way to make a killing. You'll be so close that you can observe other skiers and snowboarders from the convenience of your own lounge.

    If you aren't picky, there is a wide variety of low-cost and family-friendly solutions.

    Hotham village's ski clubs and lodges charge about $35 per person, per night and provide plentiful heating and local park, a large communal kitchen, and soothing amenities like a shared home theatre, saunas, a billiards table, and the occasional bitter cold outdoor Jacuzzi. The Vagabond Ski Club, one of the larger lodges, has rooms for as little as $24 during the week and $28 on the weekends during off season for a pair of people sharing a room.

    Summer on Mt. Hotham is like being in another dimension. There are a wide variety of outdoor activities to partake in around the Mitta Mitta River, including road cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, bushwalking, fly fishing, and even white water rafting. You can explore the area on your own, or you can sign up for a guided trip and use one of the many trails. In addition, Dinner Plain is home to an Onsen Resort and Spa where you may unwind. There are quaint resort cafés and cafes open for business, providing much-needed respite from the excitement.

    Lake Mountain Alpine Resort

    The Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is a beautiful destination only a few hours outside of the city centre. Despite being named following George Lake, the Melbourne snow range does not feature any lakes, but rather offers a plethora of boat-based icy activities.

    There are six toboggan runs and a 100-meter tube slide, so plan on spending the day having fun. There are five different snowshoe trails to choose from if you're not interested in sledding. Finally, for the heaviest snowfall, be armed with a snow chain or lease one of those in Narbethong or Marysville if you're a keen bean.

    Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort

    All ages can enjoy Mount Baw Baw. During the winter, we serve the needs of skiers and snowboarders, while the summer months bring us hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The immaculate paradise is only 2.5 hours from Melbourne, and it features 30 hectares of groomed lines, seven ski lifts, three powder play areas, and 10 kilometres of groomed merge ski trails.

    When it comes to snow activities, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort offers a more relaxed downhill experience. It's 30 kilometres of cross-country ski trail, it's just two and a half hrs from the city centre, and the slopes of the Tob gan have a repeating Frog theme.

    You can also sign up for a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour if you want to see the mountains in a different light than you would on skis or a snowboard. They also provide a broad selection of apartments, houses, and cottages, perfect for weekend visitors.

    You can save time and energy by staying in one of the lodges at the summit of Mt. Baw Baw rather than descending each day. There are lodgings available that are suitable for people of all ages and financial means, including cheap ski lodges, private apartments, and chalets, as well as backpacker-style dorm beds that are ideal for lone shredders and private budget accommodations for conscientious couples. Anything you want to do is always open.

    You can spend $45 for a single night in a shared dorm room at Alpine Backpackers or $103 for a separate room at the fancier Flashpackers. Skiers and snowboarders will feel right at home in a lodge, which features convenient amenities such as heated bathrooms and saunas, as well as areas specifically designed for drying out wet gear and warming up by the fireplace.

    Luxury seekers should consider the Cascade Apartment 9, a three-bedroom unit with all the bells and whistles. It is a luxury vacation home that can accommodate ten people and has a beautiful view of the snowy landscape. The nightly rental fee is $600.

    Not many people remember that in the warmer months, Mt. Baw Baw is home to a wide variety of thrilling activities. You may go mountain biking at Baw Baw and the nearby mountains, or you can hike or run on one of the many trails. You can run, hike, or climb along the many types of behaviors trails available, all while losing yourself in the natural world.

    Let's say you enjoy taking things at a more relaxed and social pace. The resort's two alpine dingoes, Rowdy and Warragul, accompany guests on a guided walk on the resort's Walk with the Dingoes programme. You could also go fly fishing, glamping, or play laser tag, for example. A free and public 18-hole disc golf course is also available.

    Mt Stirling

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    Although there are no ski lifts at Mt. Stirling, it is not as ideal for inexperienced skiers. But the jogging route is a reliable path that never deters its travellers. In other words, Mt. Stirling is right up the alley of individuals who have greater familiarity with the winter arts.

    There are a few of beautiful routes for those who want to learn more about alpine trees, and there are even camping areas strewn about so that the most intrepid snow explorers can channel their inner Shackleton. Snowshoes are a must, so don't leave home without them.

    Lake Mountain

    At only two hours from the heart of the city, Lake Mountain is not only one of the most convenient snow getaways, but also one of the closest. This snowfield doesn't have much in the way of downhill slopes, but it makes up for it in other snow activities, and it's completely accessible via 2 drive
    There are four distinct tobogganing hills with plenty of open room for snowman building and other snowy fun. Get yourself a pair of ski boots and explore the five distinct snow pathways if trekking is your thing.

    Prices for complete ski packages begin at $40 per adult or child. Prices for complete snowshoe sets start at $25 for kids and $35 for adults. Adult and kid toboggan packages (including the equipment) start at $60. The day cost to rent simply a toboggan is $14.

    Lake Mountain, conveniently located in the Yarra and Goulburn valleys, is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. The resort features a variety of fun activities like tobogganing, a flying fox, a tube ride, and a laser skirmish, as well as a ski school for novices on the mountain.

    Lake Mountain does not have any downhill runs or lifts, but there are 30 kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing trails to enjoy. In addition, during the warmer months, the resort is perfect for a day trip filled with bushwalking, mountain riding, cycling, trail jogging, picnicking, and exploring the great outdoors.

    Lake Mountain's charming neighbouring communities offer easy access to a wide variety of lodging options. Budget-friendly options include $95 nightly rates at caravan and holiday parks, and $200 nightly rates at self-contained lakeside villas in Healesville and Marysville.

    If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, the Woodlands Rainforest Resort in Narbethong is only a half-hour drive from Lake Mountain. A luxurious in-ground jet spa, patio access, cosy fireplaces, a fully stocked minibar, and fully equipped kitchenettes are all available at this chalet. Horseback riding, complimentary bicycle rentals, a breakfast including regional specialities, and in-room massages are all available in the vicinity.

    In the summer, Lake Mountain is a great place to rent a bicycle or bring your own and enjoy a leisurely off-road or road cycling excursion. Trails over the mountains are suitable for both leisurely strolls through the wilderness and more strenuous ascents to the summit. As an alternative, you may check out the tube run, the flying fox, or the laser skirmish.

    Mount Donna Buang

    Looking for some inexpensive or even free wintertime entertainment? The entrance fee to Mount Donna Buang is nothing. The trip up to the peak is beautiful, and once there, you may enjoy the sights, as well as three distinct toboggan tracks, a snow play area, restaurants, parking, and restrooms.

    At the summit's 21-meter lookout tower, visitors can take in breathtaking vistas of the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Mountains, Melbourne, and the Alps. Toys and gear for the snow can be brought by visitors, or they can be rented from the mountain. Moreover, Mount Donna Buang is the nearest snow resort to Melbourne, making it an ideal day excursion for a family looking for some wintertime fun.

    Summary

    Winter in Victoria can be experienced in the mountain region. If you're a skier, snowboarder, tobogganer, or die-hard fan of hot chocolate, the snowy mountain summits are the perfect place to escape the rush and bustle of the city.

    There are 5 key alpine resorts in Victoria to select from: Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt. Baw Baw, and Lake Mountain. So, how do you pick a destination? Below you'll find a comprehensive guide to the alpine resorts in Victoria, including information on where to stay, how much it costs to get in, and what to do when the ski season is over.

    Conclusion

    Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy some of Australia's best resorts right here in Melbourne at places like Mt. Buller, Mansfield, and Northampton. The entrance fee to Buller Mountain is only $50, making a visit there very affordable. Mansfield is an attractive community with a wide selection of restaurants and tool rental outlets. There is public transportation and ski lodges in Northampton, but a night at the peak will set you back at least $170. Trails are open for use throughout the warmer months, and can be used for a variety of activities.

    When you've had enough of the wonderful outdoors for the day, head inside to the Buller Air Zone and jump around on the trampolines. The most popular of Victoria's ski areas, Mt. Buller, can host up to seven thousand visitors at once. Team Buller's rider instructors are available to help seasoned riders develop their snow skills, and the resort's designated Snow Play areas are free to use. Falls Creek is the best place to go skiing in Australia, and it has 90 trails to choose from, including the longest green run and many advanced slopes. By prohibiting vehicle access to its on-mountain roads during the winter season, Falls Creek creates a real ski-in, ski-out experience for its guests, all the way from the lifts to the village.

    If you're looking for a hotel close to the lifts, the Falls Creek Hotel is a fantastic choice, while Mount Hotham Alpine Resort has it all: three terrain parks, 35 kilometres of cross-country ski slopes, snow play, sled dog tours, a ski school, surfing lessons, equipment rental, and more. In the summertime, visitors can enjoy road cycling, hiking, and even guided equestrian tours of the Kiewa Valley and the surrounding hilly terrain. With its 320 hectares of skiable terrain, private airfield, 18 dining and drinking establishments, and even a high-end spa, Mt. Hotham is one of Australia's highest ski resorts. The day rate for bringing a car or 4WD into the resort is $51, with an additional $6 paid at the gate for parking. Ski lodges and clubs charge approximately $35 per person, per night, and provide sufficient warmth and a nearby park, a huge communal kitchen, and calming amenities like a shared home theatre, saunas, a billiards table, and the occasional very cold outdoor Jacuzzi.

    Road cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, bushwalking, fly fishing, and white water rafting are just some of the many outdoor pursuits available in the Mitta Mitta River area. The 30 hectares of groomed lines, 7 ski lifts, 3 powder play zones, and 10 kilometres of groomed merge ski trails at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort make it a popular destination for skiers of all ages. In addition, there are five snowshoe routes, a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour, and a 100-meter tube slide (among other things) to enjoy. Cheap ski lodges, private apartments, and chalets, as well as backpacker-style dorm beds, are all accessible to visitors of varying ages and budgets. The Cascade Apartment 9 is a three-bedroom home with all the bells and whistles and should be on the short list of anyone looking for a luxurious stay.

    Exciting sports like mountain biking, hiking, and even jogging may be found on Mt. Baw Baw. Walk with the Dingoes is a guided trek where guests are accompanied by the resort's two alpine dingoes, Rowdy and Warragul. There's a lot of open space for snowman-making and other wintertime activities, as well as four separate tobogganing hills. Ski packages for adults and children start at $40, and snowshoe packages for children start at $25 and adults at $35. Renting a toboggan for the day will set you back $14.

    Tobogganing, a flying fox, a tube ride, and a laser battle are just a few of the many fun activities available at Lake Mountain, a popular tourist destination for visitors from the Yarra and Goulburn valleys. Furthermore, it is a terrific place to go on day outings like bushwalking, mountain biking, cycling, trail jogging, picnicking, and experiencing the great outdoors, as it features 30 kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing paths. Caravan and vacation parks are $95 per night, while self-contained lakefront homes cost $200 per night. With a private in-ground jet spa, terrace access, cosy fireplaces, a well-stocked minibar, and a fully equipped kitchenette, the rooms at Narbethong's Woodlands Rainforest Resort are the epitome of opulence. The summer months at Lake Mountain are perfect for a relaxing off-road or road cycling journey on one of the available bicycles or your own.

    There are five major alpine resorts to choose from in the Victoria mountains throughout the winter: Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt. Baw Baw, and Lake Mountain. There are three different toboggan slopes, a snow play area, restaurants, parking, and restrooms at Mount Donna Buang, the closest winter resort to Melbourne. Views of Melbourne, the Alps, the Dandenong Mountains, and the Yarra Valley are among the most spectacular in the world. Learn where to stay, how much it will cost to get in, and what to do when the ski season is done with this complete guide to Victoria's alpine resorts.

    Content Summary

    • Nonetheless, the country's best ski resorts are only a day trip away from the capital.
    • We have ranked the best six spots for snow sports in the Melbourne area, including skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, and snow tubing.
    • Mt. Buller, one of Victoria's most famous ski resorts, is located just three hours from the state capital.
    • Private apartments, chalets, and hotels in the centre of the village can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars each night.
    • The four and a half hour drive to Mount Hotham Alpine Resort is well worth it because it is set in some of Australia's most breathtaking landscapes.
    • Despite having 320 hectares of skiable terrain, its own airfield, 18 restaurants and pubs, and even a luxurious day spa, Hotham is the most remote of the Australian alpine resorts.
    • At Baw Baw and the surrounding mountains, you can go mountain biking, or you can go hiking or running on one of the many paths.
    • Lake Mountain, nestled between the Yarra and Goulburn valleys, draws in many visitors all year round.
    • The Woodlands Rainforest Resort in Narbethong is only a half-hour drive from Lake Mountain, making it a prime destination for those in need of a sumptuous escape.
    • The summer months at Lake Mountain are perfect for a relaxing off-road or road cycling journey on one of the available bicycles or your own.
    • The mountain of Donna Buang charges no admission.
    • Mount Donna Buang is conveniently located as the closest snow resort to Melbourne, making it a fantastic winter day trip destination for families.
    • In summaryThe mountainous region of Victoria is the best place to go during the winter.
    • Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt. Baw Baw, and Lake Mountain are five of Victoria's most popular alpine resorts.
    • Detailed information about Victoria's ski resorts, such as where to stay, how much it costs to get in, and what to do when the ski season is finished, can be found below.
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