Snow near Melbourne – here’s where to find it
As winter sets in, there’s no escaping the chill of Melbourne so you might as well embrace it along with the arrival of the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a beginner looking to try something new, or simply want to play around in the snow fields closest to Melbourne, winter in Victoria is an experience not to be missed.
Here’s where to hit the snow near Melbourne (starting with the closest snow to Melbourne):
Closest snow to Melbourne
Find the closest snow to Melbourne at Mt Donna Buang around 90 kilometres east of the city, near Warburton. Don’t expect ski fields here but it’s a top place for first-time snow outings as it’s free to visit and has a toboggan slope. Make a snowman or just enjoy making snow angels in wide-open spaces.
Warburton Village at the snow mountain’s base boasts cafes, amazing bakeries and some of the best local wines in Melbourne. However, if you miss the cafes in town, grab some warming grub from the Mountain Tucker Hot Food van at the summit during the snow season.
To avoid disappointment, check the Visit Warburton Facebook page for daily snow updates before you leave.
Mount Baw Baw
Located 180 kilometres (around two and a half hours) from the CBD, Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort is one of the closest resort areas to hit the snow near Melbourne. Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, there are still plenty of things to do here in the snow. Enjoy the Toboggan run (it has a magic carpet so you don’t have to keep walking back up the hill), learn to ski or snowboard, tackle the cross-country tracks, book into a husky sled dog tour or chill out with the alpine dingos.
Of course, don’t forget to make a snowman and have a snowball fight in the snow play area!
Accommodation options here are good with cabins, lodges and apartments but you can also stay down at the mountain base in either Walhalla or Erica. Erica Caravan Park is a great place to stay for a snow adventure near Melbourne.
Mount St Gwinear
Located near Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort in the Mount Baw Baw National Park, Mount St Gwinear is a fantastic option for those looking for a free snow option near Melbourne. There is no commercial development here, but there are two toboggan runs, cross-country skiing and a snow play area. Don’t miss the food van selling delicious hot donuts in peak snow season.
If you don’t have your own toboggans, hire them from nearby Erica or Rawson before you head up the mountain. Only plastic moulded toboggans are allowed on the runs. Those hoping to do cross-country skiing will be pleased to know there are 12 kilometres of trails, with the first Main Trail departing from the Mount St Gwinear car park.
This is our top pick for low-budget fun in the snow near Melbourne as it’s free to visit and toboggan hire in nearby Erica is around $8 per day (at the time of writing). There is no accommodation at Mount St Gwinear but a number of options are available in nearby Erica or Walhalla.
Mount Buller
Located 260 kilometres (around three and a half hours) from Melbourne City, Mount Buller is one of the most popular snow destinations in Victoria. With 300 hectares of skiable terrain, the mountain caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Mt Buller boasts the largest lift network in Victoria with 20 lifts delivering you to a range of runs from the wide beginner slopes of Bourke St to challenging black runs like Chamois. Non-skiing families can still have plenty of fun with snow play areas, toboggan parks, cinemas, and sled dog tours.
The resort also boasts a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and bars, making it a great destination for those looking for a weekend snow getaway near Melbourne.
Falls Creek
Falls Creek, located in the Alpine National Park, is a scenic snow destination 390 kilometres from Melbourne City. The resort boasts over 450 hectares of skiable terrain and with 90 runs accessed by 14 lifts, there is a range of options from beginners through to advanced.
There are various age-grouped classes for those wanting to learn how to ski or snowboard, starting as young as three years old. Tuesday afternoon, the Village Bowl hosts a family-friendly party with fire pits, marshmallows, games, and more in the snow season. If you’re in the same spot on a Thursday night, you’ll also catch the weekly fireworks under the stars.
Given the distance from Melbourne, you’ll probably want to stay onside and make a snow weekend out of it so make sure to book your accommodation in advance.
Mount Hotham
Find the popular snow destination of Mount Hotham around 375 kilometres from Melbourne, located in the Victorian Alps. With 320 hectares of skiable terrain, 13 lifts, and 80 runs, plenty of space exists to explore. Mount Hotham also offers a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and bars, making it a great destination for a winter getaway.
It’s not an ideal day trip, but it’s a spectacular spot for a snow-filled weekend, with wonderful scenery along the picturesque Great Alpine Road from Melbourne.
Lake Mountain
Find Lake Mountain Alpine Resort around 120 kilometres (just over two hours) from the CBD for a more low-key snow experience near Melbourne. It’s not the place to head when you’re looking for serious downhill skiing action but Lake Mountain has you covered for all the other fun activities.
During winter, hire a toboggan and hit one of the three runs, try snowshoeing, build a snowman or book a snowboard lesson for the kids. The resort boasts a tube run with a designated tube slide and a dual 240-metre flying fox for more adventurous families. Lake Mountain is a seriously underrated snow option close to Melbourne.
There is no accommodation at Lake Mountain. Most families choose to stay at Marysville, only 30 minutes away.
What’s in a name? Well, there’s no actual lake at Lake Mountain. It’s reportedly named after George Lake.
Mt Stirling
Mt Stirling is a little-known snow destination near Mount Buller around 240 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. If you’re looking for a dedicated ski spot with lifts and luxuries, you are better off heading elsewhere. Still, there are solid cross-country trails and a range of other fun activities for families making it ideal for those with experience on the snow. It’s also great for those wanting to enjoy snow play on a budget near Melbourne.
Hire a toboggan and enjoy the free toboggan slope, perfect your snowman-building technique, or book into the ski school catering to both children and adults.
Accommodation at Mt Stirling Alpine Winter Camp is for adventurous families. Sitting at an altitude of 1500 metres, the campsite is located in the Stirling Cross Country Ski Trail. Ski in with your clothes and sleeping gear and arrive at a fully set up tent and warm fire.
Will you be hitting the snow near Melbourne this season?
The snow fields near Melbourne offer something for everyone, from the experienced skier to the first-time snowboarder. With a range of ski resorts and accommodation options available, there has never been a better time to experience the winter wonderland that Victoria has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your skis or snowboard, and head to Melbourne’s snowfields for a winter adventure you won’t forget.
