Snow and Skiing

Best Places Near Melbourne to See Snow

Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne for a weekend and enjoy a winter wonderland a mere drive away!

Dreaming of a white snowy winter? Just a couple hours away from Melbourne, you’ll reach a winter wonderland jam packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether your adventurous side is calling to you to hit the slopes and to ski to your hearts content or you just want to drink some wickedly good hot chocolate and play in the snow all day, the alpine region of Victoria will cater to your every need. Whilst Victoria may have a shorter snow season that doesn’t mean we’re low on snow, in fact most areas have invested in snow making equipment meaning that no matter when you go, you’ll always have some snow to play around in. The great thing about Victoria is that there is a snow getaway for every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for a budget friendly day trip or you’re wanting to extend your trip longer.

  • Mt Buller

    Mt Buller

    Travel just 3 hours outside of Melbourne and you’ll arrive at Mt Buller, Victoria’s premier and most accessible snow fields. Spend a day on the 300-hectare terrain where you can snowboard, ski and toboggan as much as you like! If you’re feeling a little rusty or it’s your first time at the snow, there’s over 22 hectares of beginner slopes for you to enjoy as well as a ski school with friendly instructors who are there to help you navigate the trails. For beginner skiers we recommend the Bourke Street trail, and for intermediate skiers, the Little Buller Spur and the Summit which are great for a warmup. On weekends from July to August, you’ll be able to hit the slopes after dark till 8:30pm under twinkling twilight lights for a unique snow experience!

    For even more family fun, there are dog sled tours, the Buller Air zone where kids can jump around and a mystical gnome roam that takes children on a magical adventure across the park. With the most sophisticated lift network of Victoria, travel on the three chair lifts for a scenic experience over the mountain. But the activities and entertainment don’t stop there, take a venture to Mt’ Buller’s very own cinema- the highest in Australia, or relax at their On High Alpine spa after a long day on the slopes.

    Accommodation wise, Mt. Buller can house up to 7000 guests with hotels, chalets and motels suitable for every budget. Buller is also home to the ski club of Victoria and the National Alpine Museum of Australia which displays old ski magazines, clothes and equipment. At the Mount Buller Village Square you’ll find retailers that sells snow clothing, and equipment as well as an alpine chapel and 30 bars and restaurants. For traditional Austrian food try the Pension Grimus or for a taste of Switzerland; Koflers Hutte. The Birdcage Restaurant and Bar, as well as the café at the Mount Buller Chalet are only some of the many choices you have to choose from.

  • Mt Hotham

    Mt Hotham

    4 and a half hours outside of Melbourne, discover Mt Hotham, 320 hectares of ski terrain with over 35 kilometres of skiing to try out. Over 3 terrain parks you’ll find 13 lifts that can transport you to the trails where snowboarding lessons or sled dog tours are available. There are three areas dedicated to snow play and tobogganing, with private or group lessons available for new skiers and kids of all ages. Hotham also has many activities and events on throughout snow season such as cross-country skiing and the Hotham Masters Championships. During the summer period they even have mountain biking and hiking showing that you don’t have to go just in winter for some mountain fun.

    On the highest alpine village in Victoria, there are retail shops and 18 bars and restaurants to explore. Walk through historical cattle men’s huts from the time of the gold rush or bathe in the relaxing waters of the mountain’s very own Japanese onsen and outdoor hot springs. 15 minutes away from Hotham you’ll find the main village of Dinner Plain, where accommodation is central. Something new that has been introduced in recent years is glamping, a new form of accommodation combining the glamour and beautiful scenery of the alpine.

  • Falls Creek

    Falls Creek

    Located in Victoria’s alpine region, Falls Creek is home to 90 runs and 65 kilometres of cross-country trails. With over 60% of intermediate terrain, Falls Creek is the largest ski area in Victoria, coming in at over 450 hectares. There’s also Victoria’s easiest run here perfect for beginner skiers, and late-night skiing on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visit the Falls Creek Museum if you want to check out the history of the area or biking, snowshoeing and tubing on one of their terrains. The great thing about Falls Creek is that all their accommodation is ski in/ski out meaning you can ski out of your accommodation in one trail. There are 5000 beds around Falls Creek as well as a day care if mum and dad want to explore some more of the slopes.

    There’s a lot more to do when you’re not skiing or snowboarding though! Indulge at the Astra Day Spa for the ultimate relaxation. Shop in the Slalom Plaza or eat at Elk, a contemporary restaurant that serves up flavoursome dishes that are sure to warm up your tastebuds. For a classically Falls Creek dessert, head to Snonuts for their iconic sugar and cinnamon donut at one of the two locations on site. If you’re heading to Falls Creek mid-week, Tuesday have the perfect family fun nights that include festive games, toasting marshmallows and music to celebrate your time in the snowy oasis!

Related article: The Best Ways to Explore Mount Buller

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