Want to explore the snow without the big price tag? Here are our favourite affordable spots to enjoy the snow in Australia.
Where you can enjoy the snow on a budget
There’s no denying that a trip to the snow can be expensive. If you’re looking for low-budget snow play options to maximise fun but minimise spending, then look no further!
You don’t have to splash out thousands of dollars to enjoy the snow in Europe…you can see snow during an Australian winter!
Our top picks for seeing the snow cheaply near Melbourne:
- Lake Mountain
- Mount Buller
- Mount Donna Buang
Our top picks for seeing the snow cheaply near Sydney:
- Jindabyne
- Perisher
- Corin Forest
Ditch the skis…and the price tag
Can you ski for free in Australia?
Unfortunately, there are no free ski or snowboarding resorts in Australia! But that still means you can enjoy the snow with affordable options. Enjoying the snow for free, or on a very low budget, probably means ditching the ski/board hire. Hop in a toboggan instead! Tobogganing is a cheaper snow activity – and just as fun! Whizz down the trails and race your friends.
There are still heaps of ways you can enjoy the snow without skiing or snowboarding:
- Hike around the snowy forests (you may need to source some snowshoes)
- Snowplay
- Cosy up in a mountainside cafe and admire the views with a hot chocolate
- Go sledding or tobogganing
Affordable places to see snow near Melbourne
To enjoy the snow near Melbourne, Lake Mountain, Mount Donna Buang, or Mount Buller are the best budget-friendly choices.
Lake Mountain
Lake Mountain has some free toboggan zones. Whether you’ve got your toboggan or you hire a toboggan elsewhere, you can slide down Lake Mountain to your heart’s content without the added dollar sign! Plus, there’s a well-stocked cafeteria at the top of the mountain, perfect for warming up with a hot drink.
Mount Donna Buang
Mount Donna Buang is another good option to see snow close to Melbourne for free! There are no entry fees, park fees, or parking fees. What a dream! However, it’s a good idea to check the snow forecast before you head up there. Plus, its proximity to Melbourne and its lack of price tag make it a popular spot! This is a well-known spot for the Melbourne snow goers so that you might end up sharing the mountain with a few others after a big dump of snow!
Mount Buller
Mount Buller ticks lots of boxes if you’re after a well-packaged and affordable snow trip. It’s very beginner-friendly, it’s budget-friendly, and there are heaps of activities to do off the snow. So if you’re looking for a snow resort that doesn’t come with the large price tag, then check out Mount Buller for a break in the snow that has it all. Check out one of our day tours up to Mount Buller, with added discounts on snow clothing hire and ski equipment.
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