The mountains in Victoria get cold in the winter. Like, really cold.
It even gets cold enough to snow, which provides the ultimate winter playground!
Where you can see snow close to Melbourne
Looking to break up your city tour with a trip to the mountains? The good news is that there’s snow close to Melbourne. If you’re in Melbourne during the winter, then you can travel from the city to the snow in a couple of hours. There’s nothing quite like getting out of the city and breathing in crisp, alpine air! There are several snow-capped mountains near Melbourne.
You don’t have to fly to Europe to see snow…you can see snow during an Australian winter!
Your perfect day trip to the snow could be in…
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Lake Mountain
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Mount Buller
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Mount Donna Buang
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Mount Hotham
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Mount Baw Baw
Lake Mountain
Distance from Melbourne: 2 Hours
Welcome to the closest snowy resort to Melbourne. Only two hours away from Melbourne, Lake Mountain is close enough to the city for a day trip! Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, with small trail runs and alpine scenery that surrounds the whole mountain. A small ski resort at the top of the mountain, where you can hire equipment and get set up for your day on the snow. This alpine ski resort sits next to the small town of Marysville, which is a quaint, picturesque town that is home to many different spots for a bite to eat.
Even out of the snowy season, Lake Mountain is a great spot to visit. With heaps of hikes and biking trails around the area, you can explore this alpine region of Victoria in any weather.
Mount Buller
Distance from Melbourne: 2 Hours
Mount Buller is your ultimate day out from Melbourne, with a whole range of different activities in the snow for the whole family. From skiing to snowboarding, to mountain-fresh food and drink, there’s plenty to do around Mount Buller.
Mount Buller ticks all the boxes for a great day out in the snow close to Melbourne! Mount Buller…
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Is only three hours away from Melbourne
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Is well facilitated
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Has plenty of accommodation
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Offers heaps to do both on and off the snow
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Is very beginner-friendly for first-time skiers
Mount Donna Buang
Distance from Melbourne: 1-2 hours
Only 70km east of Melbourne, there’s a place you can enjoy the snow for FREE! Mount Donna Buang is very close to Melbourne. If you time the drive correctly, you’ll be able to get there in just an hour.
Mount Donna Buang sits in the Yarra Ranges, positioned at 1245 metres high.
On top of the mountain, there is a tall lookout tower which you can climb up and see views from a more elevated position! On a clear day during the summer, you’ll even see Melbourne. Do a 360 sweep and you’ll see the Yarra Valley, the Dandenongs, the Cathedral Ranges, and Mount Baw Baw.
Snow lovers can toboggan down the trails during the winter! After you’ve finished on the snow, check out the cute town of Warburton just below. Warburton is a quaint regional town has lots of cafes, restaurants and eateries – so you won’t be short on places to go for a bite to eat after fun in the snow.
Mount Hotham
Distance from Melbourne: 1-2 Hours
Skiers and snowboarders call Mount Hotham the ‘powder capital’ of Melbourne! Choose your time wisely though – it can get busy in school holidays! Locals label this resort the ‘upside-down’ ski resort, because you ski down the mountain to the car park, and take the lift back up to the entry point. Thanks to its more reliable snowfall than other alpine regions, Mount Hotham is well suited for experienced skiers and boarders. Visit Dinner Plain nearby for a bite to eat, or an apres ski.
Mount Baw Baw
Distance from Melbourne: 1-2 Hours
Mount Baw Baw is an ideal spot for first-timers. That’s because it’s got lots of gentler slopes, with gradients that are far more forgiving. Ski, board, hike, bike, and wander around this alpine region of Victoria. From their ‘Christmas in July’ event to plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, Mount Baw Baw offers heaps to do on the snow. Enjoy the magic of this little mountain, not too far from Melbourne!
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