7 Best Snow Places Near Melbourne

When the winters hit, Aussies living in Melbourne start heading towards snowfields to have fun alone or with their loved ones. But travellers are often confused about where to find snowy places in Melbourne.

Can you really find the best snowy places to visit in Melbourne on the internet? Obviously yes! There are a lot of places where you can see snow and have fun with your family. From skiing and snowboarding, these snow places have a lot to offer our guests, as well as the Aussies. But if you want to see snow as a tourist, you must come from June to August, as these are the coldest months in Australia.

Finding the best snow places in Melbourne can feel like a bit of a challenging task while being blank about the country and without a guide onboard. However, nothing is worth worrying about now, as we are here to help you out! This blog lists the top 7 best snow places to visit in Melbourne, where you can see the beautiful snow of your lifetime. So, let’s get started without exaggerating more!

Discover winter wonderlands just a stone’s throw away from Melbourne. These seven best snow places promise snowy adventures and scenic beauty, perfect for an unforgettable getaway.

Google Review- “Great place in winter to come and play in the snow. The kids had a ball on the toboggan run and playing in the snow. If you are not prepared, you can hire outfits, skis, and toboggans on the mountain. There is a cafe where you can go for a feed or a hot drink or maybe just to get warm.” – Peter Lowden

2. Falls Creek

Approximately 350 km from Melbourne by road, Falls Creek is situated in the Alpine National Park in the Victorian Alps. This best snow place has a lot to offer tourists coming from all over the world, from skiing to skateboarding and tobogganing. Not only is this place loved for winter activities, but it is also perfect for summer tours, making it one of the largest skiing resorts.

Whether you are a naive or a professional skier, Falls Creek will suit your snowing needs and expectations perfectly. You can visit this place alone or with your friends and family; it will never disappoint you. The best season to head towards this place is between June to October and if you want to see maximum snow, go to this place in the first week of October.

You can drop off your kids at the Ski school in case they are keen on skiing and you can enjoy your time with your friends and family at ski resorts or steep slopes. The highest temperature on the seamount is 4° C while the lowest is -2° C, so be prepared for that!

Things to Do:

Being the largest skiing place in Victoria, Falls Creek offers a wide variety of things to do. You can try snowfield activities during the winter season, while in summer, you can try hiking, biking, trail, etc.

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert skier, Falls Creek is a must-visit snow place to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with over 450 hectares of perfect terrain.
• Tobogganing & Snowplay: Have you ever tried sliding in the snow? Now is the time to try your hands at it. You can visit Falls Creek to enjoy tobogganing or snow play with your friends and family.
• Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing could also be a reason to head towards this place. You can experience the spectacular views and unique alpine environment in snowshoes that are usually available for rental.

Google Review- “One of the best ski field in Australia. The Snow is very good and it kicks start a very good season of 2023.” – Vincent Choi

3. Mt Buller

If you are looking for the best destination for snow in Melbourne, you must visit Mount Buller, a mountain located in the Australian state of Victoria with an elevation of 1805 metres. It is very popular among people whose first love is snow adventures and if you are one of them, you should not miss any opportunity to visit this awesome place.

However, if you are a party person, this place has something; nightclubs, cosy ski lodges, and fine dining await you there! With a structured transportation process, Mt. Buller offers travellers the ultimate convenience they seek at every destination, which means you can arrive at your final destination or hotel without any hassle.

You might be amazed to know that this resort is capable of hosting 7,000 visitors at once, which means whenever you are in the mood for having fun or a snow adventure, you can count on Mt. Buller. This numeric value demonstrates that you will easily book your place at this resort, even during peak times. So, when are you heading off towards this fantastic place?

Things to Do:

If you have been planning to visit this wonderful place and trying to gather information regarding the things that you can do, there is good news for you; the list of experiences at this snowy place is pretty long. The below-listed are a few activities you can do at this stunning place: 

• Snowboarding: If you have never tried snowboarding, you must visit Mt. Buller, where you can try and learn snowboarding. It is an activity that everyone loves, even when they fall in the middle of their ride.
• Cross-Country Skiing: With 9 km of cross-country trails, Mt. Buller is an ideal place for cross-country skiing. You can hire cross-country skis from the outlets and treat your eyeballs to spectacular views of MT Stirling and the Bluff.
• Snowshoe Tours: Individuals and families visiting Mt. Buller for snowfield adventure must try Snowshoe Tours, as it will allow them to see the resort from a completely different perspective. If you have never tried snowshoeing, it’s a fun activity that you will surely love!

Google Review- “Definitely worth staying overnight. Kids had the best time in the ski school. Apres ski is a vibe too. I recommend going in September when the snow is good (usually much better than June), better weather, better value, and smaller class sizes. Can book everything on the Buller website and the call centre is super helpful too.” – Lord Dashington

4. Mt Hotham

Would you like to see the snowfall in the highest alpine village? If you answer yes, you must visit Mount Hotham, Australia’s highest alpine village with an elevation of 1861 metres. This beautiful destination is just 4.5 hours away from you if you live in Melbourne. Its elevation makes it one of the best and most unique places to see snow in Melbourne in 2023.

Mr Hotham’s village is located at the top of the mountain, with a lot of ski-in, and ski-out opportunities. The 320 hectares of ski terrain, three terrain parks, 13 chair lifts, and 35 kilometres of cross-country skiing enhance the beauty of this snow destination in Melbourne.

If you think that the above stuff is not enough to convince you to go to Mount Hotham, you might be surprised to know that it has an airport through which your 4.5 hours of travel can become 45 minutes. So, take your flight from Essendon and land at a beautiful destination today!

Things to Do:

There are a lot of things to do at Mount Hotham; from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing, this place is full of adventures. You won’t regret going to this wonderful place and bringing home a sack full of memories that you won’t stop reminiscing about. Here is the list of activities that you can try at Mt Hotham: –

• Snowplay and Tobogganing: The ideal location for Toboggan and snow play at Mt. Hotham is Wire Plain (Bus Stop 12), where you can throw a snowball and enjoy making snowmen. You can also try tobogganing with your family and friends; the moderate toboggan slope is perfect for kids of all ages.
• Snowshoeing: Give snowshoeing a shot if you are looking for something other than snow play and tobogganing. Snowshoeing is a fun way to explore Mt. Hotham and its surroundings. You must have gone hiking in the mountains but without any snow. You can make it a bit more fun and challenging with snow and snowshoes on!
• Backcountry Sled Tours: You can go on backcountry sled tours that will allow you to see the delightful views of the Dargo Valley, Mt. Feathertop, Swindlers Valley, and the Bogong High Plains. However, do not forget to carry some warm waterproof clothes along with you, as the weather conditions can quickly change at Mt. Hothams.

Google Review- “I love everything here. We were there at the beginning of winter (June) We were so lucky to see the snow ❄️” – Nas C

5. Mt Donna Buang

Hop, skip, and jump away from Melbourne, Mount Donna Buang is the perfect snowy escape for individuals willing for a beautiful destination without driving for hours and on a limited budget. You can arrive at this location within 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD, making it one of the best and closest snow destinations.

So, if your heart is craving impromptu snowball fights with your significant other, head off to Mount Donna Buang immediately. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of life, this place is a must-visit for you. This snow destination is well-equipped with all the public conveniences, including toilets, BBQs, and shelters.

However, if you talk about the ski lifts and shops, they are absent at this place, which is good and bad at the same time. The snow coverage in this area is often patchy but during the peak winter season, the area turns fully white as it has taken on a blanket of snow. You can elevate your experience by just hiring a toboggan that won’t cost you more than $20 and local, delicious hot food is a must to try!

Things to Do:

As you know, your visit to Mount Donna Buang is free, which means you can save a lot of money and leverage it to try new things out there. You might be excited to know about the things that you can do there as a tourist. Here are the must-have experiences at Mt. Donna Buang:

• Tobogganing: You can do tobogganing at Mt. Donna Buang at very reasonable rates when there is a good amount of snow.
• Cycling: Do you love leisurely driving or motorcycling? If so, you can enjoy it at this place; the road from Warburton to Mount Donna Buang is loved by many cyclists.
• Hiking: If you are not in the mood to go tobogganing or cycling, you can try hiking at Mt. Donna Buang and enjoy the local cuisine while treating your eyes to the spectacular views. So, why delay? Head off to this mountain today!

Google Review- “Snow place. Must visit. It’s just 1:30 hours from Melbourne. 🚻 are available. This tower gives 👌 views.” – Prasanna Yenumula

6. Mt. Stirling

With an elevation of 1747-49 metres above sea level, Mt. Stirling serves as one of the best snow places in Melbourne. This mountain is situated in the Hume region of Victoria, approximately 230 kilometres from Melbourne. Mt Stirling is an abbreviation for Mount Stirling Alpine Resort, which is a cross-country and backcountry ski resort.

Mount Stirling has become one of the most popular locations for individuals with beginner skills in snowboarding and backcountry skiing, owing to its proximity to Mt Buller and Melbourne CBD. This mountain is not so friendly with the newbie snow freaks and it also has no lifts, making it less of a dedicated ski spot.

Therefore, those with enough experience in winter arts should plan for Mt. Stirling and if you are not, there are many other better options on the list. As a winter arts expert, you can enjoy a lot of exercises here, including scenic helicopter flights, snow camping, and snowshoeing.

Things to Do:

Mount Stirling has a lot to offer to tourists, from snow play activities to local cuisine and delicious beverages. While enjoying the stunning scenic views from your bare eyes, you can enjoy the flavorful sausage rolls, tasty toasties, pies, and a lot more. Here are the activities that you must try at Mt. Stirling: 

• Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding: If you are keen on skiing and snowboarding, you must not miss any opportunity to visit this beautiful place that offers a unique backcountry experience for dedicated skiers and snowboarders.
• Cross-country Skiing: If you are looking for an activity that doesn’t exceed your budget,  you must try cross-country skiing at Mt. Stirling. The stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring views are sure to capture the heart of your whole family.
• Snow Camping: Let’s spend a night or two under the canvas this winter and immerse ourselves in true nature. If you are a beginner at camping, get an experienced camp leader for the tour who can guide you throughout your journey.

Google Review- “A brilliant couple of days skiing, tobogganing and having fun in the snow, without any of the Buller crowds. Panda and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Very affordable too. Perfect!” – Nathan Petrus

7. Mt Baw Baw

If you are not a fan of an intense snow experience, you should head towards Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort. It is located on the Baw Baw plateau of the Great Dividing Range, Victoria, Australia. This mountain is about 120 kilometres from Melbourne and has something to offer everyone.

Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort is 1450m above sea level, allowing you to enjoy some peace while in the clouds with your loved ones. You should choose this destination if you have never been to the snowy parts of the world, as the intensity of the snow in this area is not so high and you can adapt to the atmosphere really quickly.

However, if you are an adventure lover, it has nothing less to offer than other stunning mountains. From skiing to tobogganing and snow play, this place is perfect for beginners and individuals willing to enjoy snow play for the first time. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head off to Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort today!

Things to Do:

Since you are going to Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort to escape from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoyment, the resort will offer you the most satisfying and unforgettable experience. There are a lot of fun activities to do at this stunning place, including: 

• Winter Dingo Encounter: If you are a dog lover, Mt. Baw Baw has something exclusive to offer you. At this resort, you can meet and greet the dingoes and other endangered species and plants. Canine lovers are sure to love this adventure!
• Ski and Snowboard Lessons: Are you keen on learning skiing and snowboarding lessons? If yes, the friendly staff at Mt. Baw Baw’s snow sports team is dedicated to delivering top-notch ski and snowboard lessons that will help you improve your skills and gain expertise in those tricky manoeuvres.
• Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking: See the spectacular views and explore the mountain with snow shoes on with your friends and family at Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort – the perfect winter hiking place.

Final Words

While working to achieve our dreams, we often forget to enjoy our lives or spare time for our loved ones. Winter is the best time to enjoy yourself and go on adventures with your family. The mountains and snow places mentioned in this list have something to offer to everyone; whether it is your first time going to snowfields or you have mastered the snow arts. Many of the most popular snow activities will enhance your experience and give you an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your loved ones. So, select a destination and book a ticket to these snowy places without further delay – mountains are calling you!