Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow Guided Tour

Planning a snow day near Melbourne without the hassle of heading to the Alps? The Lake Mountain Snow Guided Tour from Wildlife Tours Australia offers a charming, family-friendly escape to Victoria’s nearest snow resort. With its picturesque chalets, mile-long cross-country ski tracks, and toboggan fields, this day trip promises a delightful mix of snow play, natural beauty, and sweet indulgence—all within easy reach of the city.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on accessible winter fun for all ages, paired with relaxed sightseeing stops like the stunning Steavenson Falls and the famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. While it’s a great way to enjoy snow without the need for extensive gear or prior experience, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include snow clothing or equipment hire, so some planning may be required.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, value-packed day trip that mixes outdoor excitement with delicious treats and scenic views, this tour could be just what you need. It’s best suited for families, first-time snow visitors, or anyone wanting a taste of winter without hitting the slopes seriously.

Key Points

• Close proximity to Melbourne: Only 1.5 hours drive to the snow, making it ideal for a day trip.
• Family-friendly activities: Snowman building, toboggans, snowball fights, and cross-country ski lessons.
• Additional highlights: Visit to Steavenson Falls and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for scenic and sweet experiences.
• Inclusive transportation and entry: Bus transfer, resort entry, and three hours of snow fun included.
• Authentic local guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
• Value for money: At $104, it offers a balanced mix of activities and sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting bright and early, the tour departs from Old Melbourne Gaol at 8 AM, heading straight to Lake Mountain. The bus ride itself is a treat, with guides like Joe sharing local stories and some light jokes, making the journey enjoyable even before the snow begins. The drive up offers sweeping views of the countryside, giving travelers a preview of the scenic beauty ahead.

Once at Lake Mountain, you’ll have around three hours to revel in snow activities. Unlike ski resorts that cater to serious skiers, Lake Mountain is more about family-friendly fun—think snowman building, tobogganing, and snowball fights. You can hire a toboggan or even take a beginner cross-country ski lesson (equipment hire available on-site), making it accessible even for first-timers. The fact that the tour includes a dedicated snow time means you get ample opportunity to enjoy the winter wonderland, capture photos, and just have fun without feeling rushed.

What sets this experience apart is the atmosphere of Lake Mountain itself—a relaxed, less commercialized snow area with charming chalets and well-maintained tracks. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of snow without the intimidating crowds or high costs of larger resorts. Several reviews note that visitors appreciated the well-organized, friendly environment and the beautiful views, which made their snow day special.

The Scenic Walk to Steavenson Falls

After your snowy adventures, the tour moves on to Steavenson Falls, one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls. With five cascading sections and a total drop of 122 meters, the falls are a sight to behold. Tourists have praised the nature walk along the river, which leads to the waterfall’s base. It offers a calming contrast to the energetic snow play, perfect for unwinding and absorbing the landscape’s tranquility.

While the waterfall walk isn’t long or strenuous, it does add an extra layer of scenic beauty and a chance to breathe in fresh mountain air. Visitors mention that the falls are especially stunning after rainfall, with some reviewers noting the mist and spray creating a refreshing atmosphere.

Sweet Stops at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

As afternoon approaches, the tour heads to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery. Here, visitors can watch chocolatiers at work, see delicious creations being made, and sample an array of chocolates—all part of the complimentary tasting included in the tour. Reviewers consistently highlight this stop as a highlight, especially for kids and those with a sweet tooth. The vibrant displays and the aroma of melting chocolate make it a delightful sensory experience.

The ice-creamery adds further charm, offering handmade ice creams and an opportunity to relax before heading back. It’s a fantastic way to indulge after a day of outdoor activity, with many guests citing this as an unexpectedly delightful part of their trip.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour costs $104 per person, which provides good value considering the transportation, resort entry, and three hours of snow fun. It’s designed to be accessible and easy, with bus transportation included—so there’s no need to worry about driving or parking in unfamiliar mountain roads.

While the price covers the resort entry and guided experience, snow clothing and equipment hire are not included. Guests are advised to bring warm clothing—think layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof gear—to stay comfortable. Equipment such as toboggans and cross-country ski lessons can be hired on-site, but it’s wise to arrive prepared or be ready to pay extra.

The tour lasts roughly 9.5 hours, making it a full day but not overly exhausting. The departure point is centrally located, right opposite the Space Hotel, and the tour operates with live English-speaking guides. Wheelchair accessibility is available, though guests with mobility impairments should consider this beforehand.

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What Reviewers Love Most

Multiple reviews mention knowledgeable guides, like Joe, who shared stories of the local area and made the journey more engaging. The scenic drive, with its mountain views, is often highlighted as a serene start to the day, setting the tone for outdoor adventure.

Guests also loved the variety of activities—from snowball fights to cross-country lessons—which cater to different interests and ages. The quality of the chocolate samples at Yarra Valley is consistently praised, with visitors appreciating the chance to see chocolatiers at work and indulge in free samples.

Most reviewers agree that the three hours of snow play is ample for families and first-timers, providing just enough time to enjoy without fatigue. Several mention how smooth the organization was, with many feeling the experience was well-paced and thoughtfully curated.

Considerations and Limitations

While this tour offers excellent value, it’s important to plan ahead for clothing and gear—since these are not included. If you’re traveling from Melbourne during colder months or prefer to stay warm and dry, bringing your own gear or renting on-site is advisable.

The experience isn’t suited for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as the nature walk and snow activities may pose challenges. Also, since the focus is on family fun and scenic sightseeing, advanced skiers or snow enthusiasts looking for serious slopes might find this tour too gentle or limited.

The Ideal Audience

This tour is perfect for families, first-time snow visitors, or those seeking a relaxed, scenic day trip that combines outdoor fun with beautiful natural stops. It’s ideal if you want to experience winter without the commitment of multiple days or expensive resorts.

If you love chocolate, picturesque waterfalls, and a laid-back atmosphere, this trip hits all those marks. It’s also a smart choice for travelers wanting a value-packed, hassle-free experience that highlights the best of Victoria’s mountain scenery.

Final Thoughts

The Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow Guided Tour offers a balanced mix of snow fun, scenic beauty, and indulgent treats. While it’s not a ski-focused adventure, it provides enough activity and picturesque landscapes for an authentic winter experience, especially suited for families or first-time visitors.

The guided nature of the tour, combined with simple logistics and thoughtful stops, makes it accessible and enjoyable. The inclusion of chocolate tasting and the chance to walk to one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls adds layers of enjoyment beyond just snow play.

If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day trip that combines outdoor adventures with scenic stops and tasty treats, this tour delivers solid value with a friendly vibe.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, bus transportation is included in the tour, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

What should I bring for the snow activities?
It’s recommended to bring warm clothing, including jackets and pants, as equipment hire is available but not included in the price.

Can I hire snow equipment on-site?
Yes, snow clothing, toboggans, and cross-country ski lessons are available for hire at the resort.

How long is the snow playtime?
You get about three hours of snow fun, enough for building snowmen, tobogganing, or trying out cross-country skiing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, it’s designed to be family-friendly, with activities suitable for kids and plenty of opportunities for fun and photos.

What’s the highlight of the sightseeing stops?
Most visitors love the walk to Steavenson Falls, especially after rains, and the chocolate samples at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, which add a sweet ending to the day.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but the nature walk and snow activities may pose challenges for those with mobility impairments.

In summary, the Lake Mountain Snow Guided Tour is a smart choice for those craving a winter escape that balances outdoor fun with scenic stops and tasty treats. It’s straightforward, value-rich, and perfect for making lasting memories without the need for serious skiing skills.

You can check availability for your dates here: