Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfall & Chocolaterie Tour

Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfall & Chocolaterie Tour — A Balanced Look

Imagine a day filled with snow fun, picturesque waterfalls, and indulgent chocolates—all just a short drive from Melbourne. This 11-hour guided tour from Go West Tours offers a well-rounded experience perfect for those craving wintertime adventure mixed with scenic beauty and tasty treats. While some travelers highlight the friendly guides and stunning views, others note that snow conditions can influence the day’s activities.

We love that this tour is designed to give you plenty of free time at each stop, especially at Lake Mountain, where you can enjoy tobogganing, snowman building, or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air. The visit to Steavenson Falls offers a peaceful break with photo opportunities, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie adds a sweet ending with local chocolates and ice cream. A potential consideration is that the tour only operates when snow coverage at Lake Mountain is sufficient—so, if snow is scarce, some activities might be limited.

This tour is a fantastic pick for first-timers eager to experience snowy landscapes, families looking for a fun day out, or anyone wanting a relaxed day of sightseeing with a sweet twist. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of travel and outdoor activities, but not ideal for travelers with mobility restrictions due to the walking involved at the waterfalls and snow stops.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi makes the long drive enjoyable.
• Flexible free time at Lake Mountain allows for snow play or relaxation.
• Scenic stops like Steavenson Falls provide peaceful photo moments.
• Delicious treats at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie make for a sweet finale.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local stories and insights.
• Snow-dependent activities mean the tour’s success relies on good weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour packs a lot into an 11-hour day, and much of its appeal stems from its variety. It kicks off early—between 7:00 and 8:00 AM—from Melbourne, with a comfortable coach equipped with Wi-Fi for the journey eastward. The small-group vibe (around 24 people) keeps things intimate and allows for personalized attention from guides like Tom and Alisha, who are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

The Drive and First Stop: Lake Mountain

Your first real adventure begins at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, a popular spot for snow activities. Here, you’ll have roughly three hours of free time to enjoy the snow. The highlight is often tobogganing—something that’s accessible even for beginners and perfect for families or groups of friends. Reviewers mention that the guides are helpful, and one noted that even if you’re not into skiing, the toboggan slopes make for a fun, adrenaline-filled experience.

Plus, snow clothing and toboggans can be rented on-site for a fee, which is worth considering if you don’t have your own gear. The snow at Lake Mountain can vary, so if conditions are poor, your snow activities might be more limited, but the scenic mountain views and crisp air still make for a memorable stop.

The Scenic Black Spur and Steavenson Falls

Next, the journey continues through the Black Spur—a winding, lush drive that’s as beautiful as the destination. The highlight here is Steavenson Falls, one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. The short walk to the base offers great photo ops and a chance to breathe in the fresh, cool air. Several reviews mention how this peaceful stop allows for some quiet moments and stunning vistas, making it a favorite for many travelers.

Sweet Endings at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Finally, the tour arrives at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Here, guests can browse handcrafted chocolates, indulge in tastings, or relax with a hot chocolate or ice cream. The 45-minute stop provides enough time to explore, purchase souvenirs, or just enjoy the sweet atmosphere. Reviewers love the variety of chocolates and the chance to try a chocolate degustation, often for just a small fee.

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Return Journey and Drop-offs

The trip wraps up with a scenic drive back to Melbourne, arriving around 6:00 to 6:30 PM. Drop-off points are conveniently located at major hotels and central locations, making it easy to continue your evening plans.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a cozy 24-seater coach makes the journey intimate without feeling cramped. The onboard Wi-Fi is a nice touch, especially if you want to share snaps or catch up on messages during the drive. The itinerary’s timing is well paced, with ample hours at each stop, ensuring no rush to move on.

The Guides and Service

From reviews, guides like Tom and Alisha are praised for their warmth, attention to detail, and storytelling. They’re known for sharing insights about the areas visited, which enriches the experience beyond just sightseeing. Their enthusiasm and engagement shine through, making it clear that they genuinely enjoy sharing these spots with visitors.

Value for Money

While the tour price includes transportation, guide, and entry to attractions, the value really depends on your interest in snow, waterfalls, and chocolates. The three main stops—Lake Mountain, Steavenson Falls, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie—are all free or low-cost, which adds to the overall value. The opportunity to enjoy snow activities without the hassle of planning transport or equipment rentals makes this tour a practical choice.

Practical Tips

• Dress warmly, especially waterproof clothing and boots; snow can be wet and chilly.
• Book snow clothing and toboggans in advance if you don’t own your own gear.
• Bring a camera, power bank, and waterproof shoes for comfort and photos.
• Be prepared for the weather; snow conditions depend on the season and recent weather.
• The tour only runs when snow coverage is sufficient, so check conditions beforehand.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is that the success of snow activities hinges on snow coverage at Lake Mountain. If snow is scarce, your time there may be limited, but the scenic drive and waterfall visit still make it worthwhile. Also, the tour is quite full-day focused, which might be tiring for younger children or those not keen on long bus rides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Melbourne seeking a mix of snow fun, natural beauty, and sweet indulgence. It suits families, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic drives. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a guided experience that handles transportation and logistics, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the day.

If you’re after a flexible, scenic, and fun-filled day trip with friendly guides and a variety of stops, this tour offers a smart balance of adventure and relaxation.

FAQs

What should I bring for the snow activities?
Bring warm, waterproof clothing including a jacket, pants, beanie, scarf, gloves, and snow boots. You can hire snow clothing and toboggans at Lake Mountain if needed.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
The tour depends on snow coverage at Lake Mountain, so it only runs when conditions are suitable for snow activities.

How long is the drive from Melbourne?
The trip to Lake Mountain takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, followed by a 40-minute drive to the waterfall, and about 1 hour to the Chocolaterie.

Is the group size small or large?
The group is limited to around 24 people, which helps maintain a more personal and engaging atmosphere.

Can I bring my own equipment for snow play?
Due to limited storage on the vehicle, guests cannot bring their own skis, snowboards, or toboggans.

What are the main highlights of the day?
Expect to enjoy snow play at Lake Mountain, stunning photos at Steavenson Falls, and delicious chocolates at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but very young children or those with mobility issues might find walking at the waterfalls or snow areas challenging.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, live English-speaking guide, and entry to each stop. Snow clothing and toboggans are optional extras.

What time does the tour start and end?
Pickups are between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, with drop-offs around 6:00 to 6:30 PM.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day mixing snow fun, scenic waterfalls, and chocolate indulgence, all with expert guidance and comfort in mind. It’s most suited for travelers who want a relaxed, hassle-free way to see some of Victoria’s natural wonders and enjoy a taste of winter magic without the need to plan every detail themselves. Whether it’s your first snow experience or a winter tradition, this trip promises a day full of memorable sights and flavors—delivered with friendly service and genuine enthusiasm.

You can check availability for your dates here: