Who doesn't enjoy the feeling of accomplishment upon finally reaching the top of a mountain and taking in the view? We've narrowed it down to the top five mountains in Victoria for mountaineering, and one of them isn't even far from the city of Melbourne.
Breathing in the clean, crisp air of the mountains or catching a whiff of eucalyptus drifting up from a valley below are two of life's greatest pleasures. The sheer pleasure of being in the mountains should really be incentive enough to encourage you to pack your bags and leave the city for the weekend, regardless of whether you want to be alone in quiet contemplation or test your physical limits. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the five best mountains to climb in Victoria to assist you on your journey. Put on your seat belt and buckle your boots!
The Best Mountain In Melbourne
See some of the most beautiful mountain ranges, alpine vistas, escarpments, and high grassy plains in all of Australia. Mount Buffalo, located nearby, is a great place for family-friendly tobogganing and snow play in the winter, while the snow-capped peaks of Alpine National Park provide a playground for expert skiers.
There are three groomed ski routes in the JB Plain, Bogong High Plains, and the Mt. Loch region or Cresta Valley, and a big untracked/unmarked area for the more daring and well-prepared. Located in Baw Baw National Park and conveniently accessible from Melbourne, Mount St. Gwinear is a fun winter destination for the whole family. In the summer, the high country's crisp alpine atmosphere is perfect for outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, four-wheeling, and camping. Alpine National Park is Victoria's largest national park and is also home to the state's two highest peaks, Mount Bogong and Mount Feathertop.
The Snow Gums, summer wildflowers, and old mountain huts of the Bogong High Plains connect a web of trails perfect for exploring the area's many natural wonders, including anything from gentle waterfalls to thrilling cliff faces. Enjoy breathtaking vistas in all directions from the top of Mount Buffalo's Horn and the pleasant Gorge Heritage Walk, or extend your trip by setting up camp at the stunningly beautiful Lake Catani campground.
The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is a collection of sandstone mountain ranges and forests that rise sharply from the Western Plains and are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Grampians are one of Victoria's most recognisable landmarks, and they're also a fantastic place to go camping, rock climbing, taking a beautiful drive, going on a bushwalk, and seeing all kinds of wildlife any time of the year.
Explore the park's many waterfalls, spring flower displays, and sweeping vistas on foot by following the Grampians Peaks Trail, a system of interconnected walking paths throughout the park. You can take a trip to the breathtaking Fish Falls, the beautiful sunset at Reeds lookout, or Boroka lookout.
Mt Buller
Mt. Buller is one of the easiest easily accessible and busiest snowfields, located only three hours from the rush and bustle of Melbourne. The resort can accommodate over 7,000 guests, so there's plenty of room for all the snow bunnies. In addition to being a very inexpensive excursion (the Mountain is only $50 to enter), Buller is also a great destination because of its accessibility. Mansfield is a picturesque community that may be found at the base of Mount Buller. It's a great home base for exploring Buller and a terrific location for a quiet getaway. We recommend going on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds. In addition to its many restaurants, Mansfield also has many places where you can rent equipment, such as snow chains and warm clothing, for your upcoming expedition.
Even though it's only three hours from Melbourne, Mt. Buller is arguably the most famous of Victoria's snowfields. The resort can easily handle 7,000 guests, so make sure you have enough space for everyone. Newbies can take advantage of free, designated Snow Play zones, and experienced riders can take advantage of Team Buller's rider coaches to hone their snow skills. One of the best spots to observe snow in Melbourne, with a wide variety of restaurants to eat and drink.
Mt Feathertop
Mountain ranges in Australia are often characterised by rounded summits and high plains that bear witness to the aeons of erosion our continent has undergone. However, Mt. Feathertop is an exception to the rule; with its jagged ridges and precipitous gullies plummeting to the valleys below, it is undeniably one of Victoria's most breathtaking peaks.
It stands at 1922 metres tall, making it the state's second-tallest peak; individuals who enjoy strenuous hikes can reach the summit from the town of Harrietville at the mountain's base by following the 11-kilometer trail that winds up Bungalow Spur.
If you'd rather have an easier time getting to the top, you can take the car up the Great Alpine Road to Diamantina Hut (just before Mt. Hotham) and hike the 11 kilometres along the Razorback Ridge Track to the peak. Federation Hut, located 2 kilometres (km) below the top, is a nice area to spend the night before returning to your vehicle. It also has various campsites.
Falls Creek
Falls Creek is home to Australia's largest skiable terrain. Falls Creek boasts over 90 different slopes, making it ideal for skiers of all skill levels and ages, from beginners to youngsters to intermediates to experts. This comprises the most advanced slopes in the country, as well as the longest green run in the country. The United States Olympic Committee's cross-country ski team trains there.
If you're looking for the most skiable area in Victoria, go no farther than Falls Creek. It has 90 runs of varying difficulty levels. You can ski it during the day, or you can ski it at night on select days of the week.
In the same way that it takes a community to raise a child, it also takes a Village Bowl to get a kid to the slopes. Every Thursday in July and August, there is a night entertainment, and every Tuesday at dusk, there are a variety of activities for children. You should secure one of the many available rooms because it is a four-hour drive from Melbourne. Before you drive there, check the Falls Creek snow report.
FAQs About Mountains In Melbourne
As one of the closest mountains to Melbourne, Mt Baw Baw is not one to be missed. Tucked away at the beginning of the Great Dividing Range, Mt Baw Baw has been one of the few places to have escaped the many recent bushfires that have burnt the majority of the Alpine region since 2000.
The best & most popular mountain biking trails in Melbourne. Trailforks ranks trails with a combination of user ratings and raw trail usage data from rides. Afton St park outer loop.
Important to note is that there are no actual lakes on the Melbourne snow mountain, it’s named after George Lake, but it’ll provide icy activities by the boatload. There are four tobogganing slopes and a 100m tube run, so be prepared for a full day of action.
A distance of 677 kilometres separates Melbourne and the Blue Mountains. The distance through the road is 856.8 kilometres.
Mount Donna Buang, located close to Warburton and around 70 kilometres east of Melbourne, is typically the location during the winter months where one can find snow the closest to the city of Melbourne.
Mt Stirling
Mount Stirling is less of a ski resort than other mountains in the area, and its lack of ski lifts makes it less accessible to people who are new to the sport. But the jogging route is a reliable path that never deters its travellers. Those who have more experience in the winter arts will find Mt. Stirling to be right up their alley.
There are two beautiful pathways for those interested in learning about alpine trees, and there are campsites scattered along the way for the more adventurous snow explorers who want to channel their inner Shackleton. Keep in mind that you'll need snowshoes.
The Bluff
The Bluff, a series of natural barriers, lies in relative obscurity behind Mt. Buller. You can get pretty close to the peak in a 4WD but hiking 14 kilometres up from the Sheepyard Flat Campground is the best way to experience the mountain. This trail begins in the valley below the Howqua River and winds its way, sometimes steeply, through eucalyptus forests and eventually beyond the treeline to the top, where a breathtaking alpine vista is revealed. Bluff Hut sits at the end of the trek across the grasslands, but you may also pitch your tent on a lonely peak and watch the sunset over Lake Eildon.
Mt Howitt
Mt. Howitt, a towering mountain in the heart of Alpine National Park, is a terrific place to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. You can set up camp close to the summit, among the twisted snow gums, or close to the Vallejo Ganter Hut, where you'll have access to water and additional shelter in the event of bad weather.
While sipping your morning brew in this picturesque, out-of-the-way region of Victoria, you can watch the sunrise over the Crosscut Saw from the highest peak in the vicinity. You may reach the peak of Mt. Howitt by a number of trails, the majority of which begin at the Upper Howqua Campground or, for an easier ascent, at the Mt. Howitt car park off of Tamboritha Road.
The first hour or so of the path is rather flat, as it meanders through snow gum marshes with gentle ups and downs. After that, you'll get to McAllister Springs, where you'll find the Vallejo Gantner Hut, often regarded as Victoria's most aesthetically pleasing mountain refuge. The stream provides potable water, while the "loo with a view" provides sanitary elimination. You should stop by the hut for a break and some food.
If you take the most direct route out from the hut, you'll end yourself on the trail that leads to the top of Mt. Howitt, the Crosscut Saw, and the alpine walking trail. On your trip, you'll see the appropriately titled "Devil's Staircase," as well as beautiful valleys and excellent views of the Saw. Upon emerging into the clearing and reaching the summit, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking vistas we have ever seen in the Victorian high country.
Mt Hotham
Mount Hotham Alpine Resort is well worth the four-and-a-half-hour drive, as it is home to some of Australia's, if not the world's, most beautiful scenery. Hotham is not the best option for a day vacation, but it is fantastic for a fast and exciting weekend break. Mount Hotham has it all: three terrain parks, 35 kilometres of cross-country skiing, sled dog tours, snow play, a ski school, snowboarding lessons, equipment rental, and plenty of lodging.
Mt. Hotham (pronounced "Hoth-um," not "Hot Ham") is considered one of the best places to observe snow close to Melbourne, and it's only a little over four hours away. The best part is that the Great Alpine Road itself is a worthwhile journey. The community of Mt. Hotham sits atop the mountain; thus, your journey time will also factor in getting you there.
There are 13 ski lifts to take you to the varying degrees of difficulty in the runs, and there are three terrain parks to choose from. You can get what you need right here. Fun in the snow, rides on dog sleds, and ski and snowboard classes. Everything you want, except the skills you require, is what you can expect from them. You'll have to teach yourself those abilities.
The Lake Mountain
It's only a couple of hours from the heart of the city to the beautiful Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. Despite being named after George Lake, the Melbourne snow mountain doesn't feature any lakes, but there are plenty of frosty sports to enjoy. With four toboggan runs and a 100-meter tube slide, you'll need the whole day to enjoy all the fun. Choose one of the five snowshoe trails to explore if you're not interested in sledding. Finally, if you're a real pro and you know you'll be driving through heavy snow, stock up on snow chains or rent some in Narbethong or Marysville.
Mt Baw Baw
Fun may be had at Mount Baw Baw at any time of the year. We serve skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter months and hikers and cyclists during the summer. A natural wonderland, only 2.5 hours from Melbourne, the resort features 30 hectares of groomed courses, seven ski lifts, three snow play zones, and 10 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails.
Baw Baw Alpine Resort, located on Mount Baw Baw Take your time making your way up Mt. Baw Baw to the peak, 1564 metres above sea level, and take in the breathtaking panorama. Three picnic spots—Lookout, Mueller's the Summit Cairn, and Downey's—are interspersed throughout the hike. Transportation Methods: Walking Moderately Challenging Distance: a mere 2.5 kilometres (2 hours) return the restrooms may be found in the Village Central building at Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort. The slopes of Mt. Baw Alpine Resort is a bit gentler, making for a more relaxing downhill experience if you're not seeking for a full-on whiteout. Its 30 kilometres cross-country ski trail is located 2.5 hours from the city centre and features a repeating Frog theme on its Tob(frog)gan hills. If you're still itching for a mountain adventure after a day of skiing or snowboarding, consider signing up for a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour. They also have several different houses, cottages, and flats available for weekend stays.
Mount Donna Buang
Looking for some inexpensive or even free wintertime entertainment? The entrance fee to Mount Donna Buang is $0. The trip up to the peak is beautiful, and once there, you may enjoy three separate toboggan tracks, a snow play area, barbeques, parking, and restrooms. The peak features a 21-meter lookout tower with breathtaking vistas over the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, and the Alps. Visitors have the option of bringing their own ski gear or using the mountain's rental services. Mount Donna Buang is the best place to go skiing or snowboarding around Melbourne for a day trip.
Since it's the nearest place to Melbourne where snow can be found, a visit here is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. So if you're in Melbourne and you're like, "snow near me," then this quaint town in the Yarra Valley called Warburton is only 80 kilometres away. There's a lot for the whole family to enjoy here, from the stunning peak to the BBQ grills and dedicated play areas. You're welcome to bring your own snow gear from the city, but if you forget your skis at home, they do rent toboggans and have three different toboggan-only runs. Finally, individuals wishing to escape away for the afternoon will appreciate that it is a free play spot.
Mt Bogong
Mt. Bogong, at 1986 metres, is Victoria's highest peak and a must-climb for every outdoor enthusiast. Both the Staircase and the Eskdale Spur begin from the Mountain Creek parking lot and lead upwards of eight difficult kilometres before reaching the peak, but the effort is amply rewarded.
There is no better place to take in the High Country than from atop the massive summit cairn. On the broad plains around the peak, you can set up camp just about anywhere, or continue walking the three kilometres to Cleve Cole Hut, one of the finest shelters in the High Country.
Howman's Falls is a stunning waterfall just a short walk from the hut, with a drop of 40 metres. Once you've finished your hike and returned to your vehicle, the last step before heading to the highly regarded Mt. Beauty Bakery is a refreshing dip in Mountain Creek.
Hidden Places On Mount Bogong
Look for a snow pole labelled "Rocking Stone" around 50 metres off the trail between Cleve Cole Hut and Eskdale Point, and you'll find a rock inside another rock. It may not sound very interesting but trust us when we say that we find it fascinating. Examine the big rock for the small rock and see if you can extract it. It can be done, but it won't help if you're in a hurry!
The Central Business District of Melbourne can feel as chilly as a winter snowfield, so it may not be the best place to get out the skydiving gear. However, a short drive from the city can take you to some of the top ski areas in the country. We have compiled a list of the top six spots to enjoy snow around Melbourne, including both beginner and toboggan hills, expert slopes, and mountain cabins.
Conclusion
Victoria's top five peaks are for mountaineering. Alpine National Park is Victoria's largest. The Grampians (Gariwerd) is a national park comprising sandstone mountains and forested valleys. Mount St. Gwinear's winter activities are diverse. World-famous Mt. Buller snowfield near Victoria.
The resort can host over 7,000 snow bunnies. Mt. Feathertop is notable for its steep ridges and deep ravines. Falls Creek is Victoria's best skiing destination. Mount Stirling has no ski lifts, making it unsuitable for beginners. Mt. Buller hides The Bluff.
Alpine National Park in Victoria, Australia, has Mt. Howitt, a towering summit. Hike or camp to the peak using multiple paths. Victoria's most beautiful mountain refuge is Vallejo Gantner Hut. Mt. Hotham, four hours from Melbourne, is a popular snow-viewing spot. Mount Baw Baw has ten cross-country ski tracks, seven ski lifts, three snow play zones, and thirty hectares of groomed courses.
Mount Donna Buang is the ideal Melbourne day trip for skiing or snowboarding. The mountain's 21-meter observation tower overlooks the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, and the Alps. Hikers visit Victoria's highest peak, Mt. Bogong, at 1986 metres. Mountain Creek trailhead accesses the Staircase and Eskdale Spur. Howman's Falls is stunning with its forty-meter drop.
Content Summary
- We've narrowed it down to the top five mountains in Victoria for mountaineering, one of which is close to the city of Melbourne.
- Therefore, we have compiled a list of the five best mountains to climb in Victoria to assist you on your journey.
- See some of Australia's most beautiful mountain ranges, alpine vistas, escarpments, and high grassy plains.
- Explore the park's many waterfalls, spring flower displays, and sweeping vistas by following the Grampians Peaks Trail, a system of interconnected walking paths.
- Mt. Buller is one of the easiest, most easily accessible and busiest snowfields, located only three hours from the rush and bustle of Melbourne.
- The resort can accommodate over 7,000 guests, so there's plenty of room for all the snow bunnies.
- Mansfield is a picturesque community that may be found at the base of Mount Buller.
- Even though it's only three hours from Melbourne, Mt. Buller is arguably the most famous of Victoria's snowfields.
- One of the best spots to observe snow in Melbourne, with a wide variety of restaurants to eat and drink.
- If you'd rather have an easier time getting to the top, you can take the car up the Great Alpine Road to Diamantina Hut (just before Mt. Hotham) and hike the 11 kilometres along the Razorback Ridge Track to the peak.
- Federation Hut, located 2 kilometres (km) below the top, is a nice area to spend the night before returning to your vehicle.
- Falls Creek is home to Australia's largest skiable terrain.
- Mount Stirling is less of a ski resort than other mountains in the area, and its lack of ski lifts makes it less accessible to people new to the sport.
- Those with more experience in the winter arts will find Mt. Stirling right up their alley.
- Mt. Howitt, a towering mountain in the heart of Alpine National Park, is a terrific place to get away from it all and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
- After that, you'll get to McAllister Springs, where you'll find the Vallejo Gantner Hut, often regarded as Victoria's most aesthetically pleasing mountain refuge.
- If you take the most direct route out from the hut, you'll end yourself on the trail that leads to the top of Mt. Howitt, the Crosscut Saw, and the alpine walking trail.
- On your trip, you'll see the appropriately titled "Devil's Staircase," as well as beautiful valleys and excellent views of the Saw.
- Mount Hotham has it all: three terrain parks, 35 kilometres of cross-country skiing, sled dog tours, snow play, a ski school, snowboarding lessons, equipment rental, and plenty of lodging.
- Mt. Hotham (pronounced "Hoth-um," not "Hot Ham") is considered one of the best places to observe snow close to Melbourne, and it's only a little over four hours away.
- The best part is that the Great Alpine Road is a worthwhile journey.
- The community of Mt. Hotham sits atop the mountain. Thus your journey time will also factor in getting you there.
- Fun in the snow rides on dog sleds and ski and snowboard classes.
- It's only a couple hours from the city's heart to the beautiful Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
- Fun may be had at Mount Baw Baw at any time of the year.
- Baw Baw Alpine Resort, located on Mount Baw Baw, Take your time making your way up Mt. Baw Baw to the peak, 1564 metres above sea level and take in the breathtaking panorama.
- The slopes of Mt. Baw Alpine Resort are gentler, making for a more relaxing downhill experience if you're not seeking a full-on whiteout.
- If you're still itching for a mountain adventure after a day of skiing or snowboarding, consider signing up for a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour.
- The peak features a 21-meter lookout tower with breathtaking vistas over the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, and the Alps.
- Mount Donna Buang is the best place to go skiing or snowboarding around Melbourne for a day trip.
- Mt. Bogong, at 1986 metres, is Victoria's highest peak and a must-climb for every outdoor enthusiast.
- There is no better place to take in the High Country than from atop the massive summit cairn.
- The Central Business District of Melbourne can feel as chilly as a winter snowfield, so it may not be the best place to get out the skydiving gear.
- However, a short drive from the city can take you to some of the top ski areas in the country.
- We have compiled a list of the top six spots to enjoy snow around Melbourne, including beginner and toboggan hills, expert slopes, and mountain cabins.
