Best snow trips around Melbourne for families
If you’ve been searching where to see snow near Melbourne, you’re in luck. After a slow start to the season, Victoria’s snow season for 2026 is finally here, and the alpine snow cams are looking very promising.
Even better, snow is forecast to fall on Saturday night, which means there’s a good chance you could experience fresh snow on Sunday 12 July, just in time for the last day of the school holidays.
One of the things I love most about winter in Victoria is that you don’t need to fly to New Zealand or drive for hours into the mountains to make snow memories. Whether you’re planning your child’s very first snowball fight, building a tiny snowman, heading down a toboggan run or planning a full ski weekend, there are plenty of options within a few hours of Melbourne.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best snow trips around Melbourne for families, from free day trips like Mt Donna Buang through to Victoria’s best ski resorts. I’ve also included my favourite local tips, what to pack, where to check the latest snow conditions and a few ways to save money before you go.
Quick highlights
⚠️ It’s a legal requirement to carry diamond patterned snow chains in Victoria during the season. Check points are there and fines are hefty. Even if there’s no snowfall or snow on the roads, you’ll still need to carry them. You can hire them for approx. $50 in most towns (except for Warburton) or at Roof Carrier Systems in Camberwell.
❄️ Closest free snow: Mt Donna Buang (1 hour 45 minutes)
🛷 Best first snow experience: Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
⛷️ Best family ski resort: Mt Baw Baw
🏔️ Best free alpine snow destination: Mt St Gwinear
🐕 Most unique experience: Dog sledding with Howling Huskys
📷 Best place to check snow before leaving: Victorian Snow Cams
Where to see snow near Melbourne this weekend (12 July 2026)
If you’re hoping to see snow this weekend, these are the places I’d keep an eye on.
Mt Donna Buang is usually the first choice for Melbourne families because it’s free and less than two hours away. When snow falls, you’ll often find families building snowmen, throwing snowballs and tobogganing just a short walk from the car park.
Mt Macedon is also worth watching closely. It doesn’t receive snow as often as the alpine resorts, but when a strong cold front moves through, places like Forest Glade Gardens, Camel’s Hump and the summit can be covered in a beautiful dusting of snow.
Forecast: https://www.bom.gov.au/places/vic/mount-macedon/forecast/
Check: https://www.facebook.com/groups/700206473379921/
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is another excellent option, especially if you’re after guaranteed snow play areas, organised toboggan runs and family-friendly facilities. Snow is also forecast here this weekend.
Mt St Gwinear
One of Victoria’s best-kept snow secrets. Located 2.5h outside of Melbourne near Mt Baw Baw, Mt St Gwinear is free to visit and popular with families for snow play, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. It doesn’t have resort facilities, so come prepared with food, warm clothing and your own toboggan. If you’re after a quieter alternative to the bigger ski resorts, this is a fantastic option.
Further afield, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo are all worth watching if you’re planning a bigger snow adventure.
Before leaving home, I always recommend checking the latest snow reports and snow cams. Conditions can change quickly and road closures sometimes happen after heavy snowfall.
Mt Donna Buang – Melbourne’s closest free snow day trip
If you’ve been wanting to take the kids to the snow without paying resort entry fees or driving halfway across Victoria, Mt Donna Buang is hard to beat.
Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne, it’s one of my favourite winter day trips because it’s simple, affordable and incredibly beautiful when the snow arrives.
When conditions line up, you’ll find families everywhere building snowmen, having snowball fights, sliding down the toboggan runs and exploring the snow-covered forest. There’s also the lookout tower at the summit, which is well worth climbing on a clear day.
One thing I love about Mt Donna Buang is that it still feels like a proper adventure without needing to spend hundreds of dollars. We usually pack the car early, enjoy a morning in the snow, then stop in Warburton on the way home for lunch. The Alpine Hotel is always one of our favourite places to warm up with a good pub meal before driving back.
Snow can be unpredictable here though. Some days the mountain is covered, other days it melts quickly, and after heavier falls the roads may temporarily close while they’re being cleared. Always check conditions before leaving.
More details
📍 Mt Donna Buang Summit, Warburton
🎟️ Entry: Free
🚗 Drive time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes from Melbourne
🛷 Toboggans: Bring your own or rent one from Mountain Tucker for around $10
☕ Mountain Tucker also sells warm drinks and usually posts the latest snow updates from the summit.
My tips before you go
🩵 Get there early. Parking fills incredibly quickly after fresh snowfall.
🩵 Dress in plenty of warm layers, waterproof gloves and boots.
🩵 Buy snow gear before you go. Aldi, BCF and Anaconda usually have affordable winter gear.
🩵 Clear all snow from your car before driving home, especially the roof.
🩵 Finish the day with lunch in Warburton. The Alpine Hotel is our go-to after a cold morning in the snow.
Latest snow updates: https://www.facebook.com/mountaintucker
Snow forecast: https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/MtDonnaBuang/6day/mid
Lake Mountain – the best family snow resort near Melbourne
If you’re looking for the best snow resort near Melbourne for young children, I always recommend Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
Only 2 hours from Melbourne, it’s purpose-built for families and first-time snow visitors. Unlike the larger ski resorts, there are no downhill ski runs, which means the atmosphere feels much more relaxed. Instead, you’ll find dedicated snow play areas, toboggan runs, cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails and plenty of space for little ones to simply experience snow for the first time.
One thing I really like is that even if natural snowfall is a little light, Lake Mountain usually has snow-making machines, so there’s often somewhere for kids to play while waiting for the next snowfall.
There’s also a café, bistro, toilets, gear for sale, making it one of the easiest snow destinations if you’re travelling with babies or toddlers.
After your snow day, I’d highly recommend spending some time in Marysville. It’s one of my favourite little mountain towns and makes the perfect base if you’re turning your trip into a weekend away. We love Peppers Marysville, with its heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and Andiamo Restaurant.
More details
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
Around 2 hours from Melbourne
Resort entry from $69 per vehicle
Toboggan pass from $33 per person
Children 5 and under: $11 (must ride with a paying adult)
Snow clothing hire in town from $29
Bistro, café, toilets and gift shop (with gloves, goggles, clothing to buy) on-site
My tips
Book everything online before you arrive. Lake Mountain does not allow BYO toboggans, so you’ll need to purchase a toboggan ticket. Arrive early, especially during weekends and school holidays. Stay overnight in Marysville if you can. It makes the experience much more relaxing
Daily snow updates: https://lakemountainresort.com.au/plan-your-trip/daily-update/
Snow forecast: https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Lake-Mountain/6day/mid
Mt Baw Baw – Victoria’s closest downhill ski resort
If your family is ready to move beyond snow play and try skiing or snowboarding, Mt Baw Baw is probably the best place to start.
Located only 2.5 hours from Melbourne, it’s the closest downhill ski resort to the city and one of the most beginner-friendly in Victoria. Around a third of the terrain is designed for beginners, making it far less intimidating than some of the larger alpine resorts.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you’ll also find tobogganing, snow play, cross-country trails and one of the most unique winter experiences in Victoria…
Dog sledding with real huskies!
It’s one of only a handful of places in Australia where you can experience this, and it’s firmly on our family bucket list.
If you’re looking to save a little money, it’s also worth visiting Mt St Gwinear, located just beyond Mt Baw Baw. Unlike the resort, Mt St Gwinear is free to visit and is a favourite for families wanting to enjoy snow play, tobogganing and cross-country skiing without paying resort entry fees. Just keep in mind there are very limited facilities, so pack plenty of food, warm clothing and your own toboggan.
We’ll be visiting Mt Baw Baw ourselves later this month, so I’ll be updating this guide with even more tips, photos and a full itinerary once we’ve explored it properly.
More details
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Around 2.5 hours from Melbourne
Skiing and snowboarding Tobogganing
Snow play
Dog sledding experiences
On-mountain accommodation available
My tips
Check the Value Season dates on the Mt Baw Baw website to save on lift passes. Book equipment hire online before arriving. Consider staying overnight if you’re planning lessons or multiple days on the slopes.
Useful link https://mountbawbaw.com.au
Best Victorian ski resorts for families
f you’re planning a proper snow holiday, Victoria has some incredible alpine resorts to choose from. Each one has a completely different feel depending on your budget, experience and whether you’re travelling with young kids or experienced skiers.
Mt Buller (3 hours)
Victoria’s closest major ski resort with 22 lifts, a vibrant alpine village and runs for every skill level. Great if you’re after the full snow holiday experience.
Mt Stirling (3 hours)
A quieter and more affordable alpine destination known for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and peaceful snow play.
Mt Buffalo (4 hours)
Perfect if you simply want to experience snow without resort entry fees. Great for families wanting a relaxed weekend away.
Dinner Plain (5 hours)
A charming alpine village with no resort entry fee. Stay here and catch the shuttle up to Mt Hotham.
Falls Creek (5 hours)
Victoria’s largest ski resort with 92 runs, 14 lifts and Australia’s famous ski-in, ski-out village. August usually offers the most reliable snow conditions.
Mt Hotham (5.5 hours)
Australia’s highest alpine village and a favourite for experienced skiers chasing deeper snow. Stay on the mountain and use the free village shuttle to explore.
Which snow resort would I recommend?
⭐ Best free snow trip: Mt Donna Buang
⭐ Best first snow experience: Lake Mountain
⭐ Best beginner ski resort: Mt Baw Baw
⭐ Best all-round ski holiday: Mt Buller
⭐ Best value alpine escape: Mt Buffalo
⭐ Best for experienced skiers: Mt Hotham
Dog sledding in Victoria
If there’s one winter experience that’s firmly on my family’s bucket list, it’s dog sledding in Victoria.
You don’t have to fly to Alaska to experience it either. Howling Huskys Sled Dog Tours runs incredible experiences across several Victorian alpine resorts, giving you the chance to glide through snow-covered forests behind a team of beautiful huskies.
After your ride, you’ll even get time to meet and cuddle the dogs, which I know my boys would absolutely love.
One thing worth knowing is that these aren’t adrenaline-fuelled racing sleds. Huskies are freight-pulling dogs, so the experience is much more peaceful than you might imagine. It’s about soaking up the alpine scenery, hearing the crunch of fresh snow beneath the sled and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure.
Where you can go dog sledding in Victoria
🐾 Mt Buller
30-minute Mountain View Run from $350
1-hour Harnessed Dreams Tour from $600
Snowy Express Family Tour also available.
🐾 Mt Hotham & Dinner Plain
Choose between the family-friendly Polar Paws Express or longer backcountry sledding adventures through the snow.
🐾 Mt Baw Baw
One of the most unique locations, offering up to six different tours, including the adorable Powder Pup Snowshoe Walk, where kids can help walk and train husky puppies through the snow.
Before you book
🩵 Book early – tours regularly sell out weeks in advance.
🩵 There is a combined sled weight limit of 160kg per sled.
🩵 If there’s not enough snow, Howling Huskys sometimes runs dryland cart tours and training experiences instead.
Essential snow trip tips
A little planning can make the difference between an amazing snow day and a stressful one. These are the things I always recommend before heading to Victoria’s alpine regions.
Dress in proper layers + wear snow boots
Merino wool / thermal base layers are worth every cent. Aldi, BCF, Anaconda, The North Face and Uniqlo all have great options depending on your budget. As adults we have snow boots / waterproof boots from Sorel (via Amazon) and for the kids we usually buy them at H&M or BCF/Anaconda. Whilst you can wear gumboots, it gets very icy and slippery, so it’s not the best option. Another great tip is to perhaps ask in your local community pages or school group chat, to see if anyone can borrow some shoes or clothes! Most towns also offer hire for around $29 per item.
Book everything before you leave
Resort entry, parking, lift passes, ski hire and lessons are usually much cheaper when booked online in advance.
Leave early
Most alpine car parks fill quickly after fresh snowfall. I always try to arrive early in the morning and drive during daylight where possible.
Carry snow chains
You are legally required to carry diamond-patterned snow chains during the declared snow season in the alpine regions, even if road conditions look clear – even if you have a 4WD or AWD vehicle. It’s best to carry them to Mt Donna Buang as well. Snow conditions can change rapidly, and you don’t want to be driving off a mountain when the roads are not cleared (or icy)
Buy a toboggan before your trip
BCF, Aldi and Anaconda often sell them for less than rental prices. Just remember that some resorts, including Lake Mountain, only allow their own toboggans on the runs.
Pack spare gloves and socks
Wet gloves usually mean the snow day ends early. We always keep a dry set waiting in the car.
Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need
Being out in the cold burns a surprising amount of energy, and everyone always seems hungrier than expected.
Before driving home
Clear every bit of snow from your roof, bonnet and windows before leaving. It keeps you safe and prevents snow flying onto other vehicles.
Travel outside school holidays and weekends if you can
If your kids aren’t school-aged yet, weekdays are by far my favourite time to visit. The roads are quieter, lift lines are shorter and accommodation is often cheaper.
Snow cams and snow forecasts
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is never rely on yesterday’s snow photos.
Snow conditions can change incredibly quickly in Victoria, so I always check the live snow cams before leaving home. They give you a much better idea of how much snow is actually on the ground and whether the trip will be worthwhile.
These are the websites I use before every snow trip.
❄️ Victoria Snow Cams
https://www.ski.com.au/snowcams/australia/vic/index.html
❄️ Mt Donna Buang Snow Forecast
https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/MtDonnaBuang/6day/mid
❄️ Lake Mountain Snow Forecast
https://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Lake-Mountain/6day/mid
❄️ Mt Donna Buang Snow Updates
Mountain Tucker Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/mountaintucker
❄️ Mt Macedon Snow Updates
https://www.facebook.com/groups/700206473379921/
Always check road conditions before leaving too, particularly after heavy snowfall when roads may temporarily close for clearing.
Final thoughts
There’s something pretty magical about seeing snow for the first time.
Watching your kids carefully pick up their first handful of snow, build a tiny snowman that somehow becomes their greatest masterpiece, or spend an hour sliding down the same hill over and over again… those are the moments they’ll remember.
I’ll keep updating this post throughout the season as conditions change and after we visit Mt Baw Baw later this month, so save this page and check back for more tips, itineraries and family-friendly snow adventures.
Happy snow chasing! ❄️🩵
PS I’ll be sharing more snow tips across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok – come follow along so you never miss a thing.
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