One of the perks of living in Victoria is the opportunity to explore the snowfields. This was our second snow trip in as many weeks (last week we visited Lake Mountain) and we headed toward Gippsland and majestic Mount Baw Baw.
Be can’t take credit for creating this igloo but it was a great snow cubby for the kids to play in
Our mission was simple – tobogganing, snowball fights and snow angels were on the agenda. My husband and I are downhill skiers but as we have a young toddler this isn’t for us this year. We were hoping for plenty of snow, sunny skies and stunning views. Completing our mission involved navigating one of Australia’s more intimidating roads, the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road up the mountain from our accommodation in Neerim South, through the alpine town of Noojee. The drive involves more hairpin turns that I could count through a temperate ferny rainforests on a narrow sealed track. It was with a little relief that we spotted the first snow gums as they heralded the snow line and that we were nearing our destination.
Snow Gums Mount Baw Baw
We arrived just after the slopes opened at 10am and while there were plenty of people around, the toboggan run and snow playground weren’t crowded. Mount Baw Baw receives bonus points in my book because the toboggan run was ordered and people were behaving themselves. What followed next? Fun, fun, fun! Bub 1 is now an expert tobogganist and the weather was so glorious he toboganned in his t-shirt. Bub 2 is pretty skilled at hurling snow balls at just the right angle so they run down your neck, and Little Lady Bub has discovered she has a palate for snow.
Bub 2 throwing one of a hundred snowballs
Our visit to Mount Baw Baw also gave me an opportunity to refine my Periscope skills, doing a live scope while hurtling down a hill. Not sure what Periscope is? Have a look at this post. This week’s snow experience was exactly what a family trip to a winter wonderland should be and we departed the summit a happy, exhausted family of five.
Tobogganing at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort
A little more about Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort:
- Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort is the closest downhill skiing to Melbourne. It is 2.5 to 3 hours away making it feasible (if long) for a day trip.
- On mountain activities include downhill skiing and snow boarding, three snow play areas, a ski school (youngest age for the ski school is 4) , cross country skiing, husky dog sledding snowshoeing and skidoo tours.
- Access to Mount Baw Baw Alpine resort is reasonably priced, purchase of your permit online before hand is recommended.
- You must carry chains during the snow season on mountain. You can obtain these from a number of outfitters en route to the mountain and Baw Baw Sports and Outdoors offers a Chain Fitting Service at the entry to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort during the snow season.
- Accommodation is available on mountain – next winter I hope to have a full weekend staying on site at the Mount Baw Baw Alpine resort.
The toboggan run at Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort
Tips for making the most of family snow play at Mount Baw Bay Alpine Resort
- Plan to take advantage of all three snow play areas. We had so much fun tobogganing that we missed out on one of the areas.
- If any family members get car sick give the Mount Baw Baw Tourist road a miss. The South Face Road that you access via the town of Moe is less tortuous (but unsealed) The last stop for chains driving this route is the township of Erica.
- Fuel isn’t available on the mountain – fill up before you head up.
- If you have a diesel vehicle then you should add anti-freeze.
- Kids need more food in the cold. Take lots of snacks.
- Family dining is available at the Alpine Hotel.
- If you are a breastfeeding mum the Alpine Hotel is the best place to breastfeed. Unfortunately there are no quiet feeding rooms on the mountan.
- There are no change tables at Mount Baw Baw. If visiting with a child that isn’t toilet trained make sure you take your own change mat.
Tobogganing at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort
Have you been to Mount Baw Baw? Tell me about your own experiences.
Disclaimer: We received free access to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort for our day of snow play.
What a great name for a resort! And I love the picture of the Snow Gums – such a great Australian photo! Sounds like a really fun place for kids and it looks like you had a good amount of snow too!
Hi Katja, Yes the snow gums are stunning. I always wish I had more photos of the landscape but my hands tend to be full of kids most of the time.
Looks like such nice weather. What a fun outing with kids!
It was lovely weather and a really great outing for kids Kath. I know kids in the USA tend to be used to snow but for Aussie kids it is a real novelty.
This looks so fun!!
Very much so!
How fun! I’m not ready for anything winter, but my kids are already talking about snow play. They would love this!
My own kids are water monkeys Beth so it took a little convincing to get them excited about this trip. They loved it though.
Tobogganing, snowball fights and snow angels sounds like the perfect way to spend time in the snow. Although we love living in SoCal, we do need a snow fix at least once a year. We’re hoping for BC this year so I’ll add this to the list.
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