6 Things To Do at Mount Buller in 2024

Experience the thrill of Mount Buller with our comprehensive guide to the top things to do in this alpine wonderland. From exhilarating skiing and snowboarding adventures to scenic hiking trails and cosy alpine village vibes, discover the best activities to make the most of your visit to Mount Buller.

Mount Buller marked my first encounter with snow in Australia, where I joyfully crafted my first snowman. The enchanting experience left an indelible mark, offering me an unforgettable time during my visit. Only a scenic three-hour drive from Melbourne, Mount Buller presents an ideal weekend retreat from the bustling city life.

Are you in Sydney? And do you want to see snow in New South Wales (NSW)? Read about my trip to the Snowy Mountains for more details.

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Where is Mount Buller?

Mount Buller, nestled in the picturesque Shire of Mansfield within Victoria, Australia, is a quintessential snow resort village. Embraced by the Australian Alpine region, it transforms into a winter wonderland from June to August, enticing visitors with its snowy vistas. Renowned for its popularity during the ski season, Mount Buller boasts remarkable ski slopes and exhilarating mountain bike tracks.

During winter, Mount Buller experiences temperatures ranging from 5 degrees to minus 2 degrees Celsius. It’s essential to dress appropriately for the chilly weather. If you lack suitable attire, fret not; rental jackets are readily available at the ski shop within Mount Buller.

How to Get to Mount Buller?

By Road

Mount Buller, situated approximately 260 kilometres from Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), offers a scenic drive of about 3 hours and 20 minutes by car.

Several routes connect Melbourne to Mount Buller, with one passing through the picturesque Yarra Valley region, adding a touch of scenic beauty to your journey. Along the way, you’ll pass charming towns such as Merrijig and Mansfield.

• Please note that toll roads are part of the route.

During the winter season, you must equip your vehicle with chains for your tyres to navigate the slippery, snow-covered roads safely. These chains must be presented at the resort if you plan on overnight stays.

For safer travels, particularly during winter, it’s advisable to embark on the journey by car only if you’re an experienced driver, given the challenging road conditions that may lead to skidding.

By Public Transport

Regrettably, public transportation options to Mount Buller from Melbourne are limited. The most viable route involves catching a bus to MMBL Depot and a taxi ride to Mount Buller. The bus journey from Melbourne CBD to MMBL Depot spans approximately 3 hours, while the subsequent taxi ride takes around 40 minutes.

It’s worth noting that the taxi fare from MMBL Depot to Mount Buller can be quite steep, potentially reaching up to AUD 150, making it a costly option.

One-Day Tours from Melbourne

For those without access to a vehicle, opting for a one-day tour through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide proves to be the optimal method for experiencing Mount Buller. I embarked on a one-day tour from Melbourne, including pickup and drop-off at Federation Square. Additionally, the comprehensive bus tour provided a lift pass, granting access to the chair lift at Mount Buller.

Also, Read Things to do in Melbourne during the winter season

Starting from just AUD 79 per person, these one-day tours offer excellent value for money, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable exploration of Mount Buller’s stunning landscapes.

6 Things To Do at Mount Buller

Mount Buller Ski Resort offers many activities to entertain guests beyond just skiing. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or not, ample enjoyable options exist.

For those opting for a bus tour through an agency, a stop along the way typically includes visiting a ski/snowboard shop. Here, guests can conveniently hire all necessary equipment, including jackets, ensuring a hassle-free and well-prepared adventure upon reaching Mount Buller.

Skiing and Snow Boarding

Mount Buller boasts diverse ski and snowboarding tracks tailored to various skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there are tracks suited to your abilities. From gentle slopes perfect for beginners to challenging trails designed for advanced riders, Mount Buller offers an exhilarating experience for every level of proficiency.

A chair lift pass is required to access the ski tracks at Mount Buller. The cost typically covers the chair lift pass for those on a bus tour or participating in ski lessons. However, if you’re visiting independently, you’ll need to purchase a pass based on the duration of your stay, ranging from one to seven days. Prices for a one-day pass start from AUD 115.

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, enrolling in lessons with a professional instructor is highly recommended. Spread across 3000 hectares, Mount Buller offers a perfect environment for learning these winter sports. Lessons are available for varying durations, ranging from an hour to multiple days, and are conducted on beginner tracks. These tracks cater to beginner, intermediate, and experienced individuals, ensuring a tailored learning experience for all.

Stay at the Resort Village

Mount Buller, a bustling ski resort village, offers many accommodation options to suit various preferences.

• For large families seeking spacious accommodations with the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen, Magnificent Skiing on Mount Buller presents an ideal choice. Their multiple-bedroom units provide ample space and amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Alternatively, consider Mount Buller Chalet Hotel and Suites, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the village. With various stay options, including standard and premium rooms, guests can enjoy comfort and accessibility during their Mount Buller adventure.

Make a Snowman

One of the highlights of my mountain visits, particularly those adorned with snow, is indulging in the timeless joy of building a snowman. There’s something incredibly delightful about sculpting a frosty friend and adorning them with quirky accessories.

It’s a wholesome activity that fosters camaraderie and laughter, perfect for enjoying the snowy landscape with loved ones. And occasionally, the fun escalates into friendly snowball fights, adding an extra layer of excitement to the snowy escapade!

Tobogganing

For those who prefer not to ski or snowboard, tobogganing offers an exhilarating alternative. Tobogganing involves sliding down snow-covered slopes while seated atop a sled, typically a plastic slab. It’s a simple yet delightful activity, perfect for those seeking pure, unadulterated fun amidst the snowy landscape.

Take the Scenic Chairlift

During my visit to Mount Buller, I indulged in this activity extensively. With the chair lift ride conveniently included in the pass, I made the most of it by taking the scenic chairlift numerous times. It was a delightful way to soak in the weather while enjoying a refreshing cable car ride amidst the picturesque surroundings.

Have a Hot Chocolate at the Café

Indulging in a steaming cup of hot chocolate is the perfect way to embrace the day’s chill. Mount Buller boasts charming cafes where visitors can purchase delicious hot chocolate and savour the moment amidst the brisk weather.

However, it’s essential to brace yourself for potentially lengthy queues at the cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the village. These popular spots tend to draw crowds, especially during peak times, so patience is essential when waiting for your warm treat.

Is Mount Buller Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Without a doubt! While I didn’t personally travel to Mount Buller solo, I can confidently attest to its safety for solo female travellers. Having lived in Melbourne for several months and explored solo on numerous occasions, I’ve experienced no concerns. Nevertheless, as with any destination worldwide, exercising caution and being mindful of your surroundings, particularly at night, is always advisable.

Closing Notes

Mount Buller indeed stands as a must-visit destination in Victoria, offering a delightful weekend getaway filled with stunning mountain vistas and exhilarating snow adventures. Its proximity to Melbourne, just a three-hour drive away, makes it an ideal choice for a quick city escape.

As for activities in Mount Buller, you’ve covered a wide array of options, from skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing, chairlift rides, and enjoying a cozy cup of hot chocolate. However, there are always more experiences to explore!

If you have any suggestions or recommendations for additional activities in Mount Buller, feel free to share them by writing to me at Solopassport@gmail.com. Your insights could inspire fellow travellers to discover even more delights in this picturesque alpine paradise!

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