This picturesque alpine village is located just two-and-a-half hours away from Melbourne. It's smaller than Mt Buller (with seven lifts), but it still offers great downhill skiing, plus snow play areas for families.
Distance from Melbourne
2.5hr drive.
Cost
Resort entry and parking: From $57
Lift passes: $55 (from Monday to Friday) and $80 (weekends) for adult single day passes. Day passes for children (aged seven to 15) are $40 on weekdays and $50 for weekends.
Equipment hire
An inclusive ski equipment package (skis, boots and poles) for a one-day hire will be $50 for adults and $32 for children. Snowboard packages (with board and boots) is $55 for adults and $40 for children. Toboggan hire is $8 for a full day and clothing hire (jacket and pants) is $35 for adults and $25 for children.
Where to stay
Ditch the daily descent for more valuable shut-eye with Mt Baw Baw’s selection of on-mountain accommodation. There are options that cater to all ages and budgets – from backpacker-style dorm beds perfect for solo shredders and budget private rooms for conscientious couples to affordable family-friendly ski lodges, luxury private apartments, and chalets. It's all available year round.
You can get a single-night, single dorm bed at Alpine Backpackers for $45, or a little more privacy in a private room at the flashier Flashpackers for $103. Lodges are made for snow enthusiasts with dedicated gear-drying rooms, ducted heating, and cosy fireplaces.
For the more lavish, splash out with a fully equipped three-bedroom apartment like the Cascade Apartment 9. It comfortably sleeps ten and features great snow views for a luxurious home away from home. You can hire it out for $600 per night.
What to do on the offseason
Many forget that Mt Baw Baw is home to a plethora of exhilarating experiences in the warmer months. You can go mountain bike riding (downhill, cross country and backcountry), or try out the walking and running tracks across Baw Baw and surrounding mountains. Get lost in nature in one of the many bushwalking trails equipped for all skill levels, run or climb depending on your skill level and preferences.
If slower, more social activities are more of your thing, Baw Baw offers an excellent selection of guided tours for all skill levels, including Walk with the Dingoes, a guided walk accompanied by Rowdy and Warragul, the resort’s two alpine dingoes. Alternatively, try out laser tag or archery, fly fishing or glamping atop of the mountain. There’s even an 18-hole 'disc golf' course – like golf but using a frisbee and goals – open to the public and completely free.