This travel diary covers the final three days of our trip in the Snowy Mountains, about a 2-hour drive east of Melbourne. We already had good fun in the previous 3 days in the city of Melbourne. For the next 3 days, the goal was to let the kids experience snow for the first time during the Australian winter in August.

Before the trip, we wanted to give them a glimpse of snow in Australia — something they had never seen before. The snowfields closest to Melbourne are the easiest to reach by car. Our options were either Lake Mountain or Mount Baw Baw. Since Mount Baw Baw (which offers skiing) is much further away (around 4 hours’ drive from Melbourne), we chose Lake Mountain for snow tobogganing. It was a perfect choice for the kids around 7 years old.

Accommodation

We stayed in Marysville, just around 30 minutes from Lake Mountain. We wanted to give the kids a feel of living in a house or cottage, as they had only ever lived in flats or apartments before. It was a wonderful experience for them to have a front and backyard to enjoy. The fireplace was something they had never seen before, and they really enjoyed their time chilling out in the cottage.

Lake Mountain

The drive from the town of Marysville to Lake Mountain takes around 30 minutes. Along the way, there are several toboggan equipment hire shops. Depending on the weather, you may need to hire additional spikes (or chains) for your car tyres. We were quite lucky that it was a fine day, so we didn’t need them for our drive.

There are plenty of car parks at Lake Mountain, and there was still plenty of snow during our visit in August. The car entry fee was AU$69, while toboggan tickets (including access to the runway) cost AU$33 per person. For more information on the alpine resort, you can click on this link.

The kids had a fantastic time on tubing. Of course, it was also the first time they got to build a snowman! The Flying Fox is available for those looking for an extra thrill ride in the mid-air of the mountain top.

Toboggan

The alpine resort has a covered conveyor belt lift known as the “Magic Carpet”, so there is no need to worry about bring your kid to head up the slope.

Snow Tube

The resort also offers tube ride for those who did not bring their own toboggan, and they are equally as fun for the children.

Snow Play

At first i had to check whether there were any ice or any solid for safety reason. However, the snow was quite soft and safe to play.

Snow Man

Before the trip, I was quite worry that the resort may not able to provide enough snow for the kids to build snowman. I was wrong, there were plenty for them to build whatever they want.

Facilities

There is also a restaurant and snow equipment hiring service at the resort, so there is no need to worry even if you did not bring anything to the resort.

Scenic View

The Chocolateries Yarra Valley

Before heading back to the airport, the kids also had the chance to visit the chocolate factory in Yarra Glen. We were able to see exactly how the chocolates were made through the glass windows in the factory. Of course, the children also grasped the opportunity to taste all the chocolate flavours