Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow & Waterfalls Guided Tour

Planning a day trip from Melbourne that combines snow, waterfalls, and sweet treats? This Lake Mountain Snow & Waterfalls Guided Tour promises a well-rounded experience, perfect for those wanting a taste of Victoria’s natural beauty without straying too far from the city. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 64 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers family-friendly snow fun just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, making it accessible for all ages. Second, the visit to Steavenson Falls, one of Victoria’s tallest cascades, provides a stunning scenic stop. Third, the inclusion of a chocolaterie visit adds a delicious, relaxing finish to a busy day. However, a potential consideration is that mobility-impaired travelers might find the terrain at the waterfalls and snow areas challenging, as the tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users. Overall, it’s ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone short on time but eager to see some of Victoria’s best sights.

Good To Know

• Close proximity to Melbourne makes it accessible for a day trip.
• Variety of experiences: snow play, waterfalls, and chocolate tasting.
• Flexible activities at Lake Mountain: sledging, snowman making, cross-country skiing.
• Beautiful scenery with scenic drives and panoramic views.
• Family-friendly, with options suitable for children.
• Limited mobility accessibility may be a concern for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow & Waterfalls Guided Tour?

This guided tour is a 9.5-hour exploration designed to give you a blend of outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and sweet indulgence. Starting early from Old Melbourne Gaol, the trip takes you through some of Victoria’s most picturesque spots, all while being transported comfortably in a coach operated by Wildlife Tours Australia. The tour is best suited for those who want a full day of varied experiences with minimal planning—plus, it’s an excellent way to escape the city for a taste of the outdoors.

The core of the trip revolves around three main highlights: the snow at Lake Mountain, the stunning Steavenson Falls, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. The tour promises a balanced itinerary—enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Early Morning Pickup

The tour kicks off promptly at 8 AM from the Old Melbourne Gaol, a historic site that’s easy to locate across from the Space Hotel. Early starts are typical for full-day excursions, allowing you to maximize your time at each destination.

Healesville Stop: A Scenic Break

After about an hour’s drive, you’ll stop at Healesville for a 30-minute break. This is a chance to stretch your legs, perhaps buy a coffee, and get a quick overview of the area’s local scenery. Travel reviews note that the stop is brief but well-timed, giving a taste of Victorian countryside without losing momentum.

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Lake Mountain: Snow Fun and Scenic Views

The highlight for many is the visit to Lake Mountain, Melbourne’s closest snow resort. After a scenic drive with panoramic vistas en route, you’ll arrive at the mountain, where you’ll have around 3 hours to enjoy snow activities.

Here, you can build a snowman, hire a toboggan, throw snowballs, or even take a cross-country ski lesson (equipment hire available). The experience is described as family-friendly and relaxed, with guides providing safety briefings and tips. Reviewers often mention how much fun kids and adults alike have—one even said, “everybody had fun,” especially those experiencing snow for the first time.

Expect spectacular views from the summit and a chance to take plenty of photos amid the chalets and snow-covered trees. The atmosphere is casual, and you’re free to explore at your own pace.

Steavenson Falls: Waterfall Wonder

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Steavenson Falls, one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls with a total descent of 122 meters over five cascades. The guided stop allows you to walk along the river to the base of the falls, taking in the impressive sight and the soothing sounds of cascading water.

Travelers mention that the scenic drive to the falls is quite beautiful—a winding journey through lush landscapes—making the brief stop a real highlight. The 30-minute walk offers a chance to appreciate the natural surroundings, perfect for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie: Sweet Ending

The tour wraps up with a 40-minute visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can watch chocolatiers at work and indulge in free chocolate samples. This stop is often described as a delightful treat, especially for families and those with a sweet tooth. Reviewers note that the chocolaterie has a lovely atmosphere and that the sampling and shopping make for a relaxing end to the day.

Return to Melbourne

After the chocolate stop, you’ll head back to Melbourne, arriving at the Old Melbourne Gaol in the late afternoon. The return trip features a guided commentary from your live tour guide—often with interesting stories and local insights—that many travelers appreciate.

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is comfortable in a well-maintained coach, with skip-the-line access for convenience. Group sizes tend to be moderate, ensuring a personalized experience, and the tour is wheelchair accessible—though mobility impairments might limit participation at certain stops like the waterfalls and snow activities.

Equipment and Clothing Considerations

Since much of the day involves outdoor activities, warm clothing is essential. The tour offers equipment hire for snow gear, including jackets, pants, toboggans, and cross-country ski lessons, making it easy to prepare on-site if you don’t bring your own gear.

Authentic Traveler Experiences and Insights

Multiple reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, with one mentioning that their driver, Joe, shared local history, jokes, and interesting facts, making the drive enjoyable. Many describe the day as well-paced and fun, with “just the right amount of time spent at each stop,” according to a traveler from Australia.

The scenic drive itself is often praised, with travelers noting the spectacular views on the way up and how the guide’s playlist added a joyful touch to the journey. The diverse activities—from snowplay to waterfalls to chocolate tasting—offer a well-rounded experience that appeals to different interests.

Pricing and Value

While precise prices aren’t provided here, reviews suggest that the tour represents good value considering the combination of transport, guided commentary, and access to multiple attractions. The chance to try snow activities without renting your own gear or organizing logistics is a big bonus, especially for families or first-time snow visitors.

The all-inclusive feel combined with flexible options like equipment hire adds to the overall value, making this a practical choice for travelers seeking a full day of variety without the hassle.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is best suited for families, outdoor lovers, and those looking for a quick escape from Melbourne. Its family-friendly activities, combined with scenic stops and tasty treats, make it excellent for travelers with children or anyone wanting a balanced day trip.

Adventure seekers will enjoy the snow play options and the scenic waterfall walk, while food lovers will appreciate the chocolate tasting finale. That said, mobility-impaired travelers should be aware that some stops involve walking on uneven terrain.

The Sum Up

This guided tour to Lake Mountain, waterfalls, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie offers a comprehensive experience packed into one day. Its highlights— snow fun, stunning waterfalls, and delicious chocolate—are all accessible with minimal planning, thanks to the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport.

Travelers who value scenic drives, outdoor activities, and local treats will find this trip a great way to see some of Victoria’s natural beauty. It’s especially good for families or first-time visitors looking to make the most of a day trip from Melbourne.

While it might not suit those with mobility challenges, most others will enjoy the variety, flexibility, and friendly atmosphere that this tour provides. Overall, it’s a well-organized, enjoyable option that balances adventure, relaxation, and a touch of indulgence.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs at 8 AM from Old Melbourne Gaol, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day.

How long do we spend at Lake Mountain?
Expect about 3 hours at Lake Mountain for snow activities, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Is equipment hire included?
Equipment for snow activities like toboggans and cross-country ski lessons is available for hire at the mountain.

Can I take part in snow activities if I’ve never tried them before?
Yes, the tour includes options for beginners, and guides offer safety briefings and lessons for cross-country skiing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, many reviews mention how much kids enjoy the snow play and waterfall walks.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential. The tour provides jackets, pants, and gear for snow, but bringing your own layers is recommended.

Is there any shopping included?
Yes, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie offers sampling, shopping, and a chance to watch chocolatiers at work.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
It is wheelchair accessible, but certain stops like the waterfall walk and snow activities may be challenging for mobility-impaired travelers.

How long is the drive to each stop?
The drive to Lake Mountain involves scenic views and takes about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. The route to the waterfalls is similarly scenic and not lengthy.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This guided tour perfectly balances adventure, natural beauty, and indulgence, making it an excellent choice for a day trip out of Melbourne. Whether you’re after snowy fun, scenic waterfalls, or sweet treats, it delivers on all counts—just remember to dress warmly and bring your camera.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby