Lake Mountain Snow Day Trip: Waterfalls & Yarra Chocolaterie

Snow play at Lake Mountain then chocolate in Yarra Valley

You’ll feel real winter magic on this Lake Mountain day trip from Melbourne—three hours of snow play (tobogganing if you want), lunch options en route, then Steavenson Falls’ wild rush before ending sweetly at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie with treats and warmth.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snow play and scenic visits

• Depart Melbourne city at 8:00am
• Stop for lunch at Beechworth Bakery
• Enjoy 3 hours at Lake Mountain snow resort
• Visit Steavenson Falls in Marysville
• Stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
• Return to Melbourne CBD by 6:00pm

The Experience

The first thing I noticed when we stepped off the coach at Lake Mountain was the hush — that thick, soft quiet you only get with fresh snow. Our guide, Mark, grinned as he handed out our entry tickets and pointed to the toboggan runs. I’d never actually built a snowman before (don’t laugh), so my hands were freezing by the time I finished rolling those lumpy little snowballs. Kids zipped past on toboggans, shrieking and tumbling into powdery heaps. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus under all that cold — something about Australian snow feels different from what I’d imagined.

We had three hours up there, which sounded long but honestly flew by. Some folks rented boots and wandered off on the cross-country ski trails; I just walked along one of the quieter tracks for a bit, watching mist drift over the trees. Lunch was up to us — there’s a bakery stop in Healesville or you can grab something warm on the mountain. I ended up with a pie from Beechworth Bakery (still thinking about that flaky crust). Mark told stories about the mountain’s regrowth after bushfires; he seemed to know every twist in the road.

After Lake Mountain, we drove down into Marysville for Steavenson Falls. It’s taller than it looks in photos — you hear it before you see it, this low thunder behind the ferns. The spray caught in my hair and jacket but nobody cared; everyone just stood there letting themselves get damp for a while. Then came my favorite part: stopping at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The smell hits you right as you walk in — sweet and almost buttery — and they hand out samples without blinking. I tried a hot chocolate that made my fingers tingle back to life after all that snow.

Top questions

How long is the Lake Mountain day trip from Melbourne?

The tour departs around 8:00am and returns to Melbourne CBD by 6:00pm, making it a full-day trip.

Is lunch included on this Lake Mountain snow tour?

No, lunch isn’t included—you can buy food at Beechworth Bakery in Healesville or on the mountain itself.

Do I need to bring my own snow gear?

You can hire clothing and boots at Lake Mountain; bring your own cross-country skis or snowshoes if needed.

Are ski lessons available at Lake Mountain?

No ski lessons are offered during the 2026 season at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes pickup from central Melbourne locations but not individual hotels.

Can I use my own sled or toboggan on this tour?

No private sleds are allowed—only Lake Mountain-provided toboggans can be used on their runs.

What else is included besides transport?

Your ticket covers entry to Lake Mountain Resort, onboard Wi-Fi, chocolate samples at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, and an expert driver-guide.

Is this trip suitable for first-time visitors to the snow?

Yes—it’s designed for all ages and especially good for first-timers wanting easy access to Victoria’s snowfields.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable heated coach travel with onboard Wi-Fi from Melbourne city pickup points, entry tickets straight into Lake Mountain Resort for three hours of snow play without extra hassle, guidance from a friendly local expert throughout the journey, chocolate tastings at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, plus plenty of time at Steavenson Falls before returning early evening.