Lake Mountain Snow Day Trip: Toboggan & Yarra Valley

Toboggan runs, snow walks and a waterfall in one alpine day from the city

A full-day tour from Melbourne to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort includes resort entry, a heated vehicle with a driver-guide, and stops at Steavenson Falls and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. You choose how to spend the snow time—toboggan, walk, cross-country ski or simply move through the alpine landscape—and the day wraps with chocolate samples before the return to the city around 6 PM.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Mountain and Yarra Valley day trip

• Depart Melbourne at 8:00 AM
• Buy lunch at Beechworth Bakery or mountain
• Explore Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
• Visit Steavenson Falls in Marysville
• Enjoy chocolate samples at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• Return to Melbourne by 6:00 PM

The Experience

The bus leaves Melbourne at 8 AM and climbs into the alpine region over roughly three hours. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort sits at the center of the day: you can toboggan down the Village Run or Mini Run, walk the snow-covered trails, or bring your own cross-country skis or snowshoes (rentals are available on arrival at the resort). The resort provides toboggans and snow boots; if you want to ski or snowshoe, you'll arrange those rentals on site before you start. There's no instruction, so the day moves at your own pace—some people spend two hours on the runs, others prefer the quieter walking routes through the snow.

On the way back toward Melbourne, the tour stops at Steavenson Falls near Marysville, Victoria's largest waterfall. It's a short walk down to the base. Then comes the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you'll taste chocolate samples. Lunch isn't included, but you can buy something at Beechworth Bakery in Healesville or grab food on the mountain before heading down. The return to Melbourne happens around 6 PM, which gives you time to change out of wet clothes and eat dinner after.

The vehicle is heated and stays small—a group setting, not a coach. Bring warm, waterproof layers (hat, scarf, gloves), walking shoes with grip, and a spare set of dry clothes. The tour runs in all weather, so rain or snow doesn't cancel it. Child safety seats are available on request at booking but aren't guaranteed; service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Resort entry fees.
• heated small group vehicle with driver-guide in English.
• chocolate samples at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
• stops at Steavenson Falls and Marysville on the return journey.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Autopia Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and drives the whole group together, so it works for anyone comfortable following along without a detailed itinerary—you set your own pace on the snow and the timing holds around the group's return. If you want a structured lesson or a private vehicle, look elsewhere.

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Top questions

Can I toboggan if I've never done it before?

Yes. Lake Mountain provides toboggans and you can use the Village Toboggan Run or Mini Toboggan Run at your own pace. There are no lessons offered this season, so it's self-directed—families and groups often go together on the runs.

What's included in the day and what do I pay for separately?

Resort entry, the heated transport, driver-guide, and chocolate samples at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie are included. Lunch, snow equipment hire (toboggans are free, but skis and snowshoes cost extra), and any souvenir photos are at your own expense.

Is Steavenson Falls a long walk?

It's described as a stroll down to the waterfall at the edge of Marysville township. It's not a major hike—a short walk to see Victoria's largest waterfall before the group moves on to the chocolaterie.

What should I bring for the snow?

Bring weatherproof warm clothing including a hat, scarf and gloves, comfortable walking shoes with grip, and a spare set of dry clothes. The vehicle is heated, but you'll be outside in the snow, so layering matters.

Do I need to book snow equipment in advance?

No. Toboggans are provided by Lake Mountain. If you want to cross-country ski or use snowshoes, you can arrange rentals on arrival at the resort—no pre-booking needed. Lake Mountain provides snow boots as well.