Lake Mountain & Yarra Valley: Snow Day Trip with Chocolate Stop

Summary

Snow play at Lake Mountain plus sweet Yarra Valley treats

You’ll play in real Australian snow at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, grab lunch from a local bakery or mountain café, walk beneath roaring Steavenson Falls near Marysville, and finish with chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie—all with an easy pickup from Melbourne and a friendly guide keeping things relaxed.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if snow in Australia feels different? I did—so I signed up for this day trip from Melbourne to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. We left the city just after sunrise, our guide (I think her name was Mel?) already cracking jokes about how Victorians handle winter. The drive out had that sleepy hum—fog on the windows, everyone clutching coffee cups and quietly sizing up who’d be brave enough for tobogganing later. The bus heater made my boots almost too warm, which I didn’t expect.

Arriving at Lake Mountain, it was all white and bright—honestly, sunglasses are a must. Kids were shrieking down the toboggan runs while some of us just stood around catching snowflakes on our gloves (I may have eaten one or two). You can rent gear right there at the resort, so no need to stress if you forgot something. Our guide gave us tips on where to grab a hot pie or soup for lunch—Beechworth Bakery is apparently a local legend, and yeah, their pastries lived up to the hype. I tried cross-country skiing for about five minutes before realizing balance isn’t my thing, but walking through the snow trails felt peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe. There’s this quiet when it snows that just gets into your bones.

After we’d thawed out a bit, we drove over to Steavenson Falls near Marysville. The path down was muddy but worth it—the falls are huge and louder than I expected. Someone pointed out tiny birds darting between branches; I still remember how fresh the air smelled there, kind of like eucalyptus and wet stone. Then came what everyone secretly waits for: the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Free samples (don’t be shy), shelves stacked with wild flavors—I grabbed something called “wattleseed crunch” because why not? Li behind the counter laughed when I tried pronouncing it with an Aussie accent.

The ride back into Melbourne was quiet—people dozing off or scrolling through photos of themselves face-first in snowbanks. It’s funny how a simple day trip can stick with you; every time I see a chocolate bar now, I remember that cold air and all those little moments strung together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Mountain and Yarra Valley tour

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

Top questions

How long does the Lake Mountain & Yarra Valley day trip take?

The tour departs Melbourne at 8:00 AM and returns around 6:00 PM.

Is snow equipment included in this day trip?

No, but you can hire snow gear at Lake Mountain Resort on arrival.

Are meals included on the tour?

No meals are included; you can buy lunch at Beechworth Bakery or on the mountain.

Does this tour include entry fees?

Yes, resort entry fees for Lake Mountain are included in your booking.

Is hotel pickup provided?

The tour includes central Melbourne pickup; check your confirmation for details.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear for this day trip?

Dress warmly in weatherproof clothes—bring hat, scarf, gloves, sturdy shoes, and spare dry clothes.

Can I bring my own sled or skis?

You can bring your own cross-country skis or snowshoes (hired off-site), but only Lake Mountain-provided toboggans are allowed on runs.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable small-group transport from Melbourne with a friendly driver-guide, entry fees for Lake Mountain Alpine Resort covered, chocolate samples at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, plus plenty of time to explore Steavenson Falls and grab lunch wherever you like along the way before heading back into town in time for dinner.