Need to get out of Melbourne with the kids but don’t want to have to look for overnight accommodation? Day trips are a neat and affordable way to relax and treat yourselves to a scenery change without taking time away from work or breaking the budget.
Come the June school holidays, why not enjoy a winter getaway in Victoria these winter school holidays and indulge in outdoor activities with the kids? Create a day to remember with the family and take in all Victoria has to offer away from the suburbs. Imagine the memories of building a snowman together, carving snow angels and staging a snowball fight all before you race one another in toboggans down the hill with plenty of social media snaps to be the envy of everyone back in the city!
There are lots of ski resorts in Victoria accommodating day trippers with designated snow play areas. Just what your family needed for the winter school holidays!
Mt Donna Buang
Located near in the Yarra Valley near Warburton, Mt Donna Buang usually has snow come midwinter and is perfect for snow play with a designated area. Whilst it’s not built for ski runs, there are 3 toboggan runs, barbeques and bathroom facilities. Why not also take a scenic drive up the 1245m summit? Toboggans are available for hire, but you are welcome to bring your own toboggans.
INSIDER SECRET: It’s FREE! Don Valley Road is usually closed in winter, so drive through Warburton and turn left at the Warburton Motel sign up to Mt Donna Buang.
Time and Distance: 1h 34min (87.3 km) via Maroondah Hwy
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort - Closer to Melbourne than other Mountains, Lake Mountain ticks the boxes on a winter getaway with beginner skiing and kid-friendly vibes. With 4 toboggan runs and plenty of white powder to build snowmen, Lake Mountain offers excellent snow play for kids. There are even snowshoe trails so why not hire some snowshoes and enjoy a family walk through the snow? Whilst 2WD can access the area, when snow falls are heavy, snow chains are recommended and can be hired in Narbethong and Marysville nearby.
INSIDER SECRET: Come the weekend it may be a little overrun with skiers and snowboarders, but mid-week is much quieter.
Time and Distance: 1h 54min (118.0 km) via C512 and Maroondah Hwy
Mt Baw Baw
Whilst much smaller, Mt Baw Baw is the closest snow resort to Melbourne, which makes it another perfect winter getaway in Victoria. Known for its focus on family and kid friendly activities, it’s a great destination for the winter school holidays with toboggan runs, designated snow play areas and 30 kilometres of family-friendly cross country skiing. Why not try a Husky Dog Sled Tour?
Time and Distance: 2h 35min (176.2 km) via C426 and M1
Mt Buller
One of the most popular ski resorts and the busiest in Victoria, Mt Buller is home to a big following of skiers and snowboarders. It offers something for everyone, with group and private ski and snowboarding lessons for children from the ages of 3 and up in their Bunyips program. The creche is a wonderful facility where you see the same reassuring and familiar friendly faces every time you visit.
Time and Distance: 3h 11min (235.3 km) via Maroondah Hwy
Mt Stirling
For those interested in back to nature and ski lift-free adventures involving nature walks with snowshoes, cross-country skiing and snowboarding, then Mt Stirling is your perfect family day out.
INSIDER SECRET: Snowboarding and cross-country trails are FREE to access.
Time and Distance: 3h 37min (243.5 km) via Maroondah Hwy
Ballarat
Whilst it’s not in the alpine region and not technically a snow destination, Ballarat certainly gets cold enough to wear snow gear and is no stranger to the white flakes! Thus, it’s on our top when it comes to family winter getaway destinations in Victoria. Worth a mention is the Ballarat Winter Wonderlights! Perfect for a day trip and less than 2 hours by car or train from Melbourne, Ballarat Winter Wonderlights is definitely family-friendly with plenty to see and do at Sovereign Hill, take in a light show on Main Street, or try a treat from yesteryear as you walk and your family wander through the snow flurry and warm yourself by the open fires lining the streets.
INSIDER SECRET: If you’re a member of RACV you may be able to get a little discount to the Ballarat Winter Wonderlights too – just check out the member’s page.
Time and Distance: 1h 29min (116.8 km) via National Highway M8
So there you have it, our top picks for your winter school holidays in Victoria!
Need some SnowKids gear? Check out our extensive collection and get ready for your winter getaway.
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