Lake Mountain is a cross-country ski resort in Victoria 90 km from Melbourne. It is the
most popular ski resort in Australia in visitor numbers due to its proximity to the
populous city of Melbourne, mainly from casual visitors.
There is no actual lake at Lake Mountain, the area was named after George Lake,
who was the Surveyor-General of the area including the mountain. The Lake
Mountain Alpine Resort is situated in a saddle between Lake Mountain and Echo
Flat and provides access to a 37km cumulative trail network through the surrounding
Yarra Ranges National Park. It is an exclusively cross-country skiing resort, but the
majority (80%) of the visitors to the resort throughout the year are a family
demographic, with family groups being the main constituents.
Lake Mountain traditionally has 12 weeks of snow each year starting from June
through to October. Yet, the mountain and region is just as famous the rest of the
year providing visitors with a spectacular backdrop of rolling hills, waterfalls,
picturesque walks, gorgeous food, and both gentle and physical activities, that will
entice and delight the senses. Rich, fertile grounds and sparkling river streams have
made this region famous for cool climate wines and fresh local produce
There are up to seven toboggan runs, though two main runs, which are open to the
public. The first and most popular is directly adjacent to the Lake Mountain Alpine
Resort Day Visitor Centre, while the second brachiates off of the first for a longer and
somewhat steeper slope. Snowboarding is not permitted.
The centre was opened on the 12th of June, 2004, a public holiday celebrating the
Queen's Birthday. It cost $3.7 million along with the refurbishment and restructuring
of two other buildings, a toilet block & visitor's locker room area, and the Ski
Patroller's Centre, the main area for the coordination and first aid treatments
employed by the Ski Patrollers.
Spring Flowers are always a favourite with dozens of varieties blooming from
November right through to January. For a family, friendly experience in the snow or
anytime of year, visit Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
It has several other facilities, such as two fully equipped conference centres and a
licenced cafe' bar. The Heights Bar and Cafe' remains open all year round, to
accommodate bushwalkers and bike riders.
In 2005, the Ski Patroller's Centre was equipped to operate as "Snow Gum Lodge"
during the off-season, generally available between November and May, for secluded
and private overnight stays. It is the only accommodation on-mountain.
HOW TO REACH
By Car - Self-driving is the cheapest and most convenient means of getting to the
snow. Why not enjoy some of the many famous attractions as you pass through
Yarra Valley and turn a day trip into a overnight experience and stay in Marysville.
Here are some driving routes to get you to Lake Mountain:
From Central Melbourne, Eastern suburbs via the Maroondah Hwy
From Southern suburbs and the Peninsula via Springvale Road and the Maroondah
Hwy.
From Geelong, Melbourne Airport and the Western suburbs via the Metropolitan Ring
Road, Greensborough bypass, Wattle Glen, Yarra Glen, to Healesville and the
Maroondah Hwy.
From Dandenong and Gippsland via Stud Road to Canterbury Road and join the
Maroondah Hwy at Lilydale.
By Bus - Consider a group day trip, where you let one of many metropolitan bus
companies take the hassle of driving to the snow and you can sit back relax and
enjoy your day.
