Melbourne: Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfall & Chocolaterie Tour

Three hours in the snow, a forest drive, a waterfall walk and a chocolate stop make this a full day out of Melbourne with a welcome change of pace. I like the generous free time at Lake Mountain, and I like that the day pairs snow play with two very different stops rather than making the whole trip about one resort.

The main consideration is the weather: the tour runs only when Lake Mountain confirms suitable snow coverage. You’ll also need to budget for any snow gear rental and food or drinks, which are not included in the $123 fare.

Key points before you book

• Lake Mountain gets the biggest share of the day: You have about three hours for snow play, including tobogganing if conditions allow.
• This is a snow-play outing, not a ski trip: The focus is on toboggans, snowmen and time in the resort area.
• Steavenson Falls adds a short nature walk: Allow about 45 minutes at the falls, including the walk and time for photos.
• Chocolate is the final stop: You get roughly 45 minutes at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
• The coach is small-group sized: The heated vehicle seats 24 and includes free Wi-Fi.
• Bring waterproof layers: Snow gear rentals are available at Lake Mountain for a fee, but your own skis, snowboards and toboggans cannot be stored on the coach.

A winter day built around three very different stops

The appeal of this tour is its mix. Lake Mountain supplies the snow-day fun, Steavenson Falls brings a quieter stretch outdoors, and the chocolaterie offers a warm, sweet finish before the drive back to Melbourne.

At $123 per person, the fare includes return transport from selected Melbourne city hotels, resort and national park entry fees, an English-speaking guide and Wi-Fi. It does not cover meals, drinks or snow gear hire, so the final cost depends partly on what you rent and buy along the way.

The 11-hour schedule is a commitment, but it also solves the practical problem of reaching the alpine resort and fitting in two other stops without planning a route yourself. You leave Melbourne in the morning and return at about 6:00 to 6:30 PM.

Setting out from Melbourne in a 24-seat coach

Pickups are offered at six city hotels: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne, The Victoria Hotel, The Hotel Windsor, Europa Melbourne, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne and Crown Promenade Melbourne. The precise pickup time falls between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, and the tour provider sends the confirmed time by email after booking, so check that message rather than relying on a different time shown elsewhere.

The heated 24-seat vehicle has upgraded seating and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. That can make a long day more comfortable, and the Wi-Fi is handy for checking messages or sharing photos, though mobile reception can vary on the route.

The guide provides commentary and local information as the coach heads east. That adds context to the drive instead of making it simply a transfer, and it can help you understand the places you pass. Tour language is English.

Guides Tom and Alisha have been praised for attentive, organized service and engaging explanations. They may not be assigned to every departure, but the guide’s role matters here: the day has several stops, and clear directions help you use each one well.

Three hours for snow play at Lake Mountain

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is the central stop, with about three hours of free time. That gives you room to play in the snow at your own pace, build a snowman, try the toboggan slopes or simply enjoy the alpine setting. For a first snow outing, the unstructured time is useful: you are not being hurried through a series of short activities.

Keep expectations straight: this is not a ski-focused day. A July visitor specifically noted that skiing was not available there, and the advertised activities center on snow play and tobogganing. If your goal is a day of downhill skiing, this tour is not the right fit.

Toboggans, jackets, pants and boots can be hired at the resort for a fee. That saves you from carrying bulky equipment from Melbourne, but it means the $123 price does not cover everything you may need. The tour vehicle has no suitable storage for personal skis, snowboards or toboggans, so do not bring those along.

Pack for cold, wet conditions even if the forecast looks mild. A warm waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, gloves, a beanie, scarf and waterproof snow boots are recommended. Comfortable shoes are also useful for the waterfall stop, but ordinary sneakers may leave you uncomfortable if snow or slush gets inside.

Food and drinks are not included, and you may bring your own. A charged phone, camera and power bank are sensible additions for a long day out; keep personal belongings compact, since large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed on the vehicle.

Through the Black Spur to Steavenson Falls

After Lake Mountain, the coach takes about 40 minutes to reach Steavenson Falls via the Black Spur, a scenic forest route. The change of pace is welcome after several hours of snow play. You get a short walk to the base of the falls, with about 45 minutes at the stop for the walk, views and photos.

Steavenson Falls is described as one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. The visit gives you a chance to stretch your legs and take in the sound and sight of the water, rather than spending the entire day inside a resort. The route and the stop also make this a more varied outing than a simple drive to the snow and back.

Treat this as a short visit, not a long hike. The schedule allows 45 minutes, so there is time for the walk and a pause at the falls, but not a lengthy wander. Wear shoes with good grip and bring a warm layer; the walk is brief, but you are still outdoors in winter conditions.

A sweet stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

The final sightseeing stop is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, about an hour’s drive from the falls. You have roughly 45 minutes to browse handcrafted chocolate and other treats, or sit down with a hot chocolate or ice cream if you fancy a reward after the cold.

This stop is part shop, part treat break. It is not a long tasting session, so decide what interests you when you arrive and keep an eye on the time. A visitor recommended checking out the chocolate degustation, which costs $4. That is a modest extra if you want to sample rather than leave with only a purchase.

Because food and drinks are not covered by the tour price, any chocolate, ice cream or café order is an extra. The stop is likely to appeal most to people who enjoy browsing food shops and choosing a small treat; if you are not interested in sweets, it is a short pause before the return journey rather than a major attraction.

Is $123 good value for the day?

The price makes the most sense if you want transport, several stops and an organized schedule without arranging each leg yourself. Return city pickup and drop-off, resort and national park entry fees, a guide and a heated coach with Wi-Fi are included. For an 11-hour trip, those inclusions cover the main logistics.

The budget can rise once you add snow clothing or toboggan hire, meals, drinks and personal purchases. If you already own suitable waterproof winter clothing, you can avoid some rental costs, but remember that your own toboggan cannot come aboard. The coach’s storage limits are worth considering before you pack.

Value also depends on what you want from Lake Mountain. If you are happy with a few hours of snow play and tobogganing, the combination of resort time, waterfall and chocolaterie makes the fare feel well spent. If you expect skiing, a long hike or a full day at the chocolate shop, the schedule will not match your plans.

The tour has a 4.6 rating from five reviews, a small sample, so do not treat that figure as a guarantee. The strongest praise is for the guides’ organization and care; on a July trip, Tom and Alisha were singled out for attentive service, and another departure praised guide Alisha’s warmth and clear organization.

What to know before setting off

This tour operates only when Lake Mountain confirms suitable snow coverage. If snow conditions are not right, the trip does not run as described, so keep that seasonal dependency in mind when planning a winter visit.

Wear layers that can handle cold and damp weather. The recommended kit includes a waterproof jacket and pants, beanie, scarf, gloves and snow boots, along with comfortable shoes for the falls. A camera and charged smartphone are useful, and a power bank helps on a long day of photos and navigation.

There are six pickup and drop-off points in Melbourne, but not every hotel in the city is included. The confirmed pickup time will be sent by the activity provider after booking. Return to Melbourne is approximately 6:00 to 6:30 PM.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the vehicle cannot accommodate non-folding or electric wheelchairs, strollers, baby carriages or large luggage.

Who should book this Lake Mountain day trip?

I’d recommend this outing to first-time snow visitors, families who want a day of outdoor play, and anyone who would rather let a guide handle the transport and timing. The mix of snow, waterfall and chocolate gives you variety, while three hours at Lake Mountain leaves enough time to enjoy the main stop without turning the day into a rushed photo run.

It is less suited to skiers, people who want a strenuous hike, or anyone who dislikes long coach days. Go prepared for cold weather, possible rental costs and a full schedule. If those trade-offs suit you, this is a practical way to combine Lake Mountain with two worthwhile stops beyond the resort.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 11 hours. Pickup is between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, and the expected return to Melbourne is around 6:00 to 6:30 PM.

How much time do I get at Lake Mountain?

You have approximately three hours of free time at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.

Is skiing included?

No. The tour focuses on snow play and tobogganing, and skiing is not available on the outing described here.

Can I hire snow gear at Lake Mountain?

Yes. Toboggans, jackets, pants and boots can be hired at the resort for a fee. Hire costs are not included in the tour price.

Can I bring my own toboggan, skis or snowboard?

No. The vehicle does not have suitable storage for personal skis, snowboards or toboggans.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you may bring your own. Purchases at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie are also extra.

Where are the pickup and drop-off points?

The six listed locations are The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne, The Victoria Hotel, The Hotel Windsor, Europa Melbourne, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne and Crown Promenade Melbourne. The provider emails your specific pickup time after booking.

Does the tour run if there is no snow?

The tour operates only when Lake Mountain confirms suitable snow coverage.