Out of Town: Five Things You Must Do at Mt Baw Baw this Winter

Do you want to build a snowman? How about going for a walk through the snow with a real Aussie dingo, or giving snowboarding a shot for the first time? Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne. If you are like us and thought Ski resorts are only for people who already know how to ski, then listen up because we can tell you that there’s so much more to see and do while you’re here besides hitting the slopes. With an intimate village feel and sheltered mountain trails, Mount Baw Baw is the place to start learning snow sports, fine tune your skills or go on an adventure! If you have been itching to leave Melbourne or Sydney for a few days on a roadtrip, then read on for our Out Of Town guide to the best things to see and do on Mt Baw Baw!

Come Face to Face With Loveable Dingos!
Be sure to say “Awoooooooororrrooo!” to the very loveable Rowdy and Warragul at the Dingo Resource Centre! Rowdy and Warragul are Baw Baw’s resident dingoes. Rowdy (ginger fur) is an alpine/desert dingo cross. Warragul (light fur – in our cover photo) is a 100% Alpine Dingo. The team living up here year round absolutely adore these two, and know plenty of dingo facts. Did you know that dingoes can run up to 60km/hour, travel 40km in a single day, jump two metres high and even climb trees?! Come learn about the dingoes, the critically endangered Baw Baw Frog, Leadbeater’s Possum and other species of plants and animals that occupy the mountain in the Dingo Resource Centre. There are even opportunities to meet the dingos, and we have it on good authority they love a cuddle.

Wake up in A Cosy Cabin Surrounded by Snow!
One of best things about holidays in Winter is waking up in the morning and knowing that you can stay in your toasty warm bed and relax. The Alpine Resort has plenty of different accommodation options, from affordable youth hostel style dorms, to cute cabins surrounded by Australian bush and snow. We stayed at Woolybutt Cabin which can fit a whole family (or provide a romantic retreat for couples).

While there was a full kitchen in the cabin, the food options here are pretty great if you prefer dining next to a roaring fire (more of that below). There’s nothing quite like peeping through your windows at a forest full of snow while you are snug and warm inside.

Learn To Snowboard, ski or toboggan!Sure, you could easily spend a weekend at Baw Baw without hitting the slopes, but with friendly (and very patient) instructors on hand, and lots of gentle slopes, it makes sense to learn a new snow sport (or polish your rusty skills) here. Got kids? Free 15 minute snowboarding sessions for the little ones are available most days. There are also 32 hectares of skiing terrain, lifts and 10km of cross country trails.

Not feeling up to a full lesson (or even group lesson)? Tobogganing is super easy and lots of fun. All gear can be rented when you get here, including snow gear and the staff are happy to show you the basics.

Eat and Drink Great Food (Yes, the coffee is good too)We have to admit, there was one thing we were a bit nervous about… the coffee. As loud and proud Melbourne food snobs, we can happily put your worries to rest – the coffee and food we tried at the Alpine Hotel and Bistro were great. The kitchen team cater for breakfast, lunch and dinner (try the parma), as well as stocking a decent selection of wine, beers & spirits. We suggest borrowing a game from the bar (scrabble and chess were our favourites) when your order a glass of wine, and settling in next to the roaring fire for a relaxed evening. There are other food options available while you’re up here, but Alpine Hotel was our favourite.

Visit the pack of Huskies!

Jump on board a dogsled and be led through the snow gums by a team of eight huskies. Ranging in length from 30 minutes to four hours (the longest commercial dog sled trail in Australia), the tours weave through the mountainous terrain, amongst the snow gums and onto open plateaus. Those who prefer to do the hiking themselves can don a pair of snowshoes and harness themselves to a retired husky for a snow walk! We love this idea, as the huskies who work on the sleds have a forever home. When they retire, they still get to show guests around, just at a little slower pace.

The friendly village atmosphere and gentle terrain makes Mt Baw Baw the perfect place for a relaxing snow experience, and with a full event lineup throughout the season, and a scenic 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne, there is really no reason not to give it a go! Just remember to say hi to the dingos for us!

– Tomas
Tomas Zagoda is a filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. You can follow him @TomasZagoda.

Mt Baw Baw is an pleasant 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne and has plenty of family friendly activities to keep you busy this Winter. All the info you need to visit, including accommodation, can be found here.
This venue is partially accessible and the resort has made valiant efforts to help with most ability levels. Contact guest services for specific information.

Disclaimer: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Bastion Effect.
Images: Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort.