During summer, there are spectacular wildflower displays. In winter, the snowy woodlands highlight the changing beauty of Baw Baw National Park.
Gnarled Snow Gums and Alpine heaths stretch across the Baw Baw Plateau, while majestic tall forests grow within the surrounding river valleys. Whether shooting the rapids on the Thomson River or skiing a cross country trail, Baw Baw National Park offers a wealth of natural experiences.
Hiking, Trekking and Bushwalking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the park. There are many kilometres of walking tracks traversing pristine sub-alpine plant communities and unique landscapes. Be sure to wear strong footwear, pack a snack and carry water and a jacket. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather and always let someone know before you go.
Location - Located just 160 kilometres east of Melbourne, Mt Baw Baw is uniquely situated within the Mt Baw Baw National Park.
Snow Country Activities
Altitude - Mt Baw Baw’s summit is 1,564 metres high. The village at Mt Baw Baw reaches 1,470 metres in height.
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is the closest downhill ski area to Melbourne, only a 2.5 hour drive, making it a popular destination for a day trip. With two lifts dedicated to beginner and intermediate skiers, Baw Baw is an easy place for learning to ski or snowboard.
Cross Country Skiing, Tobogganing and Snowplay Baw Baw National Park is renowned for its cross country skiing. With elevations of up to 1500 metres in the park, snow can be expected from June to September. There are 11 kilometres of marked ski trails across the plateau and a permanent pole line links the Baw Baw Alpine Resort to the St Gwinear carpark.
Family Snow Activities
St Gwinear is a popular destination for families seeking a fun day in the snow. There are two graded toboggan runs, and areas suitable for building a snowman or for throwing a snow ball. A kiosk with toboggan hire regularly operates from the St Gwinear carpark during the snow season.
Skiing statistics - The terrain on Mt Baw Baw makes it a cross-country skiing paradise, with over 10 kilometres of sheltered, well-marked and groomed trails to suit every level of skier. An integrated network of five ski lifts services over 30 hectares of skiing terrain, providing stunning views and an easy return to the village from every trail including the two custom designed lifts for beginners.
Fishing
The Thomson and Aberfeldy Rivers are an excellent location to try your luck at fly fishing. Catches from streams within the park include Brown Trout, River Blackfish and eels. A recreational fishing licence is required to take fish (including bait and shellfish) in all Victorian marine, estuary and freshwaters.
Licences are available from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and most retail fishing stores, as is the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide which specifies bag limits and seasons for different fish.
How to Get to Mt Baw Baw
Getting there - Visitors from Melbourne to Mt Baw Baw can travel via the Princes Highway, turning off before Drouin, or taking the drive through Powelltown. Regardless of which route is taken, the journey is less than 160 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district and even shorter from the eastern and southern suburbs and parts of Gippsland, on the South East Coast of Victoria.
The road to the day car park is sealed. Transport is available to families or groups with luggage from the car park to lodges. Alternate means of transport include public transport from Latrobe Valley and Warragul railway station.
During the declared ski season, vehicles must carry snow chains and fitted when and where directed.
Resorts, Hotels and other Accommodation
Accommodation - Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort offers a wide variety of accommodation to cater for overnight and longer stays, including self contained cabins, ski lodges, backpacker accommodation, apartments and hotel rooms that offer ski-from-your-door convenience.
The Alpine Hotel right in the village hub has backpacker style accommodation in a variety of room styles at reasonable rates. Kelly’s Lodge has comfortable rooms with ensuites, or for those who prefer the privacy of a self contained apartment, Cascade Ski Apartments have fully equipped units of varying sizes, while the resort’s deluxe two-bedroom cabins also offer a comfortable accommodation option for couples, families, couples and groups.
Other accommodation: the club lodges located throughout the village which provide a friendly atmosphere at budget-conscious prices.
