A Travellers Guide to Mount Hotham Victoria
Mount Hotham is a must see for those wanting to experience the snowy beauty of Victoria’s High Country. It’s an awe-inspiring destination for skiing, snowboarding and hiking.
There are a range of accommodation options, from cosy European chalets in the resort village to luxury hotels and apartments in Dinner Plain, about 12km south of Hotham. The town is also a great base for horseback riding and other activities in the area.
Getting There
Mount hotham is a popular snow destination for skiers and snowboarders from across the country, with cosy lodges and charming chalets offering accommodation options for every budget. Whether you’re visiting for a ski holiday, a day trip or on a family adventure, our travellers guide to mount hotham victoria will help you get the most out of your visit.
Away from the slopes, the town is also a great base for exploring Alpine National Park and is home to some of Australia’s best mountain walks. There are over 35 kilometres of trails in Hotham village, Dinner Plain and Wire Plain, including the iconic Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing. Or, if you’re looking for more off-piste hiking, you can choose from the 22-kilometre-long Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk, or the 18-kilometre-long The Huts Walk.
If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to get to mount hotham victoria, there are plenty of bus services that run from Southern Cross station in Melbourne and Melbourne Airport. These buses operate on a daily basis during the winter season, with return online bus fares from Melbourne starting at $119 per person!
Alternatively, you can hire a car and drive to Mt hotham victoria. However, this isn’t a cheap option and there are a few things to consider.
First, you’ll need to have a resort entry permit to access the slopes. This can be purchased at the resort or online in advance, and will save you a trip to the ticket office.
Another option is to take a bus service operated by Public Transport Victoria, which runs between Freeburgh Community Hall/Great Alpine Road and Transit Lounge/Great Alpine Rd twice a week. This journey takes about 1h.
Once you arrive in Hotham, you can get around by foot or use a free shuttle bus that runs up and down the Great Alpine Road. You’ll also find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as accommodation ranging from self-contained apartments to ski lodges and sprawling, luxury hotels.
Depending on your budget, you can choose from 20 free-standing chalets in Hotham Heights, such as Blowhard Chalets, or four-bedroom Bunnys, or a plethora of self-contained apartments and ski lodges throughout the Hotham Village. For more luxury, try White Crystal Apartments or Arlberg Hotham, where you’ll be able to relax with a drink in the bar, or Peninsula Ski Club, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and a spa bath on every suite.
Things to Do
Mount Hotham is Australia’s ‘powder capital’ and regularly posts Victoria’s highest annual snowfall. At 320 hectares, it’s got downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skis, jumps and terrain parks, a range of accommodation options and 13 lifts to get you up the mountain.
It’s also a haven for serious skiers and riders who want to challenge themselves on advanced terrain. It doesn’t mean that it’s not family friendly though – there are plenty of fun apres-ski activities for all ages to enjoy and it’s one of the few places in Australia where families can ski or snowboard together at the same time.
During winter, visitors must pay a resort entry fee to access the mountain’s slopes. This helps to cover the cost of essential services such as ski patrol, the free village buses, snow clearing and environmental initiatives.
The snow in winter isn’t the only thing that makes Hotham special – it’s the variety of other activities on offer, from horse riding to a day spa. The alpine town is a year-round destination and in summer you can enjoy spectacular hikes, stunning views from the 230-kilometre Bogong Alpine Way or go four-wheel driving on an epic trail.
If you prefer to stay indoors, you can take advantage of the many day spas in the village and soak away your stress in a Japanese-style onsen. You’ll also find fireside restaurants and cafes where you can dine and sip a warming mulled wine.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities on offer, including hiking and trail running in Alpine National Park. The iconic Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is a three-day trek through the region’s wilderness, whilst other trails in the area are ideal for a quick jaunt.
Another great activity in the high country is to take a guided snowshoe walk, which takes you through the forests and out into the alpine. It’s a great way to get out and explore the region’s natural environment while getting a glimpse into local history.
If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, consider embarking on a sled dog tour or a helicopter flight. Or, if you’re really brave, try your hand at rock climbing. There are also a variety of cycling opportunities in the region, from scenic downhill rides to a challenging climb up the summit on the ‘Antelope’ chairlift.
Accommodation
Hotham is a very popular winter ski resort in Victoria. It has great snow, plenty of reputable ski schools and equipment hire, and a wide variety of accommodation options.
The village of Hotham Heights is located at the top of the slopes and is serviced by fourteen ski lifts. It’s one of the highest villages in Australia, so it’s a good choice for a holiday if you like high altitude skiing and want to experience snow in the mountains.
It’s also good for beginner and intermediate skiers, as it has a variety of easy runs that are groomed to a high standard. However, there aren’t many steep runs and the vertical descent is quite limited.
You’ll need to drive up the ridge-top road to access the ski runs, which is probably the most difficult of the Australian ski field roads, but it’s worth the effort if you’re an experienced driver and don’t mind driving on steep snow. It’s a bit of an endurance test and you should only attempt it if you have a good driving record and are used to dealing with steep roads and icy weather.
There are a few different lodging options available in the area, including hotels, apartments and lodges. Most of the lodgings are situated along the Alpine Highway.
These places are generally a few minutes’ walk to ski lifts, shops and cafes. They offer a range of packages for ski equipment and can arrange transportation to and from the mountain if you don’t have your own vehicle.
They also have a lot of facilities that you don’t usually see in hotels, such as a sauna and spa. You can book a few nights in one of these and it will be well worth it!
The apartments are very clean and comfortable, with everything you need to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a large bathroom with a spa bath and plenty of space for you to spread out.
It’s a good option if you’re looking for an affordable getaway and want to be within walking distance of the slopes and other amenities. It’s also a popular choice for groups and families as it has plenty of shared rooms with bunk beds.
Restaurants
After a long day on the snow it’s time to refuel, and Mount Hotham is home to a variety of eateries that cater for every taste. From cafes to pubs, there is something for everyone.
Located in the heart of Hotham Central, Chill Bar and Café is perfect for breakfast or lunch with a view. It serves coffee, espresso, gourmet cakes end slices and pies and sausage rolls along with hearty soups.
Open at 7.30am, it’s the perfect place to get a bite to eat before heading out to the slopes. You’ll also find a huge selection of bakery goods from Harrietville Bakery including grab pies and pastries.
The General is a favourite for locals and visitors alike with great food and live music. It has something happening almost every night during the winter months. DJs, darts nights and trivia are just some of the fun things to do here!
This family friendly bar and restaurant is a must-visit for anyone wanting to enjoy a good meal at the top of Hotham. Their pizza is known as one of the best on the mountain, so if you’re looking for an alternative to a pub dinner, this is where you need to head!
If you’re after something a little more sophisticated, Miss Mary’s will provide signature cocktails and Asian fusion’share or not to share’ eating. You can also take advantage of their onsite sports treatment and massage.
You’ll also find a cosy bar and restaurant at Lawlers Court that’s the perfect spot to meet up with friends after a day on the snow. They have 80s nights on Saturday and a more mellow vibe on Sunday.
During the summer, you can enjoy hiking and rafting on the Great Alpine Road or play a round of frisbee golf. The villages of Bright and Omeo are also worth exploring.
There are several restaurants to choose from, but if you’re after a bit of extra luxury, the resorts at Falls Creek and Mount Buller have some of the best accommodation in Victoria. These resorts are just a short drive from Mt Hotham and offer the perfect retreat for those looking to explore Victoria’s magnificent alpine scenery.