Snow days beat city plans every time. This Go West day trip strings together Lake Mountain snow time, Steavenson Falls, and a Yarra Valley chocolate stop, starting bright and early. I like the long 3 hours at Lake Mountain for real snow play and toboggan-style fun, and I like riding in a heated 24-seater with a guide who keeps everything on track. The main catch is that meals and snow gear aren’t included, so you’ll plan for either rentals or your own waterproof layers.

The pace is beginner-friendly: you’ll get a short walk at the falls and a full block for snow. The group is capped at 24 travelers, which helps keep photo stops and timing from turning into chaos. If you’ve got moderate fitness and you’re comfortable standing/walking outdoors in winter air, you’ll be fine.

Key highlights you’ll feel from the start

• 3 hours at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort for snow play, snow gums wandering, and toboggan slopes
• A short Steavenson Falls walk (about 45 minutes) for photos and a calmer nature break
• Hot chocolate and handcrafted treats at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery (about 45 minutes)
• Hotel pickup and heated coach travel in a comfortable 24-seater vehicle
• Expert guiding built around comfort and pacing (Go West runs this with an active group lead)
• Snow gear isn’t included, but hiring is available at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort

A 7:00 AM start that’s worth it for snow time

This tour begins at 7:00 am and runs about 11 hours total, so it’s a real day out rather than a quick taste. You’ll spend the bulk of your time away from Melbourne, then return after the waterfall and chocolate stop.

I like that the schedule is built around actual activities, not just bus sightseeing. And with a heated coach (24 seats), you’re not stuck shivering between stops.

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort: 3 hours to play (not just look)

Lake Mountain is where the tour earns its keep. You’ll get around three hours of free time at the alpine resort, and that’s enough for multiple “modes” in one visit—messing around in the snow, taking photos, and even squeezing in a toboggan run if you want that extra rush.

What you can do during that time:

• Build snowmen and generally enjoy the snow without rushing.
• Use the toboggan slopes for a bit of fast, straightforward fun.
• Walk around the area’s snow gums, which makes for pretty scenery without a strenuous hike.

A practical note: ski isn’t the point here. One review specifically called out that skiing isn’t available, so if you’re picturing lift tickets and runs, you’ll be disappointed. This is more about snow play and getting your body moving in winter conditions.

The snow-gear reality check

Snow gear is not included in the tour price. That means you’ll want a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants if you have them, plus proper footwear. If you don’t bring it, you can hire snow gear for a fee at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.

I’d treat this like a weather-and-comfort purchase decision. For most people, it’s either packing rain-snow gear that can handle slush and cold, or paying for rentals so you can focus on the fun.

Steavenson Falls: 45 minutes that feels calmer than you expect

After Lake Mountain, you’ll head to Steavenson Falls. This stop is about 45 minutes, and it’s centered on a short walk to the base of the falls.

Why this works well on a day tour:

• It breaks up the cold-weather intensity from the snow stop.
• It’s short enough that you don’t lose your whole day to walking.
• It’s photo-friendly, and the walk gives you space to slow down.

You’re going to the base of one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, so expect impressive water and a little mist. Bring layers you’re comfortable wearing outdoors, and keep your camera ready—waterfalls tend to create sudden changes in feel, from crisp air to damp cool.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: the stop that makes the day feel complete

Your final activity is around 45 minutes at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This is the “warm up and reset” portion of the day: browse handcrafted goodies, then choose something warm like hot chocolate—or go for ice cream if you’re the type who enjoys the contrast of snow air and sweet cold.

In practical terms, this stop matters more than it sounds. After hours in winter conditions (and possibly after renting or wearing gear), you’ll want time to:

• warm up with a drink
• refuel with something that doesn’t require planning
• pick up a few edible souvenirs without dragging them through your whole day

It’s also a nice moment to slow down and chat with your guide and fellow travelers while you’re not standing in icy wind.

Price and logistics: what $125.52 actually buys you

The price is $125.52 per person, and the tour is typically booked about 5 days in advance. That timing makes sense—snow-season decisions often happen quickly, but you still want a little runway to organize clothes and gear.

Here’s what’s included, and why it matters for value:

• Expert guide with informative commentary
• Hotel pickup and transfers from selected hotels
• Entry fees for the national park/resort and each stop (Lake Mountain, Steavenson Falls, and the chocolaterie are covered through included admission)
• Comfortable, heated transport in a 24-seater vehicle
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

What’s not included:

• Meals, drinks, and snacks
• Travel insurance
• Snow gear (toboggans/jackets/pants/boots are hireable for a fee at Lake Mountain)

So is it worth it? For a full-day winter outing from Melbourne, you’re paying for transport + guide time + multiple admissions. Your biggest “extra” costs are usually predictable: food and snow gear. If you show up ready (or plan to rent), the price feels pretty fair for the amount of structured time you get.

Comfort and group size: why the day usually stays fun

This tour caps at 24 travelers, and that size tends to be the sweet spot for a day like this. You can still move as a group and hear the guide, but you’re not stuck waiting for a long line of people each time you arrive somewhere.

You’re also allowed service animals, and the tour offers a mobile ticket. If you’re using pickup from a selected hotel, that reduces decision fatigue early in the morning. If not, the meeting setup is described as being near public transportation, so you have options.

One more thing I like: the tour emphasizes comfort and care, with guides who stay engaged rather than just reading facts. In the real world, that matters when the weather shifts and people need reassurance about timing and what to do next.

Your guide can make or break a winter day

A standout theme from the guides associated with this tour: they’re friendly, active, and good at keeping the whole group included. Names you may see leading this itinerary include Terry, Jools, Gumnut, Robbo, Bluey, Budgie, Tom, and Alisha.

Even if you don’t recognize the name when you book, you can expect the guiding style to be more like someone who manages a fun schedule than someone who just points at the scenery. Several examples also highlight patience and adaptability, including how the day stays positive even if conditions aren’t ideal.

I’d personally pick this tour specifically because it’s guided. Lake Mountain and the waterfall are great on their own, but the guide helps you get your bearings fast and use the time well.

What to bring so you don’t waste your snow time

Since meals and snow gear aren’t included, your packing list matters. Here’s what I’d treat as non-negotiable for comfort:

• Waterproof jacket and pants (a review specifically called these out)
• Warm layers underneath
• Gloves and warm socks (not listed as included, so plan for cold)
• Waterproof boots or rental footwear at the resort

If you’re hiring gear, you’ll still want to wear things that don’t trap sweat and chill you once you stop moving. And keep your phone accessible for waterfall and snow photos, because you’ll want quick shots before conditions change.

Also plan for being outdoors. This tour says it suits moderate physical fitness, which fits the idea of a short walk at the falls and time spent on your feet in winter air.

Who this tour fits best

This is a good choice if you want:

• a full-day winter experience without planning logistics
• plenty of time at the snow for active fun
• a break after the cold via a waterfall walk and a warm chocolate stop
• guided commentary and structured timing

It may not be ideal if you specifically want skiing, since ski is not the focus and was called out as unavailable.

Should you book the Lake Mountain Snow Tour?

Book this tour if you want a straightforward, well-timed winter day with real snow time and minimal decision-making. The $125.52 price starts to make sense once you factor in admissions and heated transport, plus the fact that you get three distinct experiences in one loop: snow play, a waterfall walk, and a sweet warm-up.

Skip it or prepare differently if you’re counting on meals being included (they aren’t) or if you don’t want to manage snow clothing and rentals (gear is not part of the package). If you’re ready with waterproof layers—or you’re happy to hire gear—this is exactly the kind of outing that feels worth the early start.

FAQ

What time does the Lake Mountain Snow Tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 11 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels, and transfers are included.

What activities are included at Lake Mountain?

You’ll have about 3 hours at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, with admission included. Activities include free time for snow play and access to toboggan slopes, plus time to wander around snow gums.

How much time do you spend at Steavenson Falls?

You’ll spend about 45 minutes at Steavenson Falls, including the base walk and admission.

How much time is allocated for the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie?

You’ll have about 45 minutes at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, with admission included.

Is snow gear included in the price?

No. Snow gear is not included, but you can hire gear for a fee at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 24 travelers.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, the tour includes mobile ticket access.

You Might Also Enjoy

Newcastle City Tour: Coastal Charms & City Secrets -mini vanGreat Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Private Day TourCairns: Aquarium Entry Ticket and Turtle Rehabilitation TourAdelaide: Barossa Private Wine Tour + Your Chosen Tastings