Mount Buller - town in Victoria, Australia

Mount Buller is an alpine village and ski resort around 250 km northeast of Melbourne, with 263 ha of resort terrain, satisfies a wide range of skiers.

Understand

At only 3-4 hours drive from Melbourne, Mount Buller is popular with day trippers from Melbourne, but also boasts 7,000 beds on the mountain. The mountain itself rises to 1805 m above sea level, with average snow depth during winter of 1.5 m.

Extensive snowmaking takes place to ensure a longer season.

The resort has 20 lifts and usually operates from the Queen's birthday long weekend in June to the October school holidays, depending on seasonal conditions.

Get in

By car

There is only one paved road into Mount Buller, the Mount Buller Road (C320) which starts in Mansfield, a small town located 55 km away. Most of the Mount Buller Road is fairly safe and easy to drive, but the road starts getting complicated once you drive past the Sawmill Settlement as the road begins climbs up the mountain. Extreme care is needed to navigate the road up the mountain with many blind corners and natural hazards such as ice and loose rock falling onto the road. The maximum speed limit is 60 km/h in good conditions, if the weather deteriorates, the safe speed can be reduced to 40 km/h or less.

If you are departing from Melbourne, leave at about 8:30 to 9AM to arrive in Mansfield to arrive at around noon for lunch. Stop at the Mansfield Bakery for award-winning pies, or go to the Mansfield Coffee Merchant for a more gourmet meal, with great coffee.

To get into the resort, you must pay for resort entry and have it available to display upon entering the resort, this can be done here. Cars also have to carry wheel chains if they are visiting the resort. You will also need to book Rideshare or private transfer, this can be done here. Note that Rideshare can be busy and delayed both entering and exiting the mountain, and the options for private transfer is very expensive.

By bus

If you don't like driving on roads with unpredictable outcomes, or don't drive at all, there is a bus service that provide regular bus services up the mountain during the winter season (June–September).

For a full days' skiing book the Altitude Tours 4:25AM bus from Federation Square, Melbourne. This is the first bus to Mount Buller from Melbourne which will get you to the chairlifts ready to ski at approximately 8:45AM.

There is also a V/Line coach service that runs from Southern Cross to Mount Buller, check the V/Line website for times.

By air

There are some companies that offer helicopter trips to Mount Buller from Melbourne, such as Microflite and Mile High, however these are expensive and are often cancelled or delayed due to wind or visibility issues.

If you are travelling interstate or internationally and wishing to fly, Melbourne Airport will be your best option, as it is the largest airport in Victoria, and closest major airport to Mount Buller. From here, it is easiest to use another of the options listed to get to Mount Buller.

Get around

To get around the Mount Buller village, there are free village bus services available for you to catch to allow you to reach the slopes from different points such as Chamois, Village Plaza, Ski School and Bourke Street. The buses are equipped with special clamps to secure your skies or snowboards on to remove the hassle of bringing your snow gear inside the bus and upsetting other users. There are three routes, all starting and ending at the Village Centre 📍; to the top of Summit Road, along The Avenue and around Stirling Road and the south side of the village.

See

It's possible just to enjoy the view of the many mountains surrounding Mt. Buller, which provides a memorable day out in itself.

• Mount Buller Summit, -37.14458°, 146.42587°. In summer, it is possible to hike or drive up to the Mount Buller Summit, which offers incredible views across the Mount Buller Area. 2022-10-23
• Summit Nature Walk, -37.14589°, 146.44325°. Starting at the top of the paved section of Summit Road, the Summit Nature Walk offers great views of the area on a dedicated path. The trail is quite easy, but has stairs and steeper parts at times. The Summit itself is very steep, and proves a challenge to walk up. 2022-10-23
• Gnome Roam, -37.14608°, 146.44936°. The Gnome Roam is a fun guided train around the Village for kids, starting and ending at the Clock Tower in the Village Square. Download the Mount Buller Walks app to get an audio tour of the route. 2022-10-23
• National Alpine Museum (National Alpine Museum of Australia), -37.1452°, 146.449°, +61 0418 976 338, info@nama.org.au. The National Alpine Museum houses around 25,000 pieces of alpine memorabilia on Level 1 of Alpine Central. 2022-10-23
• Sculpture Walk, -37.14596°, 146.44988°. Starting on Stirling Road and going up Athlete's Walk, the Sculpture Walk is a series of sculptures, which can be accessed year-round. Again, use the Mount Buller Walks app for a guided tour. 2022-10-23

Do

Skiing and snowboarding the main choice of activity for many visitors. However, there are some other activities that you can do if you are not a keen skier or snowboarder. There are snow shoe activities and sightseeing available. See the |Mount Buller website for more details.

• Mount Buller Cinema, -37.14513°, 146.44861°, +61 493 472 589, mtbullercinema@gmail.com. Enjoy a movie at Australia's highest cinema with movies for young children to adults, check the timetable on the website for information. 2022-10-22
• Buller Air Zone, -37.14507°, 146.44857°, airzone@mtbuller.com.au. The Buller Air Zone, located on Level 2 in the Alpine Central building, is an indoor trampoline park including five high-performance trampoline, a large inflatable air bag, a bouldering wall and a rock climbing wall. 2022-10-23

In Winter

• Australian Sleddog Tours, -37.15044°, 146.46244°, +61 0418 230 982, australiansleddogtours@gmail.com. Australian Sleddog Tours offers an enjoyable experience enjoying the scenery of Mount Buller. Book in as early as possible, as it gets very busy. 2022-10-22

Skiing and snowboarding

<span style="color:green">Beginner</span> (Green Circle): The beginner runs on Mount Buller are Bourke Street, Baldy and Burnt Hut. The slopes on these runs are gentle and easy to slide down on. Burnt Hut is slightly steeper, but the scenery is a lot nicer than Bourke Street, with trees on both sides. Bourke Street is ideal for beginners who wish to stay near their accommodation, since it is right in the middle of the Mount Buller Village, and a newly-built six-pack chairlift, Bourke Street Express, is very fast despite the previously-long lines. Baldy ends at the top of Bourke Street, and is quite flat, making it harder than Bourke Street. All of the beginner runs are available from the Abom chairlift.

<span style="color:blue">Intermediate</span> (Blue Square): Two very popular intermediate runs are the twin runs of Wombat and Little Buller Spur, located near the top of Baldy. Groomed most days and covered by snowmaking, the runs are suitable for many intermediates wishing to move up from green to blue. However, the run get a bit busy on Sundays and school holidays, and the chairlift serving them, Wombat, is very old and slow. Another easy run is Skyline, accessible from Baldy, however it is served by a T-bar, which can be difficult for skiers and especially snowboarders who have not used them before. Family Run is very easy, too, and used to be marked as beginner. It does have a small uphill part, which can be annoying to get up. A slightly more difficult run is Standard, located at the end of Skyline. It can, at some times, get somewhat choppy or icy in some parts. Other runs similar to Standard are Shakey Knees, Tirol, Summit Blue and Chamois. The most difficult blue run is Summit Slide, which is considered 'double blue' by some skiers and snowboarders. It is covered by moguls, or bumps, and is somewhat steep. It is usually used as an introduction to moguls before moving onto other runs with steeper, larger moguls.

Advanced (Black Diamond): Mount Buller has a large variety of advanced runs, from easy black runs to very steep terrain. The easiest black run on the mountain is the chain of Summit Black and Howqua, followed by Dam Run and Yurredla. These are all not as steep as most advanced runs, and tend to get good snow cover. Summit Black and Howqua have snowmaking, furthering snow cover. A good run in the middle difficulty of advanced runs is Men's Downhill, which has snowmaking and is very popular on a good day. Chalet Creek is a similar steepness but more technical, as it doesn't have as good snow cover. The runs on the Bull Run bowl, encircled by Standard, is also in the middle range, although the upper runs such as Hogg's Back and Sun Valley are more difficult. The most prominent run in the Bull Run bowl is Fall Line, which offers the most difficult moguls on the mountain and is very popular with mogul skiers on a good day. The most difficult advanced runs on the mountain are the runs on the Summit, including the Fanny's Finish and Summit Ridge areas. These are very steep and can get very icy at times.

Extreme (Double Black Diamond): Mount Buller does not have any on-piste extreme terrain, but it does have off-piste terrain. There are two locations where double black runs can be found. The first is off of Summit, past Fanny's Finish, where the Chutes are located. There are much more well known than the double blacks located in the second location, off of the Canyon Trail, near Chamois. Only the most experienced skiers should ski in there areas, and help may be a long way off if anything happens. Skiing the Chutes will also result in a walk back up to the Howqua chairlift if you go down too far.

Tobogganing

There are two toboggan parks in Mount Buller; the Village Toboggan Park 📍, right near the Village Centre and Alpine Central, and Celia's Toboggan Park 📍, at the base of the mountain. Celia's can be accessed using the Northside Express chairlift, which is walkable from the Village. You, as of the 2022 season, cannot bring your own toboggan onto the mountain, instead, you must hire them or book a toboggan park ticket from the |Mount Buller website (dead link: January 2023), this has been done to reduce the amount of people tobogganing on the slopes or in between buildings, both possibly dangerous situations.

In Summer

Mt Buller offers a series of activities in summer, including a large mountain biking network, multiple nature walks and a large hiking network. Mt Buller also is the home of the Australian Alpine Epic, a 51km mountain bike track from the Village to the town of Mirimbah, and is one of the few IMBA Epic-accredited trails in the world.

Buy

• Buller Grocer, -37.1462°, 146.44899°, +61 3 5777 6133. Buller Grocer is the only supermarket in the Village, and sells normal supermarket products, with a focus on food. It is expensive, so it is advised to bring some food with you if possible. 2022-10-22
• Buller Sports, -37.1463°, 146.44911°. Buller Sports, on the mountain and in Mansfield, offers equipment hire for skis and snowboards, and wheel chain hire, a necessity as all cars on the mountain, including off the Village, must have wheel chains, and 2WD vehicles almost always need to use chains. 2022-10-22
• Grimus Ski Centre, -37.14729°, 146.44556°, +61 3 5777 6396, rent@grimusskicentre.com. Another ski hire location, Grimus Ski Centre also has a shop where you can buy gloves, goggles, helmets and other ski equipment. They also have a tuning centre and a 'ski depot', where ski equipment can be stored securely. 2022-10-22
• Snowfox, -37.1466°, 146.44935°, +61 419 526 344, info@snowfox.com.au. Snowfox offers designer skiwear for men and women, and a variety of alpine homewares and toys. Snowfox is very expensive, so be prepared to pay. 2022-10-22
• Ski and Snowboard School, -37.14672°, 146.4473°. The ski and snowboard school offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages. The School offers private lessons, and the following programs: Bunyips, for 3-6 years old, Buller Kids, for 7-14 years old, and teens and adult group lessons for beginners and intermediate skiers. 2022-10-22
• Mirimbah Store, -37.11025°, 146.39655°, +61 3 5777 5846. Mirimbah store is the last place to get fuel before entering Mount Buller, so it is essential to stop here to refill if necessary. The Store also sells alpine diesel, which is a must for diesel vehicles. 2022-10-24

Eat

Mount Buller offers a variety of restaurants, from cheap-and-cheerful to luxury options.

• Burger Haus, -37.14596°, 146.44884°, +61 3 5777 6309. Delicious burgers near the Bourke Street Express lift and George's Ski Hire. Can get busy quickly, as the area it is in is not very large. 2022-10-22
• Pat's Italian, -37.14612°, 146.44989°, +61 3 5777 6494. Serves great Italian food, with a wide pizza and pasta menu. 2022-10-22
• The Whitt, -37.14577°, 146.44567°, +61 3 5777 6024, reservations@skivictoria.com.au. The Whitt serves 'modern Australian-style cooking with a European flair', according to its website, and is a good option for families as it has a games room. Book early, as it gets very busy, and some days are reserved for Ski Club of Victoria members. 2022-10-22
• Enzian Restaurant, -37.14761°, 146.45208°, info@enzian.com.au. Surrounded by the Enzian Hotel, the Enzian Restaurant offers very good food, with many Asian dishes, despite the Austrian lodge feel. 2022-10-22
• Duck Inn, -37.14544°, 146.45504°, +61 3 5777 6326. The Duck Inn offers a variety of food for all ages, and an extensive drinks menu. It is quite far away from much of the Village, so either use the shuttle service or prepare for a long walk. 2022-10-22
• Koflers Hutte, -37.14781°, 146.43094°, +61 3 5777 6241, admin@koflers.com.au. Koflers is a restaurant on the mountain, being ski-in ski-out. Enjoy a variety of snacks and meals while admiring the view of the mountain. Koflers does get busy quick, so arrive and order early, or sit outside in what is a better view, but frigid. 2022-10-22
• Tirol Cafe, -37.14479°, 146.43988°, +61 3 5777 7969. Great on-mountain Italian food, with a great view of the slopes. You can walk to it in good visibility, as it is not too far from the Village, but expect food waits of over 30 minutes unless you arrive early. 2022-10-23
• The Villager, -37.14683°, 146.44927°, +61 3 5777 6167, hello@thevillagermb.com.au. Pub-style food for all ages. 2022-10-27

Drink

• Kooroora Hotel, -37.14659°, 146.44982°. Large bar with music as well as dining options. 2022-10-25
• Moosehead Whisky and Blues Bar, -37.1459°, 146.44657°, +61 3 5777 7901. Moosehead serves a series of drinks, including whisky, as well as snacks and live music on Saturday nights. 2022-10-26

Sleep

Mount Buller has many type of accommodations, ranging from upper class hotels to backpackers lodges.

• Alpine Holiday Rentals, +61 3 5775 1197. Offers a wide variety of accommodation scattered on and off the mountain. 2022-10-15
• Breathtaker Hotel & Spa, -37.14784°, 146.44519°, +61 3 5777 6377. More expensive option with full apartments, as well as a spa. The hotel offers studio, one, two, three or four bedroom apartments, and is ski-in ski-out. 2022-10-15
• Mt Buller Chalet, -37.14587°, 146.44812°. Very expensive option, right next to the Village Centre and Alpine Central, with spa, sauna and gym facilities. The Chalet offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments. 2022-10-15
• Hotel Pension Grimus, 5 Breathtaker Road, Mt Buller, -37.14737°, 146.44536°, +61 3 5777 6396, reservations@pensiongrimus.com.au. Pension Grimus is steeped in Mt Buller local history, founded by Hans Grimus, an Austrian immigrant and former director of Orange Lifts. Pension Grimus offers hotel rooms and apartment and plays host to Kaptains Restaurant (named after Grimus's dog Kaptain), a restaurant that serves excellent food. 2022-10-22
• Buller Central, -37.14676°, 146.44927°, +61 499 004 946. Buller Central offers small, cheaper hotel rooms in the middle of the Village, and is close to the Bourke Street Express lift and many dining options. 2022-10-22
• Schuss Ski Club, -37.14805°, 146.45563°, +61 3 5777 6007, buller@schuss.com.au. Schuss Ski Club is one of the many ski lodges on Mount Buller, which are all somewhat similar. Small bedrooms sleeping 2-4 people are on offer, with communal facilities such as bathrooms, lounge rooms and kitchens. Lodges such as Schuss are much cheaper than booking apartments, however they are not for you if you want private facilities. 2022-10-22

Stay safe

Due to the mountainous, isolated nature of the mountain and the danger in traversing the mountain, safety can be a concern. Mount Buller CFA 📍 is on the junction of Stirling Road and The Avenue and the Mount Buller Police Station 📍 is nearby, on Chamois Close. The Medical Centre 📍 and the Ski Patrol 📍 are located on Summit Road, at the top of Athlete's Walk. Be careful on Athlete's Walk, as it is very steep and sometimes slippery, although the installation of heaters has remedied this to an extent. Downloading the Mount Buller app is a must, as Ski Patrol can be called using a quick-to-access button on the app.

Cope

There is one chapel on Mount Buller, the Mount Buller Chapel 📍, located at the top of Chamois Close, next to the Police Station. There is also an aerial bridge from the Village Centre building to the top of Chamois Close, to access the Chapel.

Connect

In Mount Buller, internet can be patchy, and has issues in some areas. Telstra works decently well across most of the Village, however Vodaphone and Optus doesn't work as well in some areas. The internet, no matter the provider, is better on the north side of the mountain. While skiing, there are some towers, however it is difficult to get internet at the bottom of runs.

Go next

North

• Mount Stirling is a popular location for cross-country skiing near Mount Buller, with no village and limited facilities.

East

• Mount Hotham and Falls Creek are both ski resorts in Victoria where you can continue your alpine adventure.
• If you wish to go interstate, Thredbo and Perisher in New South Wales are both ski resort options in Australia.
• The Alpine National Park is next to Buller and offers a great place to explore.

West

• Mansfield is the closest large town to Mount Buller and a good place to stay for some time, with more restaurants and accommodation.
• Euroa and Seymour are both large towns further away from Mount Buller with some small heritage locations to see.

Southwest

• Melbourne is Victoria's capital and a large city with many less adventurous things to do.

Related: Winter sports in Australia