www.mthotham.com.au/discover/explore/getting-here/location
This is not an exhaustive List- plenty of general information on the Mt Hotham Website and on the web generally-
Choosing your Route
1. Road via the North-East and Harrietville-this is the most frequently used road route from Melbourne, Victoria and NSW. It is also the route most exposed to snow build-up poor visibility and ice, and you may experience delays in winter storm weather. This can also happen on your return leg.(380km from Melb CBD)
2.Road via east Gippland and Omeo-this route is used by people coming from Phillip Island, Gippsland and coastal NSW.
It is rarely closed. It is about 2 hours longer travel from Melbourne CBD(460km) than above.
3.Mt Hotham Airport(near dinner Plain)- currently this is only available for private flights, and then a bus or private transport is required to take you the 12 km to Mt Hotham. You will still need to do all your cleaning chores.
4.For the very committed, there is a helicopter running between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham- very very weather dependant.
Method of travel
1.drive all the way yourself.
2.Drive to Bright/Harrietville and take a bus-http://www.hoysskis.com.au/book-online/
this saves the hassle, snow driving fear-factor, chain hire and parking costs. Buses leave twice daily. Your car can be left at a secure car park.
3.Bus from major city centres-https://www.snowballexpress.com.au/default.aspx
4.Private plane or helicopter- if this is really an option for you doing your own cleaning chores at Hangmans may be a strange fit. On the other hand, you may have arrived via heli from Falls Creek.
Before you Travel-
On The road-
When you Arrive- the good news is everybody wants to tell you how to do things right!
Safety In The Snow- enjoy but be careful
Safe Return home-
This is not an exhaustive List- plenty of general information on the Mt Hotham Website and on the web generally-
Choosing your Route
1. Road via the North-East and Harrietville-this is the most frequently used road route from Melbourne, Victoria and NSW. It is also the route most exposed to snow build-up poor visibility and ice, and you may experience delays in winter storm weather. This can also happen on your return leg.(380km from Melb CBD)
2.Road via east Gippland and Omeo-this route is used by people coming from Phillip Island, Gippsland and coastal NSW.
It is rarely closed. It is about 2 hours longer travel from Melbourne CBD(460km) than above.
3.Mt Hotham Airport(near dinner Plain)- currently this is only available for private flights, and then a bus or private transport is required to take you the 12 km to Mt Hotham. You will still need to do all your cleaning chores.
4.For the very committed, there is a helicopter running between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham- very very weather dependant.
Method of travel
1.drive all the way yourself.
2.Drive to Bright/Harrietville and take a bus-http://www.hoysskis.com.au/book-online/
this saves the hassle, snow driving fear-factor, chain hire and parking costs. Buses leave twice daily. Your car can be left at a secure car park.
3.Bus from major city centres-https://www.snowballexpress.com.au/default.aspx
4.Private plane or helicopter- if this is really an option for you doing your own cleaning chores at Hangmans may be a strange fit. On the other hand, you may have arrived via heli from Falls Creek.
Before you Travel-
- Winter visitors*** Diesel Cars only- please make sure you have additive ready to be put into your diesel tank- do not rely on "Alpine Diesel" unless your tank is 100% empty before you fill up with it. Some days as many as 50+ cars require the RACV for this basic mistake.
- Getting a car pass-- Entry before 3pm will be charged for a full days entry. Entry gantries are about 15 minutes from the actual village. Day entry can be purchased on
- Chains- see below- if you intend to fit you own chains carry some old gloves, and a rubber/plastic sheet to kneel on. Have your hat and jacket easily accessible
On The road-
- Road conditions- check at top right corner of this page:-www.mthotham.com.au/
- Snow Season- You MUST carry snow chains. These MUST fit your car tyres and be a legal design(NO ladder chains)
- Chains hired through Hoys can be collected at Harrietville or Omeo Mon-Thurs 8.30-6pm, Fri 8.30-9pm, Sat 8.30-6pm, Sun 8.30-7 pm and returned at either shop at any time in case you need to exit the mountain a different way.
- HOYS has a FREE snow chain fitting service if you hire through them http://www.hoysskis.com.au/book-online/
- Check out the Mt Hotham PDF for Travel-great_alpine_rd_driving_guide.pdf
- Fuel availability- please check that your planned fuel stop is open if arriving late. 24 hour fuel is available at Glenrowan, Myrtleford and Bairnsdale. There is No fuel at Harrietville or Mt Hotham.
When you Arrive- the good news is everybody wants to tell you how to do things right!
- Many people are so excited to be in the snow they forget there is a road going through the Resort. They also wear helmets and goggles which further alters their perception as a pedestrian! Be mindful of them.
- hotham_car_parking_map.pdf
- Frequently there is immediate day parking outside Hangmans Drop. You can park and unload neatly in the foyer, and go off to enjoy your first day- don't forget- check-in is 2 pm.
- Cars must be moved to overnight parking to allow for snow clearing- there are signs designating these spots and car parking bays further down the road toward Dinner Plain. Catch the free bus back to Bus Stop 7, and don't forget where you are parked. See notes below for your return home.
Safety In The Snow- enjoy but be careful
- the Great Alpine Road is still a road--do not ski/board/toboggan on it, and be mindful if you are a pedestrian
- Ice can form on the road and steps
- Snowfall from roofs is a major hazard-- look out for the signs- do not let your children play under roof-fall areas
- Do not let children toboggan on undesignated slopes
- Do not let children leave their shovels/toboggans/belongings out after play-they can get munched by the trail-maker and create under-snow hazards
Safe Return home-
- if the forecast is for snow during your stay, consider putting chains on your car when you park.
- on the morning of your return consider moving your car early to an easy park outside the front of the lodge.
- Hangmans Drop does have a shovel if required to dig out your car- please return it!
- If there has been a big storm and the Harrietville road is closed, consider returning via Omeo.