Winter Trip of 2008-Gippsland (Part 1)

Over here we are doing a few nice adventurous trip to travel around. We shall see if we wanna ski or just play with the snow... I shall present the nice places of Gippsland.... I shall present the places of interest first while i do research for the nice food over there.

Mt Baw Baw
Less than two hours from Melbourne, Mt Baw Baw Resort in Gippsland offers snowboarding, downhill and cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snow-play in a unique village atmosphere. The resort’s two toboggan runs are groomed regularly and snowmaking is undertaken on the village snow-play area.

Mt Baw Baw snowfields offer the downhill skier and snowboarder a variety of graded ski runs, in a sheltered and picturesque environment. The ski lift network allows you to move freely around the village, ski and car park areas. With a terrain park for the freestyle rider, open runs for the carver and unlimited natural terrain to explore, Mt Baw Baw has also become a major snowboarding destination.

For cross-country skiers, there are 10 kilometres of well marked, groomed trails to accommodate all levels of ability.

Mt St Gwinear
Located at the north-east end of the Baw Baw National Park, Mt St Gwinear offers both cross-country trails and toboggan slopes.

You can cross-country ski across the Baw Baw plateau to Baw Baw ski village. Travel time is 2–4 hours depending on conditions and experience and the distance is approximately 9 kilometres.

During the snow season toboggan hire is available at the car park and a ski patrol operates on weekends. The closest ski hire is in Erica. Year-round facilities are limited to toilets and a day shelter.

Access to the Mt St Gwinear car park from Melbourne is via Erica, Thomson Valley Road and 13 kilometres of dirt road. Wheel chains must be carried at all times.
Find out all you need to know about the Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort

Surrounded by National Park, Mt Baw Baw is an easy drive from Melbourne and offers a great range of activities from alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing to tobogganing and snow play. Mt Baw Baw is a great place to learn to ski or experience the snow and offers a wide variety of affordable accommodation, ranging from backpacker to luxury apartments.

Fast facts
Number of Lifts: 5
Number of Runs: 15
Skiable Area: 30 ha
Half Pipe: No
Snowboarding: Yes
Cross Country: Yes

Terrain
Beginner Terrain: 25%
Intermediate Terrain: 64%
Advanced Terrain: 11%

Getting there
Mt Baw Baw is located just 160 kilometres east of Melbourne, making it one of the most popular alpine destinations for day-trippers.
Travel via the Princes Highway turning off at Robin Hood. Alternatively, drive along the Warburton Highway, turn off at Yarra Junction and continue through Powelltown, which joins the main road at Noojee.
The road to the day car park is sealed. Transport is available to families or groups with luggage from the car park to lodges.
Public transport is available from Latrobe Valley and Warragul railway stations.Further Links

2007 Ski Hire & Equipment Prices

skis, snowboards, toboggans and clothing for hire. Other accessories such as gloves, hats, goggles, sunglasses and souvenirs are available for sale. Franz Reiter has owned and operated Mt Baw Baw Ski Hire for 30 years and therefore has a wealth of knowledge. Franz knows what skiers need and both he and his staff are ready to assist you.

Days » 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
skis, boots & poles adult $40 $60 $75 $85 $95 $100 $105
child $30 $45 $55 $65 $75 $80 $85
skis & poles adult $32 $48 $60 $65 $75 $80 $85
child $25 $36 $44 $50 $55 $60 $65
boots only adult $18 $25 $29 $32 $35 $38 $40
child $15 $22 $27 $30 $32 $34 $35
poles only adult $12 $16 $18 $20 $22 $24 $26
child $8 $12 $14 $16 $18 $20 $22
walking boots adult $16 $20 $24 $27 $30 $32 $34
child $8 $12 $16 $19 $22 $24 $26
clothing j or p $18 $27 $32 $37 $42 $47 $50
j & p $27 $35 $40 $45 $50 $55 $60
toboggan hire $8 $13 $16 $19 $22 $24 $26
deposit $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20
helmets hire $10 $15 $18 $20 $22 $24 $25
snowshoes & poles hire $16 $24 $28 $31 $34 $36 $38
wristguards hire $8 $12 $15 $18 $20 $22 $24
blades boots & poles hire $30 $45 $55 $65 $75 $80 $85
snowskates hire $20 $30 $35 $40 $45 $50 $55
snowboards & boots adult $50 $80 $100 $115 $130 $140 $150
child $40 $70 $85 $90 $95 $100 $105
snowboard only adult $40 $70 $85 $95 $100 $105 $110
child $30 $50 $65 $70 $75 $80 $85
snowboard boots only adult $25 $35 $40 $45 $50 $55 $60
child $15 $25 $30 $35 $40 $45 $50

The 13,300 ha Baw Baw National Park covers a substantial part of the Baw Baw Plateau and sections of the Thomson and Aberfeldy River valleys. One of the two Victorian national parks with large areas of sub-alpine vegetation, it offers outstanding views, colourful wildflowers in early summer and open grassy plains with Snow Gum woodlands.

Things to Do

Scenic drives: Drive to Mount St Gwinear or Mount Erica. Enjoy a picnic at Silvertop Picnic Ground overlooking the Thomson Dam or visit the nearby historic township of Walhalla.

Walks: Mount St Gwinear, Mount Erica and the Baw Baw Alpine Village are ideal bases for bushwalking. At Mount St Gwinear take in the view across the Thomson and Aberfeldy River valleys from View Point, then continue on to open, grassy plains and the headwaters of North Cascade Creek. From Mount Erica, take the short Beech Gully Nature Walk, or walk to Mushroom Rocks along the Australian Alps Walking Track. Information on bushwalking in the Australian Alps is available on the Internet at: www.netc.net.au/bushwalking/alpswalk.html

Hunting is permitted in accordance with the regulations, for more information go to www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Ski touring: The park is ideal for ski touring and has a variety of marked trails to suit the skills of skiers. Trails can be followed from the St. Gwinear car park onto the plateau or further to the Baw Baw Alpine Resort. Only experienced skiers should undertake extended trips. Basic facilities such as toboggan slopes and toilets are available at the St Gwinear car park.

Rafting and Canoeing: The Thomson River downstream of the Thomson Dam offers some of the best white water rafting in Victoria. Several commercial tour companies conduct rafting tours of the river all year round.

Fishing: Recreational fishing is popular at several places along the Aberfeldy River, Thomson River and Tyers River.


Activities
Barbecue
Birdwatching
Bushwalking
Camping
Flora
Photography
Snow Skiing
Property Facilities
Camping and or Entrance Fee
Camping Site
Car park
Sheltered Area