Sea to snow: Victoria's coolest road trip

From the rugged coast line and white sandy beaches to the mountain tops and ski slopes, Victoria’s proximity provides adventure enthusiasts with the ultimate day trip - from riding waves to carving powder.

• 6.00am Melbourne to Cape Paterson (145km, 2 hours)

The Gippsland region, located in the vast eastern corner of Victoria, provides nature lovers, thrill seekers and family explorers with an outdoor playground like no other. Get an early start and hit the road for the 145km drive south-east, via M1, to Cape Paterson.

• 8.00am Surf, Cape Paterson

Situated on the Bass Coast, Cape Paterson has two beaches, the Cape Paterson Surf Beach and Cape Paterson Bay Beach. The surf beach offers consistent world class surf breaks at any time of the year. Patrolled over the summer months, the Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club is located at the western end of the beach and provides basic facilities, parking and access. The Cape Paterson Bay Beach is popular for families, anglers and divers, and includes man-made rock pools.

• 10.00am Cape Paterson to Warragul (83km, 1 hour 15 minutes)

Head north, via Inverloch, on the C425 to Warragul. Gaze across the beautiful countryside on the journey to the western Gippsland township for a lunch stop.

• 11.30am Lunch, Wild Dog Winery

Recharge and stretch the legs in Warragul with an early lunch at Wild Dog Winery. Housed in the famous winery and bringing together the best of artisanal butchery, farm fresh veges and charcoal cooking, Hogget Kitchen offers up a menu that speaks of simplicity, seasonality and generosity.
6 Farrington Close, Warragul, Victoria, 3820

• 12.30pm Warragul to Mt Baw Baw (85km, 1 hour 30 minutes)

The snow awaits so jump in the car for the last leg of the road trip from Warragul to the alpine village of Mt Baw Baw. Cars are legally required to carry tyre chains, which can be hired, during the winter months and a valid Resort Entry permit.

• 2.30pm Hit the slopes, Mt Baw Baw

With over 30 hectares of skiing terrain, there's plenty of space to explore and get up to all kinds of snowy adventures. Learn to cut up the slopes on skis and snowboards at schools catering for both kids and adults alike. There's tobogganing at the two dedicated toboggan parks, downhill runs for experienced skiers, and husky dog sled tours for cruising across the backcountry. For those who don't get enough action during the daylight hours, there's night skiing every Saturday night (weather permitting).

Après-Ski
When the sun goes down, it's time to hit the village and revel in the alpine life. With a range of accommodation and entertainment options, stay overnight and enjoy the local hospitality.

Eat and drink:

• Village Central Restaurant: Enjoy stunning panoramic mountain views while enjoying Gippsland’s fine produce and renowned local wines. Perched at an altitude of 1460m and located centrally in the Village you can marvel at the views stretching over the Latrobe Valley below. Mt. Baw Baw Tourist Road, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Village, Victoria, 3833
• The Alpine Bar & Bistro: Unwind after an action-packed day at the Alpine Hotel with a social drink, a pub meal, a game of pool or take to the dance floor. Enjoy live music on weekends and plenty of night time activity through the week. 29 Tingariingy Crescent, Mt. Baw Baw Apline Village, Victoria, 3833
• Kelly’s Lodge & Café: Ski, board or stroll right into the licensed bar and cafe for a pub meal and a wide range of craft and local beer, wine and assorted refreshments. 11 Frostii Lane, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Village, Victoria, 3833

Stay:

• EdSki Lodge: Nestled among the snow gums on the edge of the Baw Baw Plateau, the traditional timber lodge offers ski in and ski out. 29 Tingariingy Crescent, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Village, Victoria, 3833
• Tanjil Creek Lodge: Tanjil Creek Lodge is a modern, spacious, shared lodge located close to the base of the Maltese Cross T Bar and directly across from the Frosty Frog Hollow Tobogganing Area. 19 Frosti Lane, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Village, Victoria, 3833
• Wombat Cabin: The deluxe two-bedroom Wombat Cabin is a completely private self-contained cabin within the Alpine village. Candle Heath Drive, Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Village, Victoria, 3833

www.visitvictoria.com/