Summer activities in Mt Buller
From long lunching to 4WD’ing and trail rides on horseback, activities in Buller don’t stop over the summer.
Sitting at an elevation of 1,600 metres, and only a few hours’ drive from Melbourne and Albury airport, the resort village of Mt Buller is an ideal place to hit the snow. But now this pretty-as-a-picture town is transforming itself into a hub of activity in the summer months.
I’m definitely guilty of it. I think of Falls Creek, Hotham and Mt Buller in Victorian High Country, and I think of skiing, mulled wine and pretzels, open fireplaces with marshmallows, and snow piling up outside the windows of my toasty room in a ski lodge.
However, there are so many things to do in Mt Buller and surrounds, and 2021 also marked the launch of long lunches at the Iron Maiden Smokehouse at The Summit. Here are some of the awesome things to get into during the hotter months in Buller and surrounds.
Long lunching on the mountain
Long-lunching at the peak is part of the summer activities in Mt Buller.
What better way to take in the views of the surrounding Victorian Alps than with live music and a long lunch with hundreds of others seated on the top of a mountain? Add slow-cooked meats and vegetables prepared by chef Ross O’Meara (of Gourmet Farmer fame), and a ice cream caravan serving up handmade gelato, and you have a recipe for a long and indulgent day out.
Riding – by horse or by bike
Quite literally get on top of the world at Mt Buller and experience the rush of mountain biking at altitude. There’s thrills (and hopefully not too many spills) galore on the downhill course, an uphill road challenge that will have those calves burning, and a myriad of cross-country trails. The stunning alpine views and the cool climate make this region an ideal place to mix exercise, adrenaline and exploration.
If you want to explore at a slower pace, take a horse ride along one of the main trails and enjoy ambling along as you get back to nature. Watch out for the many native birds and animals that call Mt Buller home, including the Mountain Pygmy Possum. (You can read more about this cute critter in our Snowy Mountains feature!)
Off the beaten track in a 4WD
Victorian High Country is heaven on earth for lovers of 4WDriving. There are thousands of kilometres of trails and some of the toughest tracks in Australia so if you are not entirely confident, it’s best to book in with a 4WD club or join a tagalong tour. Make sure you visit Craigs Hut, which is a replica of the hut that was built for the film set of The Man from Snowy River.
Sadly, the first hut that was built was burnt down in the 2006 bushfires. As the government had already spent millions on the surrounding camping and picnic areas complete with a large carpark, they decided to supply all of the materials, and the second Craig’s Hut was built completely by local volunteers. It’s a photographer’s dream as it sits atop Clear Hills, with breathtaking views of the ranges.
Sunday sessions at the summit
Activities in Mt Buller | Melbourne duo MAMI.
Pack a blanket (it gets chilly at night in the mountains, even during the hottest summer months) a picnic, and maybe even your dancing shoes, for Sunday Sessions at the Summit. Pick a spot on the mountain and let Faces of Group create an audio experience like no other as the sun sets over Lake Eildon, and the stars come out to play. DJ’s Zane Velu & Phil Napoli and Melbourne duo MAMI also create the beats for these magical evenings.
Wind down with cocktails and blues
Activities in Mt Buller go well into the night at Moosehead Bar.
When night has settled in, pop on over to the Moosehead Bar that opens at 7 pm, and kick back on one of its leather lounges to take in some blues while indulging in a well-earned tipple. The staff create an awesome selection of creative or classic cocktails that’ll be sure to have you sliding into a relaxing summer’s night. Music kicks off around 8.30 pm and it’s a super friendly place where the locals and visitors mingle after some fun and fresh air on the mountain.
