Is Visiting Mt Buller in the Summer Worth it?
With its famous slopes, cosy lodging and holiday atmosphere, Mt Buller has long been one of Australia’s premier destinations for skiing and winter sports - but is it worth visiting in the summer as well? Let’s find out.
We recently visited Mt Buller in December, the peak of summer, to answer this question for you.
What is Mt Buller Like in the Summer?
Although Mt Buller is highly elevated, make no mistake – the Australian summer makes most places warm, even the coldest of ones – and Mt Buller is no exception. We visited on a day that was over 30 degrees Celsius, and it certainly felt like it!
We were expecting a slight cool breeze or something, but it never really came. It was warm weather all around, with beautiful green mountains surrounding us.
In terms of crowd and atmosphere, it was extremely quiet. We only see a handful of people walking around the shops and going in and out of Mt Buller’s lodging options. This was a great thing for us as we felt like we had Mt Buller all to ourselves.
Is Mt Buller Open in the Summer?
If by ‘open’ you mean the ski or snowboarding slopes or any other winter activities, then sadly, the answer is no. These are not open in the summer season, but other attractions are.
Shops in the Mt Buller Alpine Village remain open in the summer, where you’ll find a selection of stores, café’s, restaurants, a chapel and even a cinema. Visit the National Alpine Museum to marvel at the wide collection of ski memorabilia there.
Other attractions such as the Buller Air Zone, Sculpture Park Walk, Mt Buller Pike Park and Mirimbah Park remain open too.
Is There Snow at Mt Buller in the Summer?
Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), no. There isn’t typically any snow in Mt Buller in the summer.
But don’t let this deter you too much. The weather in the summer is absolutely glorious – think clear skies, green grass and sun rays. It’s just a different kind of holiday than Mt Buller in the winter.
What is there to do in Mt Buller in the Summer?
Apart from the activities we listed above, there are also numerous hiking and cycling trails you can embark on. In fact, summer is the perfect time to try these trails out, as the trails are much safer in the summer.
In the winter, the trails are often marred with snow or rainfall, making slips and injuries much more likely. Check out these popular trails in and around the Mt Buller area:
Summit Nature Walk – an easy 4.1km return walk which leads you to the summit of Mt Buller, giving you incredible views at an elevated vantage point of 1805m.
Family Trail – starting from the clock tower, this easy 3.1km walk is perfect for families.
Little Mt Buller – this trail is a slightly more challenging, as it takes you through a walk on the south side of the mountain for a 5.7km return adventure.
Delatite River Trail – for a break between mountain views, you can take on this 8.7km one-way trail and take in gorgeous views of the Delatite River as it flows through ferny glades and mountain ash forest to the stunning Mirimbah Park.
Mt Stirling Summit Loop – this 16km trail is not for the fainthearted, but explorers will be rewarded with views of Alpine ash forest, granite boulder outcraps, Snow Gums and more.
Bindaree Falls – Mt Buller also boasts waterfalls! This easy 5km walk takes you through to the lush Bindaree Falls, a refreshing sight.
Cyclers can check out the Mt Buller Bike Park, a sensational facility that includes over 100km of quality cross-country trails, designed to keep cyclers happy all year.
Looking to go on a more leisurely trip? Just walking around the Alpine Village and the Athletes Walk is an enjoyable way to spend some time, while taking in views of the beautiful lodging, holiday homes and mountain ranges in the area.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth Visiting Mt Buller in the Summer?
Yes. It’s not going to be the snow-filled trip that you’ll experience in the winter, but Mt Buller is still perfectly enjoyable and pleasant to visit in the summer. You might find that a lot of the facilities are closed in the summer, but you’ll still have plenty to do to last at least a few days.
Our recommendation is that visiting Mt Buller in the summer is a great way to have a quick getaway from the city. It’s extremely and peaceful during this time, so why not take advantage of the stillness and have the place practically all to yourself?