Ok, so I know I’m biased, but how lucky are we Victorians to live in a state that offers so much in the way of natural splendour and biodiversity. There’s everything from the rugged, untamed beauty of regions like the Grampians and the High Country, to the coastal charm of destinations like the Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.
And while it’s definitely possible to experience a few of these spots in a short period of time, I had never considered the likelihood of seeing snow and surf in the one day. That is, until I was invited to join Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) on an epic four-day trip that would include a morning of snow play on Mount Hotham before hitting the road to spend an afternoon surfing along the Gippsland coast. Seeing snowflakes and shaka-worthy swells on the same day? Count me in.
Leading our crew of eight is Nic Cooper, who founded WAM on the Mornington Peninsula in 2020. His mission via this eco adventure tour company is to offer incredible outdoor experiences (think bushwalking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding) that connect people with nature while leaving as little impact on the environment as possible. As one of Australia’s only B-Corp Certified tour operators and winner of the 2025 National Banksia Sustainability Award, WAM is redefining how tourism can be utilised to drive positive and progressive change that will last for generations to come.
We’re doing a slightly condensed version of WAM’s Great Australian Snow to Surf Adventure, and after lunch at the Yack Hotel in Yackandandah (which has just been revived by a group of Melbourne hospo pros-turned-locals – I can confirm they do a cracking steak sanga) we ascend to our base at Hotham Heights, the snow getting progressively heavier the higher we climb.
Full disclosure: I haven’t been to the snow since I was about eight years old, so stepping out into the gusty, swirling conditions felt like all my winter dreams come true. There’s something about seeing teeny little flakes fall around you, stomping through fresh powder and falling into a drift to make a snow angel that makes it impossible not to feel giddy with glee.
But we came to Mount Hotham to conquer the slopes, so off to a beginner ski lesson I went. On a sheltered little incline, I learn how to clip in and out of my skies, the correct posture, how to stop (pizza – IYKYK) and how to (slightly) turn. I even managed to stay upright the entire time – a proud moment considering I had monumentally stacked it on the ice earlier. The lesson is invaluable, and I highly recommend booking in for one if you’re a budding ski bunny like myself. I probably could’ve done with an extra session or two before hitting the Big D Express chairlift to the Easy Street green run later in the day – but let’s just say that being able to easily clip out of my skies came in very handy. And walking down the run is a rite of passage for new skiers, isn’t it?! (At least that’s what I’m still telling myself.)
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Skies aside, there’s plenty more fun to be had on Hotham. While wild weather prevented our group from going on a snowshoe trek with Alpine Nature Experiences to their eco-village for mulled wine and cheese fondue, we were still able to do a dog sled tour with Howling Huskys. The adorable team of Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes and even a few Aussie cattle dogs (many of which are rescues) worked together to pull my sled through the magical snow-coated landscape, making for an unforgettable experience. And of course, there were pats and ear scritches all round for the good doggos afterwards.
For the next part of our journey we said goodbye to the blizzard-like conditions (we copped 77 centimetres of snow on our last night – highly unusual for the end of August) in search of surf. Our route to Gippsland took us down the mighty Great Alpine Road, and as the ice melted away and the sun emerged from behind the clouds, the mountainous terrain eventually transformed into plunging valleys, rolling green hills, cute villages and the fast-flowing current of the Ovens River. At 339 kilometres length, this is Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road – and in my opinion, it’s one of the state’s most underrated scenic drives.
This is also a region that’s home to fantastic spots for a quality bev, and we were lucky to visit two of them. Dunetown – aka the flagship outpost for Sailor’s Grave Brewing – is a relaxed oasis located between Marlo and Cape Conran. With owners Gab and Chris Moore at the helm, they’re churning out beers inspired by the rugged marine landscape around them. Come for the froffs and Mexican-inspired street food, stay for the adorable mini goats. On the road back to Melbourne is Maffco Brewery and Distillery – a former milk factory that’s been transformed by Maffra locals Nicky Reeves and Lashay Tricker into an impressive space with capacity for hundreds of thirsty patrons. If they happen to have a can of Frost Bite (a mango and passionfruit ice cream sour beer) lying around, be sure to give it a try. You can thank me later.
But with the vast beauty of the Gippsland coastline unfurling around us, it was time to peel off our snow gear and slip into a wetsuit. We hit the water at East Cape Beach in Cape Conran Coastal Park, led by Phil from Surf Shack – he provided the boards and expert tips, while our travel companion Xavier Huxtable (one of Australian surfing’s rising stars) gave us a masterclass in shredding the waves. Although I won’t be coming for the Rip Curl Pro title anytime soon, it was a spectacular (and fun!) way to spend the afternoon.
This epic adventure concluded with a sleepover in one of the safari-style glamping tents at Metung Hot Springs. Equipped with a full ensuite, heavenly king-size bed, spacious deck area and – my personal favourite – two private bathing barrels, it was the perfect balm after a few days of thrills and spills. But my favourite part? Getting up early to enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich geothermal waters. Despite it blowing a gale (yes, the extreme weather followed us to Gippsland), taking a dip in the pools along the hillside escarpment was exactly what my body needed.
Skiing, surfing and a good ol’ soak sesh – if you needed proof that this glorious southern state of ours still has a few surprises up its sleeve, this is the trip for you. Was I slightly battered and bruised afterwards? Yes. Do I have a newfound appreciation for anyone who’s into snow sports? Also yes. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. See you out on the slopes next year.
Bookings are now open for WAM’s Great Australian Snow to Surf Adventure and Great Alpine Lakes Adventure, with available dates in July, August and September 2026. Find out more about WAM here.
You can also plan your own snow to surf adventure using Visit Victoria’s handy guide.
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