Looking for a weekend getaway? If you’re dreaming of a winter escape, there’s lots of marvellous places to stay around Victoria, like Warburton, Bright and Marysville. And if you’re thinking about a visit to the snow, why don’t you consider staying at Mansfield? Located about 2.5 hours away from Melbourne, this High Country town acts as a great base for snowy adventures, and is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. It’s also got plenty of other ways to keep you warm, with wineries, cafes and shops. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed escape, or a more peaceful retreat, you’ll have a great time at Mansfield.
Mansfield in winter
Snow play
If you’re heading up to Mt Buller or Mt Stirling, why don’t you consider staying at Mansfield instead of up in the resort? This pretty town acts as a bustling base to the mountains during the winter months, and is about a 30 minute drive away from the resort entry gate in Mirimbah.
After paying the entry fee, head to either Mt Buller or Mt Stirling for a day of fun in the snow. On Mt Buller, go skiing or snowboarding on the slopes, go on a sled dog tour or simply explore the village. Meanwhile, find a wilder experience on Mt Stirling, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While you’re up there, find historic huts dotted around the resort, including Craig’s Hut, the famous location in The Man From Snowy River. The kids will have a great time in either location, with snow play areas and tobogganing.
If you don’t feel like driving, there are bus shuttles available between Mansfield and Mt Buller.
Hot air balloon
Take in stunning views of the alpine landscape by hopping on a hot air balloon ride! Leave at sunrise and marvel at snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes and winding rivers. There are a number of hot air balloon services that you can use in Mansfield, including Global Ballooning and Gold Rush Ballooning. If you feel like sleeping in, Global Ballooning also do afternoon flights between May and September.
Stay in town
Mansfield has plenty of things around town for you to see and do. Meander along the Mansfield Arts Walk, a self-guided experience that will take you around the streets to see murals, sculptures and galleries. See a collection of ceramic murals depicting the High Country huts, a 14-metre felt mural made by over 100 people, a pole display depicting the history of the region and more.
Time your visit to align with the local farmers’ market, which takes place on the fourth Saturday of the month.
For something indoors, browse through the shops and find books, locally-made art, homewares, outdoor gear and more. If you’re after something unique, head to Vintage Traders Emporium, a massive warehouse space with over 50 stallholders, filled with fashion, jewellery, collectibles and more. Or, visit Made in Mansfield for creative pieces from local artists, such as ceramics, paintings, photography and homewares.
If you feel like staying cosy indoors with a book, head to The Little Shop of Good Reads, a preloved book shop that’s filled with a range of fiction and non-fiction. All profits from the shop will go towards supporting the local library. For new books, visit the independent Ink Bookshop and check out their vast selection.
Food and drink
There’s lots of excellent places to eat and drink around Mansfield. Start your day right with a hot drink from places like Mansfield Coffee Merchant or The Produce Store. Grab house-baked goods from Sidehustle Bakers. Heat up with some craft beer and wood-fired pizza from Anvil Brewing Co. Tuck into pan-Asian share plates from The Fields. Find pub favourites from venues like The Delatite Hotel or The Mansfield Hotel.
Go ten minutes out of town to Swiftcrest Distillery, take a tour of this off-grid, family-owned space and taste some of their spirits. Book yourself into one of their private dining pods, and graze on local bites.
For a leisurely day out, whisk yourself away to Delatite Winery, and sip on cool climate wines while admiring the surrounding alpine landscape. Learn more about their wines at their cellar door, and stay a little longer by settling in for a nice meal in their dining room or on the terrace.
Fun for the whole family
Don’t miss Mansfield Zoo, a 30-acre wildlife park filled with Australian and exotic animals, as well as picturesque views across the Delatite Valley to Mt Buller. This zoo is home to two rare white lions, Djuma and Matimba. You can watch the lions get fed at 1:30pm on weekends, and during school holidays or public holidays. The zoo is also home to wallabies, kangaroos, meerkats, marmosets, deer, alpacas, water buffalo and more! Visitors can hand feed or spade feed many of the animals, and are welcome to bring along a picnic lunch or a BBQ.
Go a little further out to Goughs Bay and spend some time at High Country Estate, a pretty venue packed with a maze, gardens, a cafe and a fine art gallery. Get lost in the maze, which has hedges over two metres tall, and is filled with little nooks and surprises. Take part in the gnome hunt as you navigate the winding paths. Stroll around the sprawling gardens, or stay warm inside at the cafe, where you can tuck into a home-made meal, freshly baked cakes and coffee. Then, check out the gallery to see works from local artists.
Otherwise, stay in town and let the kids play on the playground in Mansfield Botanic Park. This community space also has a fitness station, picnic tables and barbeque facilities.
There’s plenty more outdoor adventures to discover around Mansfield, such as bike riding or horse riding, but you might want to save those for the warmer months.
For more ideas about things to do in Mansfield, click here.
