Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort

Overview

Mt Baw Baw is Melbourne's closest alpine resort (~150 km east, 2.5 hr drive) and the only Gippsland alpine MTB destination. Sitting at ~1,564 m, the resort hosts a substantial trail network with the famed double-black DH1 downhill trail, plus a network of XC and gravity trails servicing all abilities. The resort is free to access in green season — among the cheapest entry points to alpine MTB in Australia [1].

Operations during green season are limited compared to winter — most food and beverage is closed except on event weekends — but trail access is unrestricted, and the resort runs shuttle services on select event weekends for DH1 access. The mountain has built a reputation as a "hidden gem" for riders who don't mind the BYO-shuttle requirement on regular weekends.

Location & Access

• Address: Currawong Road, Baw Baw Village VIC 3833 (already in DB)
• Region: Gippsland (already in DB)
• Drive times: ~2.5 hr from Melbourne (150 km via Princes Hwy + Mt Baw Baw Tourist Rd)
• Public transport: None during green season — car required
• Parking: Free at Carpark 1
• Coords: -38.1989, 146.3157 (already in DB)

Best Season & Conditions

• Peak riding season: End of November to late April (green season)
• DH1 access: Green season only, excluding major event weekends
• Wet-weather impact: Trails generally well-drained; DH1 may close after major rain
• Fire-danger / TFB: Lower trails may close on Total Fire Ban days
• Snow / alpine season: Resort flips to ski operation late-June – early-September
• Full-face helmet required on DH1; body armour advised

Managing Body & Trail Builders

• Land manager / operator: Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Management Board (already in DB)
• Trail building: Combination of resort crew and external contractors
• Volunteer / dig days: Limited; check operator site

History & Background

• Long-running double-black DH1 run that put the resort on the gravity map
• Resort historically a Nordic / alpine ski destination; MTB program built out across 2010s
• More recent investment in expanded XC and intermediate gravity network to broaden appeal beyond DH-only riders

Recent News & Updates (last 12 months)

• 2025/26 green season running October 2025 – May 2026
• DH1 open green season except event weekends
• No major new trails announced in this season

Sources

1. Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort — Mountain Bike Trails — https://www.mountbawbaw.com.au/activities/mountain-bike-trails/ — accessed 2026-05-05 — tier 1
2. Trailforks — Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort — https://www.trailforks.com/region/mt-baw-baw-alpine-resort-7387/ — accessed 2026-05-05 — tier 4
3. AMB Magazine — Mt Baw Baw's Hidden Gems — https://www.ambmag.com.au/gallery/mountain-biking-mt-baw-baws-hidden-gems-454067/ — accessed 2026-05-05 — tier 6
4. Melbourne Playgrounds — Mt Baw Baw MTB Tracks — https://www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au/mt-baw-baw-mountain-bike-tracks — accessed 2026-05-05 — tier 6