FAQs

Can I drive a normal car to Mt. Stirling or do I require a 4WD? Expand

Mt. Buller and Mt. Stirling share a common entry gate. Access to Mt. Stirling is via a 9km well formed gravel road. Turn left after you pass through the Resort Entry at Mirimbah. The road is suitable for standard 2 wheel drive vehicles.

Should I carry snow chains and do I have to fit them? Expand

Chains are available at Mirimbah store adjacent to the Resort Entry. On your way up the mountain road signs at chain fitting bays will inform you if they are to be fitted.

Can I hire equipment and get ski lessons on the mountain? Expand

Yes, Stirling Experience operates the largest backcountry ski hire and ski school in the district from their base at Telephone Box Junction. A full range of equipment is available for hire including race, touring, telemark and alpine touring skis, snowshoes, toboggans and wet weather gear. The ski school offers daily group classes and lessons for all level of ability and various disciplines including diagonal stride, skating and telemark. 

Are there chairlifts on Mt. Stirling? Expand

There are NO ski lifts on Mt. Stirling. The mountain is set up for ski touring, offering 68km of maintained trails of which 35km are regularly groomed and track set where appropriate. To use the trails you will need cross-country skis with a free-heel binding. These skis usually have a mechanical or fish scale grip base, wax grip base or you will need to fit climbing skins. A large range of these skis are available from the Stirling Experience ski hire on the mountain.

Are Snowshoes permitted on the backcountry ski trails? Expand

Yes, you are welcome to use all trails on the mountain if you are wearing snowshoes. A range of snow shoes is available from the Stirling Experience ski hire on the mountain.

Can I go for a walk on the trails? Expand

Yes, but only if you are wearing snowshoes. Walking in shoes or boots is allowed in the authorised tobogganing and snow play areas but not on the trails as foot prints freeze over damaging the groomed ski surface and making it hazardous for skiers.

Is there tobogganing and snow play facilities within the resort? Expand

Yes, the resort has a toboggan and snow play area adjacent to the car park at Telephone Box Junction. It has a lovely bush setting and is generally less crowded than the major resorts, making it ideal for families with younger children. If there is insufficient snow at Telephone Box Junction the Snow-Rider shuttle service is available to take you to higher snow play locations at Alby’s Drop or King Saddle. Toboggans are available from the Stirling Experience hire shop on the mountain.

Can I get warm food and drink on the mountain? Expand

Yes, the Mt Stirling Cafe is located at Telephone Box Junction and overlooks the toboggan area and cross country Trail Head. A full range of food and beverages is available.

Can I snowboard on Mt. Stirling? Expand

Yes, but there are no lifts and you will need to walk 4.5km to the summit area using the Bluff Spur Trail. You MUST have either a split board with climbing skins or use snow shoes when walking on the trails. You may board down Bluff Spur trail back to TBJ.

Is there any accommodation on Mt. Stirling? Expand

Mt. Stirling does not have any lodges or motels. The only accommodation which can be booked is at the Alpine Winter Camp. The Camp offers Ski-In, Ski-Out convenience, located within the Ski Trail network at the Cricket Pitch. Snow camping is permitted and there are a number of refuge huts which are open to the public but cannot be booked. Please do not arrive expecting to sleep in the huts as they are intended for emergency refuge, meal preparation and social gathering. Please bring a tent and suitable winter outdoor equipment.

Our Mountain – Mt Stirling

Named after James Stirling, who was responsible for mapping and geological survey work throughout Victoria between 1897 and 1899. The mountain is situated in the Australian Alps just 35 km south of Mansfield in North Eastern Victoria, Mt. Stirling has a rich and vibrant history. The Aboriginal people who inhabited the area for at least 10,000 years before Europeans arrived, belonged to the Taungurung clan.  They held alliances with several other clans and language groups in Victoria who together are known as the Kulin Nation.

Europeans brought a colourful era of cattle grazing and forestry to the mountain delivering access roads, ski and walking trails and heritage refuge huts. Today this rich history is still evident amongst the mountain’s magnificent natural scenery and unique alpine flora and fauna.

Mt. Stirling Alpine Resort is one of six Alpine Resorts in Victoria. These Resorts are all sited on crown land and managed by separate Management Boards appointed by Government. In 2007 the Mt. Buller and Mt. Stirling Alpine Resorts were combined under joint management. Mt. Stirling has been witness to many uses over the past decades, providing a source of food and cultural significance to the early aboriginal communities, summer pasture for alpine grazing, a source of timber for forestry operations and a place for recreation.

For those seeking a breath of fresh mountain air, there are 65 km of trails that wind through the serene snow gum forest, leading to a magnificent snow-capped summit. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alpine National Park. The trails are graded from beginner to advanced, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect path. Feel free to bring a picnic or grab a hamper from the Bistro to enhance your day of immersing yourself in nature’s beauty.

During the summer entry onto the mountain is free, there are plenty of well marked self guided 4WD tracks, Bush Walking and Mountain Bike trails.