Mt Buller
On Melbourne’s Doorstep
Mount Buller is one of Australia’s premier ski resorts. It has over 300 hectares of skiable terrain serviced by 20 lifts. The adjacent Mount Stirling is linked with Buller and provides trails for back-country adventure and cross country skiing.
The Navy Ski Club lodge at Mount Buller stands on the foundations of the original lodge which was built in the mid 1950s. The ‘Breathtaker lodge’, so named as it is located on a piece of land known as Breathtaker Point, has been renovated and modernised over the years, and now accommodates up to 60 people.
The Lodge provides ski-in / ski-out access to intermediate runs or a short walk to the beginner areas. Free shuttle buses provide intra village transport and a bus stop is located directly outside the Lodge.
With a family-friendly lodge and plenty of beds available, particularly mid-week, Mt Buller is a great option even for NSW/ACT based members. Just a few extra hours down the Hume Hwy!
Mount Buller ‘Breathtaker’ Lodge Information
What Facilities are there at the Mt Buller Lodge?
Lodge accommodation is made up of two, three and four berth cabins (rooms) with beds being a combination of single beds and bunks. All beds have doonas and pillows so you need to bring only sheets and pillowcases. Extra blankets are provided in the cabins. Even if using a sleeping bag, a bottom sheet and pillowcase is a mandatory requirement for health and hygiene reasons.
There is a large well equipped galley (kitchen) adjacent to the dining room in which you will find a cupboard marked with your cabin number. Store your non-perishable food here. There are refrigerators throughout the kitchen and dining room for your use to store perishables. Areas in the fridges are also allocated in accordance with cabin numbers. Drinks (alcoholic and soft) are to be stored in the large refrigerators in the lounge bar. Freezers are available to store frozen foods.
Breathtaker Lodge also boasts a drying room for clothing and footwear, laundry, ski / snowboard racks, TV rooms, a pool table and a Finnish sauna!
What is expected of me and my guests at the Breathtaker lodge?
The Manager will allocate chores to ensure the smooth running of the Lodge. These are not onerous and should only take each group or individual a maximum of 5 – 10 minutes per day. Such chores include emptying rubbish bins, vacuuming communal areas or setting the fire. On the whole, it is expected that everyone cleans up after themselves and is respectful of others in terms of their behaviour.
It is a Navy tradition that headwear is not to be worn in the communal areas of the Lodge, i.e. in the lounges and dining room. Indoor footwear or socks are also to worn at all times in communal areas. No bare feet!
On leaving you are required to leave the lodge as you would wish to find it. This means cleaning the kitchen and common areas behind you. Unused foodstuffs must be cleared from the kitchen cupboards and refrigerator and either taken home, put in the rubbish bins, or, if appropriate, left for community use.
Is the Breathtaker lodge open in summer?
Yes, by arrangement.
Mount Buller offers a range of non-winter activities including world class mountain bike trails, hiking, rock climbing, etc. A Lodge Manager is in residence for key weekends only, therefore, you have to ensure that arrangements are made to obtain keys, to familiarise yourself with opening and closing procedures and security requirements.
The Lodge can be booked for out-of-season use individually (minimum charges apply), for a group or for conventions, seminars, etc. Catering arrangements are the responsibility of the booking party.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Mt Buller?
Mt Buller village has over 30 places to eat/drink. Many of these are just a short walk from the lodge.
For a special night out – Kaptans Restaurant at Pension Grimus, Black Cockatoo or Signature Restaurant.
The Duck Inn, Enzian and the Arlberg all offer great dining as well.
The Villager offers some French delights…
Feel like Pizza? Breathtaker, ABOM or Pat’s are just a few.
Pub grub at the Kooroora (and stay on in the basement nightclub until 3am if you dare!)
If Blues music and whiskry is your thing, try the Moosehead Bar at ABOM.
Coffee? Too many to list – Harry Burns (if you can get in), Grimus Grind or the Garage at the Whitt are all excellent.
On snow food/drink can be found at Wombat Cafe, Koflers or Tirol.
And of course, the Navy (BYO) bar at the lodge is second to none – enjoy a drink with old friends and new by the roaring open fire!
Is there an entry fee for Mt Buller?
Yes, there is a Daily charge and Overnight parking fee to get up to Mt Buller.
There are per person charges for the ‘taxi’ from the carparks to the lodge.
All payments and taxi tickets are made at the entry gate.
There are savings if you pre-purchase online.
In winter, for all vehicles, it is compulsory to carry properly fitting snow chains past the gate entry.
See What’s On in Buller!
Location
Directions: The Lodge, known locally as Navy Ski Club, is situated at the end of The Avenue. The taxi service is very efficient and will be there almost as soon as you park.
Parking: The car-parks on Mt Buller are located 1-2kms from the main Mt Buller village. From here either 4WD taxi can transfer you to the lodge or the free shuttle bus can take you to the village.
Address: 47 The Avenue, Mount Buller VIC 3723