The Vast Life: Day 9: Mount Buller Snow Trip

Pheng

Have you ever witness snow fall from the sky? Have you ever hold snow flake in your palm? This is one of the things a person may dream of once in his life...

It was around 5:15 AM, we left the hostel and walked towards 260 Swanston St to meet our tour group for Mt Buller Trip. The sky was very dark, there was rain and the wind breeze was very cold. The weather was unpleasant but we tried to be optimistic. We hoped if there is rain and if temperature up in Mt Buller falls below 0, then definitely I shall have my first snow experience.

By the way, we booked this tour online with Extragreen Holidays. The online rate for adult 1 day tour is 69 AUD which includes transport to and from city to Mt. Buller, entrance fee and sightseeing chairlift - NORTHSIDE EXPRESS.. Rental of jacket, pants, boots, ski, snowboards, and others could be done online too. Meals could also be pre-booked online.

At 5:45 AM, we boarded the tour bus and left the city. There was nothing scenic to see while traveling since the streets is covered by darkness. Then after an hour, we made 15 minute stopover for those who needed toilet break or snacks. Then we resumed the trip once everyone was inside the bus. The sky was still gloomy and rainy by this hour. Looking out by our bus window, landscape includes green fields with flocks of cows or sheep.

It was this whole stretch of fields and trees for more than an hour and we made another stop to get our boots and equipments before entering Mt. Buller. Around 10AM, when we finally saw the surroundings were covered in white. I got really excited, "Alas! Mount Buller we are almost there!!! :) "

When we reached Mt. Buller, our tour guide gave us some tips on how to go around Mt. Buller and requested that we return at 3:00 PM. So we just have 4 hours to enjoy. Luckily, we didn't book for Snowboarding or Ski else there was not ample time to learn and enjoy. From bus stop, we placed some refundable deposit to leave our things in their locker, then we headed to Northside Express.

We happily hopped in to the Ski lift as we didn't want to wait minutes for the Gondola. It was a very thrilling ride, not to mention the chilly temperature and the height! Luckily, we braved ourselves for this ride before snow fell.

Then we reached the place where people were happily Snowboarding and Skiing. We took few photos then seek shelter because our hands and body were starting to get numb. So we went in Spurs restaurant...

After a few minutes we decided to take the 20 minute walk towards the shuttle bus stop. It was worrisome to walk in the path covered with snow and destination that seems obscure, yet we took more photos. Well, we love to capture moments so no objections!!! ;) Alas we rode the shuttle that brought us to the village.

Once we reached the Mt Buller Village, we were scouting for restaurants to dine in. The meals are pricey because visitors will need to eat. We decided to eat at Pats Italian. We shared one pizza and ordered 2 hot choco drink. The couple besides us offered us their pizza as they had leftover. We were grateful but we were already full.

When our bodies recovered from coldness and hunger, we went out and took more photos. I felt happy and fortunate to experience snow for the first time, but snow turned to hail in a while.

Then we rode shuttle bus again to where our bus is. But we were an hour earlier, so we decided to head back to Northern Express and ride the Gondola.

Sadly, we weren't able to make our own Snow Man. But anyways, we boarded the bus and slept for 4 hrs. Then we reached the city around 8 PM and ate at Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken because my friend said the portion is bigger in Australia, nevertheless it was a satisfying meal...