We now operate a 26 seat midi-coach, with cloth recliner seats with seat belts and heating. This is our sixth year operating a service to the Lake Mountain snowfields from Marysville. Due to the wild fires on 7 February destroying our retail outlet, home and office in Marysville, we are now based in Healesville for the 2009 season, hence these extended services.
Toboggans and skis can be accommodated on board.
Timetable and fares
| Mon-Fri | Saturday | Sunday | Return fare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train from Melbourne city arrives at Lilydale |
9.11am |
8.55am |
9.11am |
|
Lilydale (depart) |
9.15am |
9.15am |
9.15am |
$40 adults |
Healesville |
9.40am |
9.40am |
9.40am |
$35 adults |
Marysville |
10.30am |
10.30am |
10.30am |
$30 adults |
Lake Mountain (arrive) |
11.10am |
11.10am |
11.10am |
|
Lake Mountain (depart) |
3pm |
3pm |
3pm |
|
Marysville |
3.40pm |
3.40pm |
3.40pm |
|
Healesville |
4.20pm |
4.30pm |
4.30pm |
|
Lilydale (arrive) |
4.45pm |
5pm |
5pm |
|
Next train to Melbourne city |
4.54pm |
5.19pm |
5.19pm |
|
Notes:
Mid-week service operates during Victorian and South Australian school holidays (29 June-17 July), otherwise minimum numbers are required.
Times may vary due to weather, traffic and road conditions on the day.
If driving to meet the Snow Bus, allow extra time on weekends as Maroondah Highway traffic can be heavy.
Fares are return and include Lake Mountain Resort gate entry fee.
Children's fares are for 5 year olds to 14 year olds inclusive, occupying a seat.
Bookings
Advance bookings are essential. Service will not operate without confirmed bookings.
Cancellation policy
Full payment is preferred at the time of booking. A deposit of $5 per person forms part of this payment. If the customer cancels a booking more than 48 hours prior to departure time, a full refund (including the deposit) can be made. For cancellations within 48 hours of departure, or "no shows", the deposit is non-refundable. However, if the snow conditions are unsuitable for the selected day, an alternate day may be arranged (nature does not always supply snow when we want it).
Bookings & payments
Country Touch does not have credit card facilities since the fires destroyed our shop and office.
Credit card bookings can be made through the Yarra Valley Visitor Information Centre in Healesville, by phone on (03) 5962 2600 or www.visityarravalley.com.au. A small booking fee applies.
Bookings by money order, cheque or cash can be made directly to Country Touch, 2/1 Ayres Road, Healesville VIC 3777.
Enquiries
Countact Richard Uden (Country Touch). Phone (03) 5962 4647, fax (03) 5962 4647 or mobile 0417 633 753.
Pick up points
Lilydale
Railway station
Healesville
Lions Park, River Street (behind Coles supermarket)
Marysville
Bus stop, Pack Road (opposite Falls Road beside bakery)
Lake Mountain
Gerratys car park
Some useful websites
www.lakemountainresort.com.au for current snow and weather conditions and resort information
www.marysvilletourism.com for Marysville, Narbethong and Buxton region information
www.visityarravalley.com.au for Yarra Valley information
www.connexmelbourne.com.au for metropolitan Melbourne train information (choose Lilydale line)
www.bom.gov.au/weather/vic/vic-alpine-forecast-map.shtml for alpine weather forecast (remember that Lake Mountain toboggan runs are 1430m above sea level.
www.oilskin.com for oilskin coats, country clothing and possum/merino knitwear
www.bugaustralia.com for backpacking and budget travel information