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.
During the winter season, from mid June to the end of September, enjoy sight-seeing, snow-play and tobogganing right at the Telephone Box Junction mountain car park, set within the tall Alpine Ash Forest.
The Mountain Bistro offers snacks, meals and delicious cappuccino or hot chocolate overlooking the toboggan run, great for mum & dad while the children play.
For those looking to get out into the fresh mountain air, there are 65 km of trails winding up through the sheltered snow gum forest to our beautiful snow-capped summit offering views over the Alpine National Park. Hire a set of Snow Shoes to explore on well marked trails or grab a pair of Cross-Country Skis from the mountain ski hire. Our trails are all graded from beginner to advanced so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Bring a little picnic or pick up a hamper from the Bistro, experience the day with nature.
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.
EMPLOYMENT: Stirling Experience employ a small number of professional outdoor staff, mainly during the winter period, to operate our ski hire ski school and transport service. If you would like further details please follow the link.
FAQs
Can I drive a normal car to Mt.Stirling or do I require a 4WD?
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?
Road signs, one in Mansfield and one just prior to the Resort Entry will inform you whether you will need to carry chains, instructions often differ between 4WD and 2WD vehicles. 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. If you are camping on the mountain overnight, all vehicles must carry snow chains.
Can I hire equipment and get ski lessons on the mountain?
Yes, Stirling Experience operates the largest cross country 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, snow shoes, toboggans and wet weather gear. The ski school offers daily group classes and private lessons for all level of ability and various disciplines including diagonal stride, skating and telemark. More info and bookings can be done here.
Are there chairlifts on Mt.Stirling?
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 Snow Shoes permitted on the cross country ski trails?
Yes you are welcome to use all trails on the mountain if you are wearing snow shoes. 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?
Yes, but only if you are wearing snow shoes. Walking in shoes or boots is allowed in the authorized 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?
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. Standard and Carve Toboggans are available from the Stirling Experience hire shop on the mountain.
Can I get warm food and drink on the mountain?
Yes, the mountain Bistro 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, whether you require bacon and eggs for breakfast, a hot chocolate or cappuccino, hot homemade soup or a take away lunch; it’s prepared freshly on the premises.
Can I snowboard on Mt.Stirling?
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?
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.