Just two hours from Melbourne in Victoria’s High Country is this picturesque climb that gets straight to business
Words and Photography Nick Esser Riders Johnny Schofield, Tim Mettam
Deep in Victoria’s forests lies the route up to Lake Mountain, an underestimated climb of two distinct halves.
While perhaps not as iconic as some further up the Great Dividing Range, Lake Mountain, and particularly the opening salvo, deserves respect.
Rising 20.5km up and up from picturesque Marysville to the alpine resort almost directly above, this climb is much more difficult than the raw numbers suggest.
The climb itself starts along Marysville-Woods Point Road at the roundabout at the bottom of town, just past the bridge over the Steavenson River and then just past the turn-off to Lady Talbot Drive, the start of many an epic gravel ride (for another day!).
Signs of town disappear almost immediately as the road veers up through eucalypt forest.
Simply put, the first 4.5km are tough.
There are no gentle contours to follow; the road heads straight up till it gains the ridge, averaging over 8% and of which large proportions are well over 10%.
A moment’s respite is offered at about the 5km mark before the road picks back up, albeit at the much gentler gradient of 5.5% until about 9km.
Almost out of the blue the road levels out to a saddle just after Tommys Bend Road.
While not quite halfway, this signals the end of the challenging first half of the climb.
By this point, the metres climbed are two-thirds of the climb’s total elevation, an indication of just how hard the opening section is.
Reap the rewards
The good news is what follows is much more agreeable and just after the saddle there is even an unexpected descent that lasts about a kilometre before the left-hand turn on to Lake Mountain Road proper.
Here is the first hint that you’re climbing up to an alpine resort.
Line markings on the road turn to a high-contrast orange, and motorists are advised to carry chains among winter road clearing infrastructure.
The new aspect and increase in elevation bring a change of vegetation.
Giant mountain ash – the largest flowering plants in the world – line the climb and tower above soft beds of lush tree ferns.
It’s spectacular country.
Even in summer, the temperate rainforest retains moisture and is much less dry than the north facing first half of the climb.
Around the toll booth and with 10km ahead, the climbing begins once again.
This opens the ‘gentler’ second half of the climb.
Despite this, there are still a few surprises left as shortly after the gradient rears up to 10% for the next kilometre, after which it settles into an enjoyable rhythm balancing modest ramps against accessible false flats.
Three quarters of the way in the impossibly tall forest withdraws revealing stunning views back down towards the Taggerty River, just as the ghostly snowgums begin to appear.
The remaining kilometres into Lake Mountain are a milder affair as the road gently rises to a plateau.
Here you’re reminded that it’s a cross-country, rather than downhill, ski resort in the winter.
Still, the views are spectacular, particularly of the razor-edged Cathedral Range to the north-west.
The end of the climb is signposted at the entrance to the large carpark and welcome centre in front of the resort.
Coffee, cold drinks and hot pies are on offer at the cafe in the visitor centre.
Practical info
In terms of times up the climb, anywhere around the one hour 20 minute mark is a good effort, while strong A-graders will be pushing the hour mark.
The KOM, 44:08 according to Strava, is held by former world tour pro Alex Evans, who set the mark during Stage 3 of 2018’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Lake Mountain is lower in elevation compared with other climbs in Victoria’s High Country and, unsurprisingly, it is less exposed near the top as a result.
There is less chance of snow falling year-round compared with the likes of Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, but it’s still likely to be much colder at the top compared with the valley.
Make sure you pack a gilet and a pair of arm warmers at the very least – it’s a fast and cold descent back into town.
Starting off from Marysville, the out and back is 41km, but it’s a good idea to get a good warm-up before climbing, particularly with the steep pitch directly out of town.
Buxton, a small town 12km north, is the obvious turn-around point for a good warm-up before tackling the climb.
If you’re keen for a big day on the bike, Cyclist suggests a loop trip starting from Narbethong heading through Marysville and on to the summit of Lake Mountain.
On the way back down, turn left after the tollbooth and follow the signs down to Warburton before climbing halfway up Mount Donna Buang and then heading north back to Narbethong through the gap via legendary gravel route the Acheron Way.
As with the other classic climbs across the Victorian alps, the cycling season is October through April, and autumn offers spectacular colours in Marysville.
Marysville is just under a two-hour drive from Melbourne, and while the climb is doable as a day trip, it’s such a nice part of the world to ride bikes that it warrants a night or two in the area.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Marysville or Alexandra not too far up the road.
As touched on earlier, there’s limitless backcountry gravel riding through the Yarra Ranges National Park, which is best accessed via Lady Talbot Drive and, while you’re in the area, the 30km Cascades Mountain Bike trail is also well worth a ride.
You can rent a quality dual suspension bike from the visitor centre at the top of Lake Mountain and then drop it off at the Peppers hotel on the main street of town.
Lake Mountain
Climb info
Location Victoria’s High Country
Start Marysville, just past the roundabout at the intersection of Buxton-Marysville Road and Marysville-Woods Point Road
End Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Car Park
Road Marysville-Woods Point Road, Lake Mountain Road
Recommended hotel Peppers Marysville
Pre-ride cafe Keppel Cafe, Fraga’s Cafe
Post-ride pub The Duck Inn
More info ridehighcountry.com.au
The Stats
Distance 20.53km
Summit height 1,352m
Altitude gain 932m
Average gradient 4.5%
Maximum gradient 15%
Current best Strava time
KOM Alex Evans 44:08
QoM Penny Brown 1:02:19
