A long layover in Mount Hotham is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Mount Hotham Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave MHU:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Australia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Mount Hotham takes about 30 minutes by Resort Shuttle / Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Exploring Mount Hotham on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Mount Hotham:
Start with Danny’s Lookout. The views are worth the trip if you have time. Then, if time allows, make your way to Mount Hotham Summit Walk. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
If you’d rather stay inside MHU — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Panoramic Mountain Views
- Hotham Airport Kiosk
The Best Way Into Mount Hotham from MHU
The most straightforward way into Mount Hotham is the Resort Shuttle / Taxi, which takes about 30 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Resort Shuttle / Taxi is usually the smarter call.
Eating Well on a Mount Hotham Layover
- In the city: The General Store and Zirky’s Restaurant & Bar are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Mount Hotham.
- At the airport: Hotham Airport Cafe and Alpine Grab & Go Deli will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Mount Hotham might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$17 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$36 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MHU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Mount Hotham itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Australia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Storing Your Luggage at Mount Hotham Airport
Specific locker facilities at MHU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Mount Hotham itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at MHU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Australia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Mount Hotham with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Mount Hotham may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.