Victoria welcomed 152,730 short-term visitors in June 2025, a reminder that the state remains a favourite for getaways. Merrijig is part of that story. At the edge of the High Country, it offers both the action of Mt Buller and the quiet of open valleys. This balance makes it a smart choice for travellers who want comfort without paying premium rates.
Choosing the Right Kind of Stay
Where you stay shapes the entire trip. In Merrijig, you’ll find riverside cabins, boutique lodges, and mountain-view rentals, each offering a different pace. Before you book, picture how you’d like to spend your mornings and evenings. Do you see quiet starts with open views, or do you prefer being close to the flow of people heading toward the slopes?
Privacy is what makes many trips feel special. That’s why scenic holiday homes are such a draw. They give you space, views, and the freedom to settle in as if they’re your own. Cooking your own meals, spreading out across multiple rooms, and not sharing walls with strangers all add to the sense of comfort. For large groups, these stays usually end up being a better value than several hotel rooms.
If convenience matters more, lodges near the main road or closer to the mountain might suit you better. You’ll trade some peace for easy access to restaurants, ski shuttles, and rental shops. Options like a family lodge with shared spaces or a cozy cabin with generous room sizes can be a smart middle ground. Pick the accommodation that matches the type of trip you want, not just what looks appealing in photos.
Booking at the Right Time
Timing makes a big difference in Merrijig. Winter is the busiest stretch, and Mount Buller alone can expect about 450,000 visitors in a good ski season. In 2022, numbers reached 452,439, while a weaker 2023 saw only 318,385. Those swings show how quickly demand shifts with snow cover, and why booking early is the safest way to secure better rooms at fair prices. Leaving it late usually means fewer choices and higher costs.
Outside of winter, the region has its own kind of charm. Autumn turns the valleys gold and opens up open forest trails without the heavy crowds. Spring brings fresh air, wildflowers, and rates that drop along with visitor numbers. In these seasons, you can often find larger or more comfortable stays for the same budget you’d spend on something modest in July or August.
Smaller adjustments in timing can also make a big difference. Midweek stays are often cheaper than weekends, and adding an extra night can lower your average nightly cost. A bit of flexibility gives you more room to enjoy a stay that feels indulgent without straining your budget.
Paying Attention to the Details
Luxury in Merrijig isn’t always about size or star ratings. It’s often in the small touches that make your day better. A fire waiting after a hike, a balcony for your morning coffee, or a hot tub under clear skies all add to the experience. Many boutique stays even offer extras like a guest lounge with local wines or a swimming pool for lazy afternoons.
When comparing options, think about what you’ll actually use. If you plan to be out exploring from dawn to dusk, you don’t need much beyond a clean and comfortable base. But if downtime is part of the plan, details like a spa bath, a kitchen for preparing meals, or access to a hearty, full buffet breakfast can change how you feel about the entire trip.
Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for those features. Spending slightly above the cheapest option can add real value if it makes your stay more enjoyable. Even knowing a talented head chef is preparing your dinner can shift a good trip into something memorable.
Finding Value Beyond the Listings
Some of Merrijig’s best accommodations don’t appear on the big booking platforms. Locally run cottages and cabins often fly under the radar, yet they can cost less than hotels and feel more personal. These smaller stays carry plenty of character and usually leave you with warmer memories than a standard room. Keep an open mind about where you book and you can stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort.
It also helps to look beyond overnight options. Some upscale resorts quietly offer day passes, giving you access to pools, spas, and other amenities without paying for a room. They aren’t always advertised, so you’ll need to call or ask in person. For travellers who love mountain snow skiing but don’t want to commit to a pricey resort stay, this can be a clever way to enjoy premium facilities without overspending.
Local tips are another way to uncover hidden value. Visitor centers, community boards, and even nearby towns often point you to places that don’t appear in online searches. Reaching out to owners directly can also pay off, as many offer lower rates or thoughtful extras when you skip third-party booking sites. For skiing enthusiasts and lovers of hiking trails, these smaller finds can feel even more rewarding.
Luxury in Merrijig isn’t defined by how much you spend. It’s in the views you wake up to, the comfort you return to each night, and the way your accommodation fits the trip you want.
Choose the right style of stay and book at the right time. Also, focus on meaningful details and look beyond the obvious listings. These steps will allow you to enjoy a break that feels indulgent without breaking the bank. The beauty of Merrijig is that even modest holiday houses can make you feel like you’re living in luxury, if only for a few days.
