Snow chains and hire cars in Victoria
Yes, a hire car needs chains in Victoria. Every vehicle entering Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling must carry diamond-pattern chains at all times in the declared snow season (6 June to 6 September in 2026), and AWD and 4WD vehicles are not exempt. Chains cannot be hired once you are on the mountain, so collect them in the valley, and check your rental agreement first because some companies restrict alpine driving.
Updated
Key facts
- 2026 declared season
- 6 June to 6 September 2026 for Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling
- Who must carry chains
- All vehicles, including all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, must carry chains at all times during the declared snow season
- Accepted chains
- Diamond-pattern only; ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks are not permitted
- Hiring on the mountain
- Chains are not available for hire once you are on the mountain; they must be carried from the start of the ascent
- Lake Mountain
- Chain requirements are assessed daily based on weather and road conditions
- Fines
- Failing to carry chains is a $407 fine and failing to fit them when required is $1,018 in the 2026 season
- Hire cars: Hertz
- For example, Hertz Australia does not supply snow chains, and driving above the Bright snow line without permission makes the renter liable for the excess
- Hire cars: Avis
- For example, Avis lets approved vehicles go above the Bright snow line from June to September only if you pay for Snow Cover at collection and use appropriate equipment such as chains
Do you need snow chains in a hire car in Victoria?
Yes. Alpine Resorts Victoria says all vehicles entering Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling must carry snow chains at all times during the declared snow season. For 2026 that was 6 June to 6 September. Mt Buller notes the declared season usually runs from the King's Birthday weekend until the first weekend of October, and says chains must be carried every day of it, so check each year's dates rather than assume.
Lake Mountain is different: whether chains are needed there is decided daily from weather and road conditions.
Do AWD and 4WD cars need snow chains in Victoria?
Yes. Alpine Resorts Victoria says the requirements apply to all vehicle classes, including all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. That catches many visitors out, because a hire SUV with AWD feels like it should not need chains.
Chains must be carried from the start of the mountain ascent, but you fit them only when directed by signage, resort staff or Victoria Police, and only in the designated chain fitting bays or pullouts.
Snow chains or snow socks: what is allowed?
Chains must be diamond-pattern and suitable to be fitted properly to the vehicle. Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks are not permitted, and Mt Buller's entry rules say the same. Cheap alternatives sold online are a concern for police, who warned in the 2026 season launch that they could ruin a trip.
Buying or hiring a set that fits your specific hire car matters, because tyre size varies between models. Mt Buller's chain page has a video showing how to fit hired chains, so learn how before you reach the mountain.
Where can you hire snow chains near Mt Buller, Mansfield and Bright?
Alpine Resorts Victoria says chains can be bought or hired from many vendors in the region, but not once you are on the mountain. For Mt Buller, the resort lists hire at Buller Sports Mansfield (Maroondah Highway and Elvins Street), Pullins (125 Mt Buller Road), Merrijig Motor Inn and Mirimbah Store. It says online bookings are unavailable because of demand for different sizes, so phone with your car's tyre size.
Rental terms for Victoria use the Bright snow line as the reference point, so if you plan a Hotham or Falls Creek trip from Bright, sort chains before you begin the climb.
- Buller Sports Mansfield: (03) 5777 7541
- Pullins, Mt Buller Road: (03) 5775 2380
- Merrijig Motor Inn: (03) 5777 5702
- Mirimbah Store: (03) 5777 5846
Can you put snow chains on a rental car?
It depends on the company, and the rental agreement decides. As examples: Hertz Australia's terms treat failing to comply with legal chain requirements as a prohibited use that leaves the renter fully liable for damage, and its alpine page says Hertz does not supply chains, so you source your own. Avis says you may go above the Bright snow line between June and September only if you accept and pay for Snow Cover at collection and use appropriate equipment such as chains, and only in approved vehicle groups.
Hertz adds that, depending on the make and model, you may need to remove plastic hubcaps before fitting chains. Some vehicle groups are barred from alpine regions altogether, for instance Hertz lists Premium Fullsize, Adrenaline Collection and Sports EV models as not permitted. Tell the rental company at booking that the car is going to the snow.
What is the penalty for not carrying chains?
Alpine Resorts Victoria says failure to comply may bring an infringement notice or a penalty of 20 penalty units. Victoria Police's figures for the 2026 season are $407 for not carrying chains and $1,018 for not fitting them when required. It also reports that more than 4,000 vehicles were turned around in 2025 for not carrying chains.
A fine or turning back is on top of any rental consequence, since a breach of the chain rule can void your damage cover under some agreements.
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Questions people ask
Can you put snow chains on a rental car?
Only if the rental agreement allows alpine driving. Some companies require you to accept snow cover or approval before going above the snow line, and Hertz says it does not supply chains.
Do rental cars come with snow chains?
Not necessarily. Hertz Australia says it does not supply snow chains and you must source your own. Ask your company at booking.
Do AWD cars need snow chains in Victoria?
Yes. All vehicles, including all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, must carry chains in the declared snow season at Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling.
Where can you hire snow chains near Mt Buller?
Mt Buller lists Buller Sports Mansfield, Pullins in Mansfield, Merrijig Motor Inn and Mirimbah Store. Chains cannot be hired on the mountain.
Are snow socks legal in Victoria?
No. Snow socks, ladder chains and spider chains are not permitted. Only diamond-pattern chains are accepted.
Do you need chains at Mt Buller today?
During the declared snow season every vehicle must carry them, every day. You fit them when signs or staff direct you to.