The Travel Diary: Things to do in Falls Creek
Ski holidays may not come to mind when talking about Australia, but for a convenient escape from the Asian heat, Falls Creek holds the name for most stylish snow village.
Ski holidays may not be at your top of mind when Australia is mentioned, but for a relatively quick and easy escape out of the Asian heat and into the snow, nothing beats a snow village like Falls Creek.
Located in Victoria and a leisurely four and a half hours drive from Melbourne City, the family-friendly ski resort is a favourite with natives and offers good snow sports action for both amateurs and seasoned skiers and snowboarders.
Looking for alternative skii destinations? Check out our travel diary on Niseko and Hokkaido, Japan's premiere locations for skiing
We check out the buffet of offerings in one of the coziest snow villages in Australia.
What to do
Just 4-and-a-half hours from Melbourne, Falls Creek provides a good dose of family fun. There are more than 92 runs at Falls Creek, with the highest lifted point at 1780m.
The most obvious thing to do at Falls Creek would be to head up the top the mountain and come hurtling down, just for thrills. The winter season officially opens on 10 June this year and will end on 30 September, but better book rooms now.
There's great skiing and snowboarding action to be had here for everyone from beginners (both adults as well as children as young as 3 years old) to intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. There are also other snow activities for those not keen on skis and snowboards: there are snow bungy trampolines and the snow tubing park, a skate ramp, cafes and retail, bars, bands and luxury dining, as well as the ever important spa treatments.
Falls Creek also has over 65 kilometres of perfectly groomed cross country trails with no trail fees.
Falls Creek Resort Management, 1 Slalom St Falls Creek, Victoria, +61 (03) 5758 1200, www.fallscreek.com.au
Where to stay
The Falls Express Chairlift located adjacent to Ropers apartments will access snowboarders and skiers to Cloud 9.
Nothing beats the comfort and privacy of a self-contained apartment when you are tired and bruised from a day on the slopes. Luxury accommodation like Roper's Apartments is especially in demand. Located at Slalom Plaza in Falls Creek and literally steps away from the resort's express Quad Chair Lift, these rooms are perfect for when you're soaking wet and weighed down by heavy layers and ski gear.
Located in the Slalom Plaza area of Falls Creek Ski Village, Roper's Apartments boasts arguably the best location, offering spectacular views and some of the most luxurious accommodation in Falls Creek.
An apartment at Roper's also has spectacular mountain views that you can take in from the spacious private balcony. Creature comforts like surround sound stereos, stainless steel kitchen appliance, broadband Internet access, floor heating and secure ski storage amidst a stylish set-up will definitely crank up this winter vacation a few notches higher.
Ropers Apartments, Falls Creek, +61 (03) 5758 3210, www.ropersapartments.com
What to eat
Besides serving up good food like Mexican Jumbo Prawns, Lamb and Mash and Duck Wonton Stack, Winterhaven has cosy bar attached to the small intimate restaurant. Managed by Barry Iddles, the menu at Winterhaven is esoteric and striking.
Most accommodation will provide a meal package to take the fuss out of dining planning in between ski and board sessions. But for something special, book a table at the Winterhaven Restaurant.
Foodies, who will already be hungrier because of the cold, will swoon even more with the selection of fine food and wines from around the country. Managed by Barry Iddles, who spends half his time in Asia, the menu at Winterhaven is esoteric and striking.
Highly recommended is the starter of Mexican jumbo prawns with tortilla followed by an honest to goodness eye fillet or a lamb and mash -- both good on a cold winter's night. End the meal with a warm chocolate soufflé or hokey pokey ice-cream, or better still have both.
Winterhaven Restaurant, 28 Slalom Street, Falls Creek, Victoria, +61 (03) 5758 3888
