Closest to the border of NSW, Falls Creek is nestled in the centre of the Victorian Alps, halfway between Melbourne and Canberra. Unlike other ski resorts, Falls Creek closes its on-mountain roads to vehicles for the majority of the ski season allowing for an authentic, ski-in, ski-out experience from lifts to the village. Falls Creek caters for all with downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, night skiing and some epic terrain parks for the thrill-seekers. Family-friendly activities include Thursday night fireworks and a visit from the resort’s very own snow dragon.
Distance from Melbourne
4.5hr drive.
Cost
Book online for resort entry starting at $51.50 and during off-peak periods (June and mid-late September) for discounted lift passes. Adult lift passes start at $118 for a single day pass, and children can get a pass for around $101. Full-time uni students can get half-price lift passes on Mondays and Fridays for an extended weekend. Plus, night skiing is just $20 for adults and $10 per child.
Equipment hire
You can save good money by booking your equipment hire online. For a ski or snowboard package (snowboard and boots or skis, poles and boots) it's $83 per adult on the mountain or $66 booked online in advance. For children, the ski or snowboard package is $65 per child on the mountain or $52 online. For a snow clothing package (jacket and pants) it's $49 per adult and $35 per child per day.
Where to stay
Falls Creek offers a range of accommodation options including numerous apartments and lodges only metres away from the lifts. Ski or board right up to your doorstep, pull off your boots and step onto heated floors in a luxurious private apartment with open fireplace, in the heart of the resort. Perks like private balconies with outdoor hot tubs ensure that you get to enjoy mountain views without the frostbite. Chalet guests get access to indoor heated swimming pools, hydrotherapy communal spas, saunas and games rooms. Complimentary breakfast is often included and lodges are connected to adjoining bars and restaurants to satisfy the post or pre-shredding hunger.
Check out the Falls Creek Hotel for hotel-style accommodation just 100 metres to the nearest chairlift. All rooms include a four-course dinner and a cooked-to-order breakfast.
Private apartments, chalets and hotels within the village will set you back in the high hundreds to $1k per night and above. Opt for communal lodges over private apartments for pricing in the mid to lower hundreds. Still centrally-located within the resort village, lodges are found metres away from major lifts.
Budget options involve inevitably traveling to and from nearby towns such as Harrietville, Bright and Mount Beauty. Stay in Harrietville's Mountain View Holiday Retreat for $135 per night twin share with an ensuite bathroom. The retreat includes all the necessary facilities, heating and the added bonus of a hot tub before heading onwards to ski at either Mt Hotham or Falls Creek.
What to do on the offseason
Falls Creek is home to the expected mountain top summertime activities including mountain biking and hiking for visitors of all skill levels. Additionally, you can rent a canoe and paddle across Rocky Valley Lake, Australia’s highest lake.
You can even explore the high country by horseback on a guided tour. There’s plenty to explore with an 18-hole golf course, wineries, paragliding, hang gliding and 4WD tracks around the Kiewa Valley and surrounding mountainous region.