Claire Mueller

There are not many countries in the world where you can pack up your esky and beach bag from a sunny day on the sand and fly within the same day to snow-capped mountains and roast some marshmallows on the fire. While Australia may be renowned for its gorgeous tropical climate up north, you'll be rewarded by heading a little further down south for some truly epic slopes and alpine resorts. These spots sitting a couple of hours inland from the East Coast see return season pass holders each year with their awesome packages and deals. Whether you're a first-time snowboarder, brinking on Olympic-level skiing or just want to see what all the snow fuss is about, we've rounded up Australia's best ski resorts for your frosty pleasure.  Prefer the sun? These are the best beaches in Australia right now.

Let's face it: while Victoria has some spectacular ski resorts and snowfields, taking a trip to the snow isn't the cheapest of holidays. Mostly, that's because we have a much shorter snow season than our colder cousins. However, that doesn't mean you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months. First, one thing to note: if there's one thing you shouldn't skimp on, it's proper equipment. You can hire all your gear at any of these spots, and it's also a good idea to bring proper thermals, waterproof gear, thick socks and sunscreen. Looking for more getaway ideas? Check out our guides to the High Country, the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula.  RECOMMENDED: A comprehensive guide to Victoria's snow season.

Have you been to a library lately? If you're not a student, a freelancer or just someone who loves reading in quiet spaces, then it might have been a while. These state-of-the-art and historic libraries are quite a bit different to the places you remember. While we're talking books, it pays to know about Melbourne's best bookshops and second-hand booksellers. 

Did you know you can hire a boat ride right in the middle of the Royal Botanic Gardens? Punting on the Lake lets you float the day away on a guided 'punting' tour.  For those who are unfamiliar, punting refers to boating in a flat-bottomed boat known as a punt. They’re usually used in small rivers, shallow water or, as seen here, in decorative lakes in the middle of Melbourne. Punting on the Lake brings the tradition of leisurely punting to the picturesque gardens and its suitably calm Ornamental Lake. No sea-sickness to fear.  Punting expeditions are led by a personal tour guide and skipper – think Venetian gondolas and gondoliers – just replace singing with a detailed history of the garden. Tours operate from September to May, weather-pending. You can BYO food and drinks, and there is a small picnic table on board. And yes, there are parasols available to complete the look (you gotta get a pic for the 'gram, after all!). Adult tickets start at $25, and children from $15. There are also family tickets available. Plus, if you've got a well-behaved dog, they can even hop on for free. Bookings are required (especially on weekends) so head to the website to find out more. Psst... check out the best secret gardens in Melbourne.

Located in the Shire of Mansfield, Mount Buller is one of Victoria's premier snow resorts within easy driving distance from Melbourne. Distance from Melbourne 3hr drive. Ski season The ski season at Mt Buller officially runs from the Queen's Birthday weekend in June until the end of September or early October depending on snow conditions. Cost Resort entry and parking: $46.40 (online) and $58 on arrival.Single-day lift passes: Ranges from $66 to $139 depending on day of the week and peak vs. off peak.  Equipment hire Inclusive ski or snowboard gear package: adults start at $71, children $54.Clothing: $42-$47 for children and adults. Where to stay If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation and transport options near Mt Buller, opt to stay in nearby towns like Mansfield, where you can get a room for around $120 a night. For those wishing to stay where all the action is, there are a number of ski lodges around the Buller village. Depending on dates (off-peak or peak season) expect to pay at least $170 per person for a night atop the mountain. What to do on the offseason Run, walk or bike Mt Buller in the warmer months with a generous selection of trails to suit all skill levels. Hiking and mountain bike trails can be found in abundance and can be tackled by families, couples and friends alike. In the odd chance you’re feeling like you’ve had enough of the outdoors, check out Buller Air Zone, the resort’s very own indoor trampoline park.  

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 accommodatio

One of Australia's highest ski resorts, Mt Hotham has 13 lifts and over 80 runs suited best to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Hotham has 320 hectares of ski terrain, its own airport, 18 restaurants and bars, and even a luxe day spa, but it is furthest away from Melbourne compared to other alpine resorts. Distance from Melbourne 4.5hrs drive. Cost Resort entry and parking: Cars and 4WD private vehicles start at $51 per vehicle per day (when purchased online) otherwise $56 on the spot. Lift passes: Adult and children’s two-day lift passes start at $181 (price varies depending on the date of visit). Plus, tertiary students get 50 per cent off single-day lift passes on Mondays and Fridays. Equipment hire Adult ski or snowboard packages (which include skis, boots and poles or snowboard and boots) is $83 per person for a single day. For the kids, ski or snowboard packages are $52 per child for a single day. Check online for competitive pricing and deals depending on the retailer. Family packages and multi-day discounts also available from various retailers. Where to stay Hire your own apartment or chalet for great views of the sugar-coated mountaintops. You'll even be close enough to watch fellow skiers and boarders from the comfort of your own lounge. For those not fussed by particulars, budget and family-friendly options are varied and plentiful. Ski clubs and lodges in the heart of Hotham village cost roughly $35 per person, per night (during off-peak periods

This picturesque alpine village is located just two-and-a-half hours away from Melbourne. It's smaller than Mt Buller (with seven lifts), but it still offers great downhill skiing, plus snow play areas for families. Distance from Melbourne 2.5hr drive. Cost Resort entry and parking: From $57Lift passes: $55 (from Monday to Friday) and $80 (weekends) for adult single day passes. Day passes for children (aged seven to 15) are $40 on weekdays and $50 for weekends. Equipment hire An inclusive ski equipment package (skis, boots and poles) for a one-day hire will be $50 for adults and $32 for children. Snowboard packages (with board and boots) is $55 for adults and $40 for children. Toboggan hire is $8 for a full day and clothing hire (jacket and pants) is $35 for adults and $25 for children. Where to stay Ditch the daily descent for more valuable shut-eye with Mt Baw Baw’s selection of on-mountain accommodation. There are options that cater to all ages and budgets – from backpacker-style dorm beds perfect for solo shredders and budget private rooms for conscientious couples to affordable family-friendly ski lodges, luxury private apartments, and chalets. It's all available year round. You can get a single-night, single dorm bed at Alpine Backpackers for $45, or a little more privacy in a private room at the flashier Flashpackers for $103. Lodges are made for snow enthusiasts with dedicated gear-drying rooms, ducted heating, and cosy fireplaces. For the more lavish, splash out wit

Lake Mountain is an all-year destination a stone's throw away from the Yarra and Goulburn valleys. The resort offers an on-mountain ski school for first-time skiers, a beginners snowboarding terrain park, tobogganing and plenty of other activities including a flying fox, tube ride and laser skirmish. While there is no downhill skiing or snowboarding (and no lifts) Lake Mountain still offers 30 km of groomed cross country skiing. In the warmer months, the resort is an ideal day-trip destination for bushwalking, mountain biking, cycling, trail running, leisurely picnics and nature walks.  Distance from Melbourne About a 2.5hr drive. Cost Resort entry is $57 per vehicle (up to ten people). Bigger groups receive discounted entry and buses (school or otherwise) pay per person.  Equipment hire Ski packages (skis, boots and poles) start at $40 per adult or child. Snowshow packages (including boots and poles) start at $25 per child and $35 per adult. A toboggan package (toboggan, pants and boots) start at $50 per child and $60 per adult. Rental for just a toboggan is $14 per day.  Where to stay Accommodation is just a hop and skip away in Lake Mountain's beautiful surrounding towns and villages. There are caravan and holiday parks for budget travellers which start at $95 per night, or middle-range, self-contained lakeside cottages in Healesville and Marysville for around $200 per night. For those seeking a lavish retreat, Woodlands Rainforest Retreat in Narbethong is just a 30-minute

The Bunjil Place Library is located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, nestled into the community of Narre Warren. This award-winning building is spread out over three levels and boasts a digital games area, outdoor reading garden, reading amphitheatre and an allocated youth and kids space. Come for the awe-inspiring architecture, stay for the atmosphere.

The heritage-listed Eltham Library boasts an award-winning design and is surrounded by parklands and cafés. What's not to love? The communal stace features a garden and dedicated children's room. There's also a reading lounge complete with a fireplace and a local art gallery showcasing work from local Eltham residents. 

Who could resist the opportunity to read out in the fresh air, surrounded by greenery, on a glorious sunny day? Bargoonga Nganjin, or ‘gather everyone’ in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurunjuri people, was opened to the public in 2017. The North Fitzroy facility offers a modern design and multiple reading and study spaces including the first-of-its-kind, dedicated rooftop garden. Combine this with the library’s extensive range of youth and health services, events such as author talks, panel discussions, music performances, Indigenous language activities and children’s storytime sessions, and Bargoonga Nganjin is sure to fulfil its inherent goal.

Settle into Dandenong sunlit library for some serious study time. This community facility offers a huge south-facing wall of floor-to-ceiling windows along with ample reading, study and kids spaces. The latter is eqyupped with bean bags and cute kids-sized furniture, too. 

The modern and spacious Melton Library was the first library in Australia to be awarded a five-star Green Star rating for environmental sustainability. The design features a staggering amount of over-sized timber beams and floor-to-ceiling windows. Visitors can book meeting rooms, as well as recording and editing studios. There's also a parents room, maternal and child health services, a theatre auditorium and a dedicated lounge for teens. Plus, there's no need to venture far when feeling peckish with the library's own adjoining café CommuniTea close by.