Perched 1,580 metres above sea level, Falls Creek Resort is one of Australia’s prettiest alpine escapes, and the largest ski resort in Victoria, with 15 lifts and 90 runs over 450 hectares. Its European-style, ski-in, ski-out village – sprinkled with snow gums and eucalypts – makes it a destination where small country charm meets awesome adventures.
First opened for skiing in 1949, Falls Creek has grown from a humble cluster of lodges into a thriving, all-season resort. The resort is always buzzing with excited crowds of snow lovers in winter, and in summer the slopes transform into a playground for mountain biking, wildflower walks, hiking, fly-fishing and high-adrenaline pursuits such as abseiling.
The region is renowned for its produce, with nearby High Country villages and Dinner Plain supplying people and venues with award-winning wines, craft beers, cheeses and artisan fare. Meaning that during the snow season (usually from the first week of June until late September) Falls Creek has some of the best dining paired with the best snowy views in Victorian High Country.
Check into Australia’s best boutique luxury chalet
Awarded Best Boutique Ski Hotel for nine consecutive years at the World Ski Awards, Astra Falls Creek is a haven for indulgence and a perfect base from which to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and exploring the village. From the moment the staff pick you up in one of Astra’s snow mobiles, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the Astra family.
The retreat’s stunning European alpine décor (see below) is super cool and also so warm and welcoming – the timber, stone, leather and eclectic art making it the kind of place that is made for reading a book under the glow of a lamp, snuggling on a couch with a loved one, or playing a board game while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying a snack from the carefully curated Aprés menu.
By night, the bar comes alive as people pile in, dusting off the snow and shaking hair from beanies and helmets – cocktails are crafted as music plays and the day’s adventures are shared. The windows around the restaurant are usually piled high with snow, making you feel as though you’re ensconced in a cosy den.
The up-market yet relaxed dinner service is based on modern Alpine-inspired meals crafted from superb local Victorian produce, expertly paired with a huge array of drinks and an impressive list of fine wines. The service is impeccable and nothing is too much of an ask for the friendly staff. The steaks are amazing, as is the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, barramundi and kangaroo tataki.
Dip into Southeast Asia at Huski Kitchen
Bringing a Southeast Asian twist to the mountain, Huski Kitchen is a character-filled, colourful and fun spot for shared plates and drinks with friends. The atmosphere is always buzzing, and it’s equally perfect for a simple family dinner, and there are plenty of less spicy things on the menu for little ones, such as the much-loved chicken fried rice.
Huski is right next door to Astra, so you can easily duck between the two within minutes, and there’s a lovely outdoor deck where you can sit and watch people coming and going.
Fun times since the beginning at The Frying Pan Inn
A nod to Falls Creek’s early ski culture, The Frying Pan Inn in the historic Village Bowl pairs craft beers with hearty American-style barbecued dishes in a rustic yet refined pub atmosphere, fairy lights and all. Fun is the name of the game here – there’s foosball and a pool table so you can take a break from skiing some some a little more low-key, and big screens to watch a game with mates, or some serious skiing and boarding action by the pros.
The outdoor beer garden has awesome views of the Summit chairlift and all of the great runs that lead down to the Village Bowl, and there’s usually a crowd enjoying the scenes unfold before them.
Next to the entrance of the Inn is a cafe and bakery, so if you don’t want to linger longer and lap up some relaxing vibes, you can duck in and grab a hot coffee and a toastie or pastry on the go.
Cloud 9 – a fresh-faced iconic venue at Falls Creek
At the top of Halley’s Comet Chairlift, Cloud 9 is the beating heart of on-mountain dining and drinks, with the best views in Falls Creek.
After a multi-million dollar renovation, it has something for everyone, and it has to be one of Australia’s best on-snow venues. Whether its a pizza (straight from brand new wood-fired pizza oven) and a craft beer on the deck, a soft drink a salad in the bar, or a coffee and a hot muffin in the cafe area, Cloud 9 has something delicious to tuck into while you soak up the vibes.
The staff also pour a great mulled wine that’s perfect for a pit stop and tummy warmer.
European snacks on-snow at Dicky Knees Falls Creek
Newly renovated and back in the Traverse Alpine Group family after many years with different owners, Dicky Knees is a casual cafe cum bar that offers European-inspired snacks such as delicious kranskys and pretzels.
It’s also a top spot to grab a barista-made coffee and a snack on the run, to keep you fuelled for more runs, and an ideal meeting spot, as being at the bottom of the Scotts Chairlift, it’s super easy to get to.
It has great views in all directions, so is the perfect place to take some photos of all the Falls Creek action from a different angle.
Downtime & pampering at Astra’s pool, sauna and day spa
When you’ve had a day on the snow, or perhaps even a few, there’s nothing quite like some down time where you can unwind in peace and quiet. Especially if you’ve been taking care of children while on the go, and/or if you’ve managed to strain some muscles.
While staying at Astra, put aside some time to enjoy the stunning heated magnesium-infused pool area downstairs. There’s also a sauna, spa, and pool loungers where you can lie back under the golden lights and watch the world go by on the snowy streets outside.
Astra Day Spa is upstairs at the end of a softly carpeted hallway, tucked away next to the hotel’s charming library area, which is perfect for some post-treatment downtime.
The spa’s menu is inspired by the alpine beauty of Falls Creek and includes facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and sublime body wraps. Begin with a dip in the pool and spend some time in the steam room, sauna, or spa before a treatment, and you’ll be floating on air in no time.
The spa uses Éminence’s organic skincare, and you can also refresh with hairstyling services from their in-house stylist. Guests staying at Astra enjoy all-day access to the spa facilities; day-spa visitors typically get 45-minutes of pre-treatment access.
Traverse Alpine Group, the force behind Astra, Huski Kitchen, Cloud 9, Dicky Knees and The Frying Pan Inn, has become the largest hospitality employer in Falls Creek. Their commitment to exceptional food, striking venues and warm service reflects the village’s evolution – from its post-war ski pioneer days to its place now as one of Australia’s premier alpine destinations. Every season, the TAG team at Falls Creek blend natural beauty with refined hospitality – a rare mix that keeps visitors returning year after year, long after the snow has melted.
Enjoyed this feature on Falls Creek? You might like our story on the best experiences in Melbourne this winter!