Anyone who has been to Falls Creek Resort in Victorian Country will say that, hands down, it is one of the prettiest ski resort in Australia, with some of the best skiing. It is also the largest ski resort in Victoria, with 15 lifts and access to 90 runs, and was established in 1940 as a base for State Electricity Commission. The workers building the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme were some of the first to enjoy the amazing slopes.
The highest point in Falls Creek is Mount McKay, which rises up to 1,840 metres, and the picture-perfect European-style ski-in, ski-out village sits at 1,580 metres. The streets are lined with eucalypts and snow gums, giving guests endless photo opportunities as they head down to the lifts each day.
The resort is also renowned for mountain biking in the warmer months, its stunning alpine wildflower season in summer, abseiling, hiking, fly-fishing (for trout and salmon) and for the world-class food, wine and beer offerings sourced from the nearby villages and farms of the High Country and Dinner Plains.
Fall in love with Astra Falls Creek
One of the novelties of visiting Falls Creek – and something that no one ever tires of (especially the kids) – is that upon arrival, a snow mobile picks you and your crew up, and takes you straight to the front door of your accomodation.
If you stay at Astra Falls Creek, from the moment you climb on board and are greeted by Astra’s friendly staff, you won’t want to ever call your snow mobile to leave. And it offers so much more than being an incredible base while skiing and exploring the mountain.
There’s no guessing why Astra has been awarded ‘Best Boutique Ski Hotel’ for nine consecutive years (2016 – 2024) by the World Ski Awards in Austria. Astra’s stylish European-style alpine décor and charm combined with good old-fashioned hospitality brings a sense of warmth and style to this mountain-top paradise. A carefully selected range of eclectic art, leather, timber, stone and stylish soft furnishings complement Astra’s spectacular mountain views – and there’s usually snow piled up at the restaurant and bar windows.
Guests can relax by the enormous stone fireplace in the bar and lounge area and indulge in a cocktail, a local wine or beer paired with a snack from the Après menu which changes daily. Snuggle up on a lounge, play a board game, read a book, or simple watch as the snow falls outside.
Dinner service offers a modern alpine-inspired menu featuring produce from the wonderful array of local growers across Victoria’s northeast, with the wine menu expertly chosen to complement the dishes.
Unwind and be pampered at Astra Day Spa
Astra is home to an award-winning day spa and a stunning relaxation space which boasts a magnesium swimming pool, a sauna and a hot tub. With the moody lighting and pool loungers positioned by the windows with views of the snowy streets outside, it’s a great place to soak and unwind after a big day on the slopes.
If you want to truly relax and be pampered, guests are spoilt for choice with the carefully crafted treatment menu at the spa upstairs. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing, remedial or stone massage, a manicure, pedicure, or facial, Astra Day Spa has you well and truly covered.
Feel the day’s pressures melt away as you immerse yourself in one of the treatments that are inspired by the natural beauty and mountain sanctuary right outside the doors. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, reinvigorated, and ready for the next part of your Falls Creek holiday.
Step away from the world, and into Astra Wine Cellar
If you’re looking for something even more indulgent and intimate, Astra has a unique wine cellar showcasing fine wines from all over the world (including Australia, of course) that you can experience with the guidance of your very own sommelier.
Enjoy a customised dining and wine tasting experience tailored to your needs and tastes, that’s perfect for between two and six guests. Speak to the lovely staff at the front desk about your requirements, and note that a minimum spend applies to all bookings.
Dive into Huski for some delicious Asian-style dishes
Huski Kitchen is right next door to Astra (so you can duck out without putting your ski gear back on) and it has a delicious Southeast Asian-style menu offering a great range of share plates and mains. Or simply stop by for a snack and a carefully crafted cocktail before heading back to Astra after some time on the slopes.
Huski has fun vibes and is the perfect place to gather the family for an early dinner, or to relax and share some laughs with friends over a table filled with spicy goodness.
The Huski team also dish up great breakfasts and it’s the perfect place to swing by for your morning coffee.
The Frying Pan Inn is located in the historic heart of Falls Creek’s famous Village Bowl, at the base of the Summit.
‘The Pan’ as its known, is always buzzing. Here guests can choose from a great list of of classic craft beers and local wines, and superbly prepared BBQ-style dishes served up by friendly staff in a large rustic yet elegant pub. It has a really family-friendly atmosphere and there’s always a celebration going on.
The Frying Pan Inn offers great views of the Summit run so you can sit outside and watch everyone cruise down the mountain, foosball and a pool table.
There’s a bakery at the entrance, offering barista-made Honeybird coffee, yummy toasties and a range of great breakfasts to grab on the go, as it’s so easy to duck in and out.
Cloud9 is at the top of Halley’s Comet Chairlift – the main meeting point in Falls Creek while on the mountain. It has undergone a massive renovation and has the best views on the mountain. Here you can enjoy a hot meal, a morning snack, a beer or a cocktail.
Sit outside on the deck and watch everyone excitedly coming up the mountain on the chairlift, and watch as helicopters land, bringing in guests from Hotham and other areas in the Victorian High Country.
Dicky Knees is a popular little cafe cum pub at the bottom of the Scotts chairlift offering hearty European-style bites, including pretzels, kranskys, and a top range of ski-friendly snacks that’ll keep your energy levels up while enjoying the mountain. There’s barista-made coffee or a range of alcoholic drinks that are perfect for a mid-ski break and it’s an ideal place to do some people watching as the action is all laid out before you.
Meet the Traverse Alpine Group (TAG)
Traverse Alpine Group (TAG) – owners of Astra Falls Creek, Huski Kitchen, Cloud 9, Dicky Knees and Frying Pan Inn – are the largest hospitality employer at Falls Creek, and a growing employer in the Bright and Albury/Wodonga Regions. The group prides themselves on designing and delivering exceptional food and beverage offerings in fabulously refurbished venues. Their concepts are fresh, exciting and on the cutting edge of the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Looking for more to do in Victoria? Check out the best experiences in Melbourne this winter!