Escape the heat by hitting the slopes in Victoria's
ski country. The region's resorts offer a wide array of snow activities
including dogsled rides, tobogganing, skiing, snowboarding, and
snowmobiling. Use Melbourne as a base for day trips to beginner-friendly
Mount Baw Baw, or stay slopeside at major alpine resorts such as Mount Hotham, billed as the "powder capital" of Australia, or Falls Creek, Victoria's largest alpine resort.
"The Maze area [at Falls Creek] is the perfect
place to test your skills," says Falls Creek marketing executive
Victoria Gregory. "Surrounded by gum trees, you'll discover secret
powder stashes and new runs hidden within the trees. This distinctly
Australian skiing experience reminds you you're in the Australian alps,
with a view looking onto Mount Bogong, Victoria's highest peak."
How to Get Around: Since tire
chains are required (in the trunk or on the tires depending on road
conditions) during snow season, shuttle buses are a safe, stress-free
way to travel from Melbourne to alpine resorts. Purchase tickets online.
For Mount Hotham, use Snowball Express. For Falls Creek, choose either FallsBus or Falls Creek Coach Service. For Mount Baw Baw, take a Mountain-Top Experience shuttle directly to the resort (two hours and ten minutes). Or, ride the V/Line train to Moe Station (two hours) and then, take the shuttle (one hour) to the resort.
Where to Stay: Ski or snowboard down to the Falls Creek express lift from the Elk at Falls,
a combination budget ski lodge and upscale apartment complex located a
five-minute walk from Falls Creek Village restaurants and shops. The
two- and four-bedroom apartments have full kitchens and private
balconies. In the 34-bed lodge, there's a communal kitchen and basic
rooms accommodating two to eight guests.
What to Eat or Drink: Choose the "Feed Us" dinner option (available for parties of four or more) at Hotham's upscale White Room. The chef will surprise you with a selection of seasonal plates such as grilled Mooloolaba king prawns, wombok (cabbage) slaw, and smoked lamb croquettes. White Room dishes typically include local ingredients such as Milawa cheese and Harrietville trout, Kiewa milk, and Hopkins River beef.
What to Buy: Browse one of
Melbourne's neighborhood bookstores to pick up a read for the shuttle
ride to ski country. Local booksellers include Hill of Content, Paperback Bookshop, and Yarraville's Sun Bookshop, located in the original concession stand of the art deco Sun Theatre.
What to Watch Before You Go: Winner of six Australian Film Institute Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, My Brilliant Career is
the 1979 film adaptation of Miles Franklin's quintessentially
Australian and internationally acclaimed first novel, written in 1901.
Practical Tip: Falls Creek's free Mountain Orientation Tours
are led by local experts and are particularly helpful for first-time
visitors. Join a tour (11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; 2:30
p.m. Sundays) to learn about the resort's best ski runs and figure out
the fastest route back to your lodging at day's end.