Coolest snow stays in Australia's ski fields revealed

Planning a snow holiday in Australia? You really should consider these cool, chic and crazy accommodation options. From lovely lodges to all-in resorts. From old favourites to hip hotels.

1. The hipster – St Falls Resort, Falls Creek

Jacuzzi QT Falls Creek. — Jacuzzi view: St Falls Resort, Falls Creek.

Amazing hot tub vistas of Falls Creek ski runs and the surrounding Kiewa Valley from your private balcony? Sure. All of St Falls Creek’s 1, 2 and 3 bedroomed apartments sport funky chic Scandi décor, but the multi en-suited penthouse is the one to aim for – one of the most sought-after alpine accommodation options in Australia. St Falls Resort (previously QT Falls) is on the cusp of the resort’s lift system, has downstairs ski lockers and the seasonal fare at in-house 1550 Restaurant is as good as anywhere on the slopes.

Before you book: Internet is free (and it’s fast).

2. Chalet par excellence – Rockpool Lodge, Thredbo

Rockpool Lodge ski chalet Thredbo — Australia’s best ski chalet? Rockpool Lodge, Thredbo

An intimate chalet in an exquisitely secluded setting in Thredbo village, Rockpool Lodge (no relation to the Sydney restaurant) recently scored ‘Australia’s Best Ski Chalet’ at the World Ski Awards. A treat for small groups or families (free Wi-Fi and linen et al supplied), the two-bedroom, three-floor layout comes complete with the almost mandatory stone wood fireplace to dry yourself in front of after a day on the mountain or post float in the Jacuzzi…

Before you book: As with many snow lodges, expect a minimum stay – between three and seven nights, depending seasonal demand.

3. The alpine dream stay – The Buckland, near Bright

Nestled close to Mt Buffalo, near the Victorian town of Bright, splash-out palace The Buckland private retreat embodies alpine-style decadence without seeming to try too hard. The five cabins all exude a small-scale attention to detail; they are tastily decorated and replete with cosy goose down bed linen, free-standing baths, L’Occitane toiletries and High Country views that just don’t quit from almost every vantage point. Post-ski pamper? Light the fire while you wait for your in-room masseuse to arrive…

Before you book: It’s a bit of drive to the big Victorian resorts (about 30km to the closest, Mt Buller), but you will forget the distance once you’re ‘home’. Oh, book well ahead!

4. Old-world cosy cottages – Moonbah Hut, near Jindabyne

The well-appointed Moonbah Hut (s) (there are actually two, the Lake and River Hut) have nailed that rustic cattleman’s-hut vibe, despite the fact they were actually built in 2003 (as replicas). Think luxe bedding, cushy robes, open fires and underfloor heating. The River Hut, on the banks of the Moonbah River, is perhaps the pick of the pair with its traditional claw foot bath, wrought iron beds, 80-year-old wood stove and foodie-friendly (more spacious) kitchen. They are planted on 250 acres of winter wonderland with plenty of scope for snowman engineering or just staring out into the countryside, wine in hand. Equally good place to spend a summer long weekend…

Before you book: Located 15 minutes’ drive out of Jindabyne, its’ a fair trip every day to Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte’s Pass or Selwyn. Yes, it’s delightfully remote but proudly so offering “no television reception or PlayStations". Thank God.

5. Action stations – Huski, Falls Creek

Huski apartments Falls Creek. — Huski – all-inclusive and as central as you can get in Falls Creek.

Not quite as hip as its Falls neighbour St Falls Resort, but the strikingly angular Huski is one of those solid all-inclusive self-contained places (14 apartments) that bleeds a sometimes energetic, sometimes laid-back atmosphere, a specialty of Australia’s snowfields. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom split-level penthouse (maximum 10 people) has all the homely creature comforts to make your ski holiday effortless: laundry facilities, drying cupboards, Bose bluetooth speaker, free wireless and Apple TV. Hot tub and heated marble floors will do the rest…

Before you book: Bottom-floor apartments can get a little too involved in the après ski atmosphere so opt for upper floors if you need absolute zen.

6. The all-in-one – Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa

Novotel Lake Crackenback is ideal for those who like their ski holidays all-inclusive and who appreciate an out-of-town lakeside ambience (check out the website for deals that include brekky, ski hire, lift tickets etc, especially for families). The resort can seem a little isolated (it’s on the border of Kosciuszko National Park, 20km on the snow-side of Jindabyne), but the Thredbo Valley views and ample amenities (the highlight of which is the Waterlily Collection-stocked Spa & Wellness Centre) should more than compensate. Despite a largish collection of apartments and chalet options, Crackenback maintains a relatively peaceful ‘un-resortish’ atmosphere…

Before you book: Thredbo is a 15-minute drive by car (add national park entrance fee) and 800m (along a private road) from the Skitube to Perisher – complimentary shuttle bus during winter. Note: firewood for the rooms costs $25 a bag.

7. Euro kitsch – Hotel Pension Grimus, Mt Buller

Austrian kitsch Hotel Pension Grimus Mt Buller — Austrian kitsch: Hotel Pension Grimus, Mt Buller.

This Mt Buller icon (yes, it’s been there that long) is all about its family-run atmosphere and the Austrian-Tyrolean style architecture. Built by owner Hans Grimus in the 1970s, the hotel (or is it a pension?) is spacious, almost as central as you get to Mt Buller’s ski facilities and revels in its Euro-style fireplaced kitschy cosiness. Grimus staff love to get involved too – expect to share the odd belt of schnapps with them…

Before you book: Don’t expect the latest modernist fittings – this is old-school Austrian-Australian ski field chic. Note: Grimus has one of the best ski centres around for all your hiring requirements.

8. For the adventurous – Alpine Winter Camp, Mt Stirling

Warning: the Alpine Winter Camp is for adventurous souls who like to get out among the snow gums. Catering to cross country skiers and snow shoers around Mt Stirling, you can ski in to your (pre-erected) heated tent (on raised, insulated platforms). After you settle in, head to the central tepee to discuss the day’s action around the warmth of a potbelly stove…

Before you book: This isn’t glamping! It’s pretty basic but warm with onsite cooking facilities.

9. The first-timer family snow weekend – Lake Mountain Alpine Resort

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is around two hours’ scenic drive from Melbourne, as good a reason as any to start the inaugural annual family snow holiday. Make a weekend of it by staying at the newly opened Vibe in nearby Marysville. The roomy hotel is a good mix of funky, fresh and functional with hearty (and local) on-site food options at Radius Bar & Grill…

Before you book: Lake Mountain Alpine Resort caters to ‘snowplay’ – cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding etc. There is no downhill skiing or snowboarding.

10. The comfortable old fave – Marritz Alpine Inn, Perisher

On-snow accommodation at Perisher is smaller, sometime older style lodges, inns and hotels, so it’s all about finding a perfect fit and wearing it well, just like your favourite pair of shoes. The Marritz is “premium accommodation", not exactly high-end luxury, but offers a solid mix of services: the food is good, the staff are friendly, the rooms are relatively big and bright, and the tariff is reasonable (by Australian snowfield standards). The Front Valley views (from some rooms with enclosed balconies) are extra spesh and most of the post-skiing goodies are there: open fire in the lounge area, a sauna and indoor heated pool (get in early).

Before you book: Some find it a tad outdated, but it’s comfortable, well-positioned and functional without being fancy. Ideal for families looking to stay on snow.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.

Top 10 coolest snow stays in Australia’s ski fields