Top 10 coolest snow stays in Australia’s ski fields

Steve Madgwick Steve Madgwick
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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!

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

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.

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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.

Steve Madgwick

Steve Madgwick

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Exploding supernovas & gold fever: discover the past at this outback Qld town

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

    While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

    Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

    Getting there

    car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland
    Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

    You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

    Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

    Best accommodation in Clermont

    Theresa CreekDam in clermont
    Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

    All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

    Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

    To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn.

    Things to do in Clermont

    three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting
    Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

    One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters, Four Mile, Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings. To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting. They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

    Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum. Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

    The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

    Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland
    See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

    For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

    Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services. Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

    Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs. The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

    Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

    meal at Commercial Hotel
    Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

    Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

    Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

    For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

    Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

    Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.