Victoria’s largest ski resort just got a bougie glam-up with the unveiling of a 10-metre-high sculpture to mark the opening weekend of the ski season.
Suspended over the snow-covered crags above Falls Creek, the super-sized installation greeted powder hounds in a geometric bloom of golden petals as they returned to the ski fields for the first time this year.
And if you thought art was for viewing not touching, hold on to your helmets because this immersive artwork is part sculpture, part public viewing platform. Follow the walkway between the petals for an over-the-edge-of-the-mountain view of the alps like they’ve never been seen before.
The new sculpture Flower of the Alpine Sun by Giovanni Veronesi is revealed at Falls Creek. (Credit: Catherine Best)
The $750,000-plus Flower of the Alpine Sun artwork was officially unveiled on day one of the 2026 ski season, as snowboarders and skiers zipped up Halley’s Comet Chairlift for the first runs of the year.
Trumpeted as one of the highest-altitude artworks in Australia (certainly the largest in the alps), the Alpine Sun sits at an elevation of more than 1,600 metres. You’ll find it near Cloud 9, the newly renovated restaurant at the gateway to Mouse Trap, the beginners’ ski run at the top of Halley’s Comet.
Dine at Cloud 9, the newly renovated restaurant.(Credit: Peter Bennetts)
The ski season opens at Falls Creek. (Credit: Peter Bennett)
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Meet the artist
Milan-born Australian artist Giovanni Veronesi created the sculpture after taking a punt on an off-brief design. The original brief called for a sculpture in the village carpark, but Veronesi thought it would be epic to create an artwork ‘lookout’ on the mountain.
Drawing on his love of the alps and geometric fabrication, he designed a walk-through sculpture that frames a mountain panorama across Falls Creek village and beyond.
Falls Creek Resort’s Fred Weir (left) and artist Giovanni Veronesi at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Alpine Sun. (Image: Supplied)
“There is something about when you have those really cold winter days, when the sky is deep blue and the sun is blazing, and you can feel the wind biting your face while you’re skiing. I’ve always associated it with the feeling of being really alive, and so I wanted to put that feeling into physical form and share it with the audience," Veronesi says.
The sculpture, funded by the Victorian Government’s Alpine Business Support Package, was unveiled shortly after a winter blast dumped 32cm of snow on Falls Creek, raising hopes of a bumper ski season.
What’s new at Falls Creek in 2026
Soak in the new hot and cold mineral plunge pools at Nelse Lodge. (Credit: Supplied)
In addition to Falls’ new mountain bling, snowcationers can also expect a revitalised lineup of aprés-ski entertainment and hospitality. Nelse Lodge, one of the mountain’s original 1950s lodgings, has reopened to the public after a five-year makeover. The lodge, which operates as a ski resort in winter and high-performance athletes’ hub in summer, has a new 12-person sauna, hot-and-cold mineral plunge pools, gym, and reimagined Euro-inspired bar and restaurant.
Cooroona Alpine Lodge has launched its luxe Skyline Penthouse Apartments, promising some of the lushest digs on the mountain, as well as an expanded menu at on-site restaurant Cooroona Cantina. For aprés done your way, Cloud 9 Restaurant now offers live music on the mountain, while Lakeside’s new afternoon soirée serves up fireside aperitivo snacks and spritz. Did we mention it’s the best place to watch the Thursday evening fireworks?
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Falls faves
Warm up at Astra Falls Creek. (Credit: The View From Here/ Visit Victoria)
If you fancy your powder with a side of pampering, check in to Astra Falls Creek. The lodge has been named the Best Boutique Ski Hotel in the World Ski Awards for 10 consecutive years for good reason. If you can’t afford to stay here, at least splurge on a treatment in the spa or cosy up on the leather couch with a cocktail by the fire. If you ask nicely, the staff will even proffer marshmallows for your toasting pleasure.
Harvey Hour at locals’ favourite the Falls Creek Hotel has become a village tradition, with punters flocking to the balcony overlooking the Village Bowl for jugs of Harvey Wallbanger. It’s little wonder the pub has become Australia’s biggest importer of Galliano.
When you pass through the bowl, keep a lookout for the old 1960s ticket booth, today home to Falls Creek Distillery. This ‘gin with altitude’ is distilled with alpine botanicals and can be enjoyed at venues throughout the High Country. Don’t leave town before grabbing a hot jam donut at Snownuts Donuts at the bottom of Halley’s Comet to fuel your on-mountain adventures.
Grab a deal
Celebrate ski season for less. (Credit: Chris Hocking/Visit Victoria)
For a more wallet-friendly snow stay, take advantage of the early-bird specials. Falls Creek accommodation providers are offering up to 30 per cent off early-season bookings, while the Epic Australia 4-Day Pass offers lift access at three resorts – Falls Creek, Hotham and Perisher – for $669, (on sale until 17 June). New to snow sports? Try the new Epic Beginner Bundle – offering three days’ beginner lift access, group lessons and rentals for $499.
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A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.
With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.
Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.
1. Tackle the bike trails
Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)
Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.
The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.
Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.
There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.
Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.
2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves
Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.
Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.
Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.
Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.
Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.
3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture
Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.
Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.
While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours.
Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.
Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.
4. Splash in the region’s waterways
Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)
Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.
Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel.
Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.
Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.
Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.
5. View epic lookouts
Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.
Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.
Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.
Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)
Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.
Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge, a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.
6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens
Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)
Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival, it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens– established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.
Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens– famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers. Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.
