Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 12 . VICTORIA
Falls Creek, VIC 3699 (& 03/5758 3390; fax 03/5758 3416), right in the village
next to the ski lifts. Bunks in four- or six-bed rooms cost A$58 (US$38) per
night Sunday through Thursday, and A$68 (US$44) Friday through Saturday,
in the ski season. Packages are available.
If you fancy a self-contained apartment or freestanding chalet, try the
Frueauf Village complex (& 03/9593 6125; www.fvfalls.com.au). These 28
properties were built in 2001and 2002. In peak season they work out at about
A$100 (US$65) per person per night for two or more.
Feathertop Alpine Lodge Finds I really like this pleasant old-fashioned ski
lodge nestled among the gum trees. Hosts Pip and Mark Whittaker have made it
into one of the friendliest getaways in the mountains, and its relatively small size
makes it easy to get to know a few of the other guests. Rooms are functional yet
cozy, and sleep two to four people. All have showers attached. The lounge room is
large and comfortable with good views, a well-stocked bar, and a library.
Parallel St. (P.O. Box 259), Falls Creek, VIC 3699. & 03/5758 3232. Fax 03/5758 3514. www.ski.com.au/
feathertop. 10 units. Winter A$95–A$185 (US$62–US$120); summer A$70 (US$46). Rates are per person and
include dinner and breakfast. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; golf course nearby; 4 tennis courts (summer);
health club nearby; children’s center; tour/activities counter; business center on request; babysitting;
coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room: Robes.
Summit Ridge Alpine Lodge Summit Ridge is a four-and-a-half star
property made from local rock and timber. It caters to discerning guests. All
rooms are quite nice, if a little stark. The mezzanine suites are split-level with the
bedroom upstairs; they have king-size beds and an attached bathroom with tub.
There’s a lounge and dining room on the ground floor and a library on the second.
If the mist holds off there are some fine valley views. The hosts pay a lot of
attention to detail, and the homemade bread is worth an early rise. The restaurant
excels in fine dining. The owner can take you on early-morning ski runs.
Schuss St., Falls Creek, VIC 3699. & 03/5758 3800. Fax 03/5758 3833. sunridge@fallscreek.albury.net.au.
Winter A$140–A$230 (US$88–US$150) queen room per person. Summer A$110 (US$72) per person. Children
5–14 25% off adult rate. Rates include breakfast and dinner. AE, DC, MC, V. Children under 5 not allowed.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar; exercise room; sauna; spa; in-room massage; babysitting; coin-op laundry. In
room: TV, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer.
MT. BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK
350km (217 miles) NE of Melbourne
Based around Mt. Buffalo, this is the oldest national park in the Victorian High
Country, declared in 1898. The scenery is spectacular, with huge granite outcrops
and plenty of waterfalls. As you ascend the mountain you pass through
dramatic vegetation changes, from tall snow gum forests to subalpine grasslands.
In summer, carpets of silver snow daisies, royal bluebells, and yellow Billy Button
flowers bloom on the plateau. Animals and birds here include wallabies and
wombats, cockatoos, lyrebirds, and mobs of crimson rosellas, which congregate
around the campsite at Lake Catani (popular for swimming and canoeing).
Other popular sports around and about include advanced hang gliding and
some very serious rock climbing. There are also more than 90km (56 miles) of
walking trails. The area is regenerating after bushfires in late 2002.
Mt. Buffalo is also home to Victoria’s smallest ski resort, with just five lifts,
and a vertical drop of 157m (515 ft.). There are also 11km (6 3 ⁄4 miles) of marked
cross-country ski trails.
ENTRY FEES & LIFT TICKETS Entry to Mt. Buffalo ski resort is A$20
(US$13) per car. Full-day lift tickets cost around A$39 (US$25) for adults, A$25