Victoria - Australia 2004 - page 589

room rates are much higher during the ski season. The Falls Creek Reservation
Centre ( & 1800/453 525 in Australia, or 03/5758 3100; fax [phone];
www.fallscreek.net) can tell you what deals are on offer and can book rooms for
you. The cheapest winter option is the very basic Frying Pan Inn, P.O. Box 55,
Falls Creek, VIC 3699 ( & 03/5758 3390; fax [phone]), right in the vil-
lage 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 2001 and 2002. In peak season they work out at about A$100
(US$65) per person per night for two or more.
Feathertop Alpine Lodge 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 func-
tional 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 [phone]. 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 (sum-
mer); health club nearby; children's center; tour/activities counter; business center on request; babysitting;
coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms.
Summit Ridge Alpine Lodge Summit Ridge is a AAA-rated 4 1 ⁄ 2 -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 sec-
ond. 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 restau-
rant excels in fine dining. The owner can take you on early-morning ski runs.
Schuss St., Falls Creek, VIC 3699. & 03/5758 3800. Fax [phone]. [e-mail].
Winter A$140-A$230 (US$88-US$150) queen room per person. Summer A$110 (US$72) queen room per
person. AE, DC, MC, V. Children 5-14 25% off adult rate. Rates include breakfast and dinner. Children under
5 not permitted. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; exercise room; sauna; Jacuzzi; 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 out-
crops 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 But-
ton 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.

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