Travel & Accommodation
Australian travel requirements
You will need a valid Australian Tourist Visa to enter Australia, unless you are an Australian citizen. The official government website is https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit For most people the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is the best. It is free, and you apply direct online.
Transport
The Kangaroo Hoppet is held at Falls Creek in north east Victoria
The nearest international airport is Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine).
Catch the bus from Melbourne
There is a daily bus service during the ski season from Melbourne to Falls Creek, run by Falls Creek Coach Service.
Tel: +61 3 5754 4024.
email reservations@fallscreekcoachservice.com.au
The bus leaves from Bay 57 at Southern Cross Station (in the city centre of Melbourne) at 09.15 daily, and picks up at Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) from the Terminal 4 Transport Hub at 09.45. It then travels direct to Falls Creek, arriving at 15.15 h.
The return trip to Melbourne leaves daily at 17.00 h, arriving at the International Airport at 20.15 h and at Southern Cross Station at 20.45 h.
The Falls Creek Coach Service internet site is at http://www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au Bookings are essential
Catch the train from Melbourne
A VLine train service direct to Mt Beauty from Southern Cross station leaving at 12 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The train travels to Wangaratta where you catch the connecting VLine coach to Bright and a taxi service brings passengers the last 26km to Mount Beauty arriving about 5.30pm. The total cost from Melbourne, Southern Cross to Mount Beauty is around $11 one way, and tickets can be booked online https://www.vline.com.au/Plan-trip-buy-tickets or purchased from the VLine counter at Southern Cross Station.
The nearest domestic airport is Albury
If you are coming direct to Albury, there are daily flights to Albury from both Sydney and Melbourne international airports. From Melbourne, the coach is the best choice.
There are daily coaches from Albury direct through to Falls Creek, also run by Falls Creek Coach Service. The schedule is available on their website. http://www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au
Private transfers from airport and train are also available
Mt Beauty Transfers offers a convenient, flexible and comfortable way to travel to and around our region.
Servicing Mt Beauty, Falls Creek, Albury/Wodonga and the Alpine area, we operate a year round service so you can enjoy Victoria’s High Country any time.
Phone: 0422 376 179
Email: info@mtbeautytransfers.com.au
Facebook: Mt Beauty transfers
Instagram: @mtbeautytransfers
www.mtbeautytransfers.com.au
Car rental is another option
The drive is on good roads, and takes just under five hours from Melbourne to Falls Creek. Drive north from Melbourne on the Hume Highway. Just before Wangaratta there is a McDonalds Restaurant, turn off the highway about 300 metres past McDonalds onto the Snowroad. Travel via Milawa to Myrtleford. Three kms after Myrtleford take the left hand route to Mount Beauty and on to Falls Creek. Carrying snow chains to Falls Creek is compulsory and can be hired at any of the ski shops in Mt. Beauty.
When renting a car, make sure that the rental company allows the vehicle to be taken to the snow and to have chains fitted. There may be additional charges for that. Driving a car to the snow outside the terms of your rental agreement could invalidate your insurance.
Accommodation
Booking accommodation for Hoppet week or race weekend EARLY is essential.
Howmans Gap Alpine Centre
Located 4 km from cross country ski trails
Surrounded by mountain ash busland, Howmans Gap Alpine Centre is able to accommodate groups from 1 to 174 people in comfortable, warm and relaxing lodgings.
Group style accommodation and cabins.
Special Packages – contact Howmans Gap Alpine Centre:
Tel: (03) 5758 3228 Tel: int + 61 3 5758 3288
e-mail howmansgap@ymca.org.au
Howmans Gap Website
Falls Creek
Ski from your door.
Hotels, lodges, apartments. Falls Creek is a very popular ski resort. Accommodation bookings should be made as early as possible. We recommend the central reservation service which has details of most properties in the resort.
Falls Creek Central Reservations
FREECALL 1800 033 079 | MOB +61 477 033 085
e-mail info@fallscreekreservations.com.au
www.fallscreek.com.au/accommodation/search
For general enquiries about Falls Creek: Falls Creek website
Mt Beauty / Tawonga
30km from Falls Creek cross country trails
Mt Beauty is where the Hoppet shop/registration and post race presentations are located
You can find accommodation at Visit Mount Beauty
More Motel and Holiday Units are available through any of the accommodation websites including Airbnb, Stayz, etc.
However, you will need a car with snow chains and a resort entry ticket to get to the snow each day. Alternatively there is the Falls Creek Coach or transfer service that operates daily.
Local Eateries
Where to get a meal below the snowline. (Click the links for reviews and more info)
Grass Valley:
231 Kiewa Valley Highway,
Tawonga South.
Takeaway from 5pm, meals from 5.30pm.
Seasonal menu.
Bookings essential on 03 5754 4114.
www.grassvalley.com.au
Settlers Tavern:
232-236 Kiewa Valley Highway,
Tawonga South.
Meals from 5.30pm.
Bistro meals with daily specials.
Bookings preferred on 03 5754 4888.
Roi’s Diner Restaurant:
177 Kiewa Valley Highway,
Tawonga (5kms from Mt Beauty).
Takeaway pasta nights. Orders on 03 5754 4495
Mountain Monk Brewery:
Adjacent to the roundabout in Mt Beauty.
Bistro meals with daily specials. Bookings on 03 5754 4985.
www.mountainmonkbrewers.com.au
Treats Cafe:
Bogong Ski Centre, Kiewa Valley Hwy,
Tawonga Sth. 03 5754 1515.
Meals all day till 7:00 pm
https://www.bogongskicentre.com.au/treats-cafe/
Swiss & Chips:
223 Kiewa Valley Hwy,
Tawonga Sth. 035754 4422.
Fish and Chips, burgers, pizza, salads, roast chicken, eat in or ring and order takeaway.
Bombay Velvet:
1/10 Hollonds Street
Mt. Beauty 0426 843811
Tasty Indian food Monday to Sunday 8am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Crank Handle Brewery:
211 Kiewa Valley Highway,
Tawonga South (03) 5754 4443
Open Thu to Sun, craft beer & fish & chips, burritos, pies
Other things to do
When you have exhausted yourself on the snow or you want a change of scenery, Mt. Beauty and surrounds has a lot to offer and explore.
Besides the large pack of Kangaroos that live on the Mt. Beauty golf course or the many quiet picturesque walks nearby, there is the tourism website https://www.tourismnortheast.com.au/ which is really helpful and showcases some of the other amazing experiences that you can have in the local area.
