375km (233 miles) NE of Melbourne

One of Victoria's best ski resorts, Falls Creek is on the edge of the Bogong High Plains overlooking the Kiewa Valley. This compact alpine village is the only one in Australia where you can ski from your lodge to the lifts and back again from the ski slopes. The nightlife is also very good in the ski season, with plenty of party options as well as a range of walk-in lodge restaurants.

The ski slopes are in two parts, the Village Bowl and Sun Valley, with 17 lifts covering more than 90 trails. There are plenty of intermediate and advanced runs, as well as a sprinkling for beginners. You'll also find some of Australia's best cross-country skiing; Australia's major cross-country skiing event, the Kangaroo Hoppet, takes place here on the last Saturday in August every year. Entry to the resort costs A$32 per car per day. If you are arriving by bus, the fee is A$11 per adult and A$5.25 per child, per day. Full-day lift tickets cost A$102 for adults, A$69 for teens 15 to 18, and A$41 for children 6 to 14. For a combined lift and ski-rental ticket, the cost is A$162 per adult, A$147 per teen, and A$96 per child. Call Falls Creek Ski Lifts (tel. 03/5758 1000) for details.