With the exciting return of the Ski Classics Challengers event held in Australia—the iconic Kangaroo Hoppet—there’s never been a better time to consider the Land Down Under for your next cross-country skiing adventure.

Whether you’ve soaked up the sun on an Aussie beach holiday before or are dreaming of your first trip south of the equator, this guide is here to help you plan an unforgettable winter experience, Down Under.

As someone born and raised in Australia, I may be a little biased—but that also means I know the terrain, the culture, and the quirks of Aussie skiing better than most. In this guide, I’ll focus primarily on Falls Creek (Victoria) and the surrounding region, but it’s worth mentioning there are several other top XC ski destinations in Australia, including Mount Hotham (Victoria) and Perisher (NSW).

Key Dates for August (2025)

Check the Snow Australia website for a full, up-to-date calendar of events.

• Date TBA (August) – FIS COC Australian National Championships – Weekend 1 & 2: – Falls Creek, Victoria & Perisher, NSW
• 23rd of August – The Big One! 42km Kangaroo Hoppet – Falls Creek, Victoria
• 30th of August – 42km Merino Muster – New Zealand

Getting There

The journey to Australia might sound long—but it’s more doable than you think. From Europe, expect two flights totaling around 24 hours (e.g., Munich to Dubai, then Dubai to Melbourne). North American travelers can anticipate a similar transit time.

You’ll want to fly into either Melbourne or Sydney. While Falls Creek isn’t right next to either, it’s well worth the scenic drive. You might also look into Albury Airport, which is a regional option closer to the mountains—but be prepared for a slightly higher price tag.

Driving distances to Falls Creek:

• Melbourne → Falls Creek: Approx. 4.5 hours
• Sydney → Falls Creek: Approx. 7 hours
• Albury → Falls Creek: Approx. 2 hours

Renting a car is by far the easiest and most flexible way to travel. While buses and transfers do exist, they’re often less convenient and surprisingly pricey.

Where to Stay

Falls Creek is a ski-in, ski-out alpine village tucked in the heart of the Australian Alps, with elevations ranging from 1500m to 1830m. The village has a charming, compact layout with a range of accommodations, eateries, and après-ski options.

Pro tip: August is peak season. If you’re planning to attend the Kangaroo Hoppet, book well in advance—it’s the busiest day of the year for the region.

If you’re after something quieter (and usually more affordable), check out Mount Beauty, located 30km down the mountain. With sweeping views of Mount Bogong and a laid-back vibe, Mount Beauty is perfect for those looking to ski in the morning and mountain bike or hike in the afternoon sunshine.

Accommodation Suggestions

Whether you’re staying on the mountain or in the valley, here are a few tried-and-tested options:

Budget-Friendly:

• Howmans Gap, YMCA – Just 4.9km from Falls Creek
• The Park, Mount Beauty – Approx. 31km from Falls Creek

Upscale & Central:

• Elk, Falls Creek Village
• St Falls, Falls Creek Village
• Huski, Falls Creek

Other options: Airbnb, Alpine Apartments Mountain Multiservice, or browse the Falls Creek official website for a full list of choices suited to your travel style and budget.

In the next instalment of this series, Exploring Down Under, we’ll dive into the best things to see and do, plus handy tips to make your visit to Australia’s only Ski Classics Challenger event one to remember.

Read More: Julia Kern and Jessie Diggins Training On Snow In Australia

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