Astra Falls Creek

When Astra opened in Falls Creek in 1988, it quickly became one of Victoria’s most sought-after winter accommodations. It was purchased by Rosy and Seumas Seaton in 2014, who – with the help of one of the building’s original architects, Grant Amon – restored the lodge to its former grandeur, while creating something thoroughly modern all at once.

Interiors are filled with locally sourced, eco-friendly materials and touches of granite, leather and steel. A large flagstone fireplace sits at the heart of the lounge and bar area. The locker room is imbued with the scent of cedar courtesy of a huge, peanut-shaped bench. From here, guests have ski-out access to the lift.

Astra’s 27 rooms are all based on the style of classic European ski lodges. Options include two-person deluxe rooms, two-bed apartments, elegant studios and family-sized suites. All include access to lodge facilities, with accessibility and balcony options available.

After a day on the slopes, guests can enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the day spa, including facials, massages and full-body wraps. There’s also a hot tub, sauna and a subterranean magnesium mineral pool to soothe aching bodies. Afterward, retreat to the cosy library with expansive views out to the mountain.

In the evening, Astra’s restaurant is the place to go for elegant, Japanese-influenced dining. Head chef Kauri Watkin’s seasonal menu might start with Clarence River school prawns with yuzu kosho and sour cream, followed by Gippsland grass-fed sirloin with Jerusalem artichoke. Finish with a white chocolate and matcha dessert.

Either side of dinner, Astra’s bar is primed for snacks and fireside cocktails. Pair some dashi-spiked oysters with a signature drink (such as an aged rum Negroni or a cold-drip Martini), before perusing the extensive wine list. The cellar (which you can also dine in) is admirably Victorian-heavy, but sommelier Matt Cridge also curates Austrian, German and French drops befitting the lodge's alpine surrounds.

For something more casual, Huski Kitchen next-door serves cocktails and pan-Asian dishes spanning Thai-style curries, Cantonese fried rice and bao. For an apres drink and a bite to eat, Cloud Nine is an on-snow destination for woodfire pizza, pastas, brunch fare and booze. Alternatively, Frying Pan Inn at the base of the summit has you covered with craft beers and American-style barbeque in a rustic pub setting.