posted on 5 July 2024
Located in North-East Victoria in the state’s High Country, Falls Creek is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a winter wonderland or outdoor playground come summertime.
If you’re looking to make the journey from Melbourne to Falls Creek, chances are you’re wondering how to best navigate the roads, what transport options are available, and what attractions and stops along the way deserve your attention.
In this helpful guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Melbourne to Falls Creek ski trip, as well as transport options that will see you reach your destination with ease.
- Drive from Melbourne to Falls Creek (recommended)
- Bus from Melbourne to Falls Creek
- Fly from Melbourne to Falls Creek
- Private transfer from Melbourne to Falls Creek
- Train from Melbourne to Falls Creek
How to get from Melbourne to Falls Creek: 5 ways
When it comes to making the journey from Melbourne to Falls Creek, you’ll find a range of options to suit your needs.
Melbourne to Falls Creek: Driving
Ultimately, the best and most convenient way to get from Melbourne to Falls Creek is by car. The drive from Melbourne (or even Melbourne Airport) is just over 4.5-hours, but you’ll be treated to incredible views as you journey along the Great Alpine Road. Regardless of the season, be sure to travel at a safe speed, as you can expect hairpin turns and steep, narrow roads along this route.
While a small, compact car can certainly manage the drive as well as a luxury SUV, make sure you are prepared during the winter months by carrying snow chains and following all signage carefully.
- Driving distance: 387 kilometres
- Drive time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Suggested route:
- Take the Citylink/M2 in North Melbourne from Bourke Street, King St/Princes Highway/A60 and State Route 50
- You’ll then take National Highway M31 to Snow Road/C522 in Wangaratta South
- Take the exit for C522 from National Highway M31
- Continue on Snow Road/C522 before turning right onto Great Alpine Road. Then, turn left onto Happy Valley Road.
- Turn right onto Kiewa Valley Highway as it turns slightly right and becomes Bogong High Plains Road.
- Turn right onto Falls Creek Road before taking a sharp left onto Slalom Street. Then, continue straight onto Arlberg St before turning right onto Schuss Street. You’ll have reached your destination at Falls Creek.
- Best for: The Great Alpine Road is an incredibly scenic drive, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and detours where you can venture to panoramic lookouts. This makes it well-suited for couples, solo travellers, and families who have the time to make detours and experience the beauty of the region at their own pace.
- Best vehicle for the drive: The drive from Melbourne to Falls Creek is accessible for any vehicle. However, if you’re visiting during the winter months of June to October, the roads can be icy due to snowfall. Be sure to carry snow chains in your vehicle and fit them when required at designated chain fitting bays along the route, even if driving a 4WD.
- Driving conditions: The drive from Melbourne to Falls Creek is a comfortable journey, with stunning views located along the Great Alpine Road. However, as you head from Bright to Falls Creek, you can expect steep mountainous roads with bends and sharp hairpin turns. Be sure to drive cautiously and obey the speed limit. During winter, all vehicles must carry snow chains which can be hired before arrival in Myrtleford, Bright, or Harrietville.
1-day Melbourne to Falls Creek drive itinerary
Looking to soak in the alpine scenery, hit the ski slopes, or experience the culinary delights of Falls Creek’s top restaurants and cafes? This scenic drive from Melbourne promises to visit all the top attractions and highlights along the way, all while delivering unforgettable views of Victoria’s High Country.
- Total distance: 420 kilometres
- Total driving time: 5 hours 16 minutes
- Route:
- Melbourne to Bright (323 kilometres, 3 hours 34 minutes)
- Bright to Harrietville (23.9 kilometres, 19 minutes)
- Harrietville to Falls Creek (73.7 kilometres, 1 hour 23 minutes)
- Top stops: Yarra Valley, Marysville, Lake Eildon National Park, Mount Beauty, Bright Brewery, Ovens River, Canyon Walk, Mystic Mountain Bike Park, Myrtleford, The Butter Factory, Mount Buffalo National Park, Harrietville, and Bright.
Melbourne to Falls Creek: Bus
For those looking for a budget-friendly option for the journey from Melbourne to Falls Creek, the bus is a good option. Falls Bus operates a coach service from Melbourne CBD and Tullamarine Airport to Falls Creek and offers free on board wifi, USB charge points and restrooms. While the service runs consistently throughout the snow season, it’s best to book tickets online ahead of departure as popularity during this time can see seats fill up quickly.
If you’re travelling with skis or snowboarding equipment, it’s also advised that you view luggage policies, as some bus operators limit the amount of equipment each passenger can bring.
- Cost: A one-way ticket from Melbourne to Falls Creek starts at around $129
- Duration: Approximately 6 hours
- Route:
- Melbourne CBD – Bay 58, Southern Cross Station
- Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (+20 minutes from Melbourne CBD)
- Myrtleford V/Line Bus Stop (+4 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne CBD)
- Falls Creek Oversnow Depot (+6 hours from Melbourne CBD)
- Schedule: During peak season from 29th June to 21st July, you can expect buses from Melbourne at 2 am and 10:30 am Friday to Sunday, and 10:30am from Monday to Thursday. Be sure to check the Falls Bus website before departure.
- Tickets: With more people requesting bus services during the winter months, we recommend booking your ticket online ahead of time from Hotham Bus or other service providers.
- Best for: Solo travellers and adventurers looking for a budget-friendly option.
Melbourne to Falls Creek: Flight
Falls Creek doesn’t have its own airport, so you won’t be able to get a flight directly from Melbourne. However, daily services from QantasLink and REX do fly into Albury Airport. From there, you can then arrange a connecting Coach Service, hire car, or private transfer to Falls Creek which adds a further 1 hour 45 minutes of travel time to your journey.
- Cost: A one-way, economy ticket from Melbourne to Albury starts from around $169
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Schedule: Seasonal schedule is subject to limited availability. It’s best to book flights in advance, particularly during ski season, to ensure you secure a ticket and the best rates.
- Best for: Travellers or those doing business in the Victorian Alps who have limited time to spare on travel or sightseeing.
Melbourne to Falls Creek: Private transfer
While coach services operate mostly during the snow season, you’ll be able to book a private transfer from Melbourne to Falls Creek year-round. These can be booked in advance and typically run multiple times a day to ensure convenience for travellers looking to make the journey. However, while it’s a convenient means of travel, it can also be very costly, so it’s worth approaching various transfer companies to secure the best rates.
- Cost: While rates vary depending on the private taxi company and services booked, you can typically expect to pay $600-$900 for a private transfer from Melbourne to Falls Creek one-way for one to three passengers.
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours
- Services: You’ll find a range of private transfer and taxi services available, each of which offer different costs and varied schedules. You can also choose between vans, 4WDs, and ride-sharing options. Consider the main services below:
- Snow Limo
- Snowball Express
- Alpine Transfers
- Silver Top Taxi
Melbourne to Falls Creek: Train
Because Falls Creek doesn’t have a train station, unfortunately, you can’t take a direct service from Melbourne to the Alpine Resort. However, regional train services are available from Melbourne to Albury or Wangaratta, at which point you can then switch to a bus or private transfer to continue on your journey to Falls Creek.
- Cost: Train prices from Melbourne to Wangaratta vary depending on the ticket type (e.g. economy or first class), time of booking, and concession charges. Typically, a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Wangaratta starts at $40.
- Duration: The train from Melbourne to Wangaratta typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with the bus then adding a further 2 to 3 hours on top of this journey to reach Falls Creek.
- Route:
- Southern Cross Station (Melbourne)
- Broadmeadows
- Seymour
- Euroa
- Violet Town
- Benalla
- Glenrowan
- Wangaratta
- Schedule: Train services from Melbourne to Wangaratta run consistently throughout the year. However, coaches from Wangaratta to Falls Creek can be limited during the summer months. Typically, you can expect greater frequency for coaches during the winter ski season.
- Tickets: Be sure to book your train tickets ahead of departure to secure a seat and early-bird pricing options. You will also need to book your bus tickets which can be done on the Snowball Express website or with other service providers. Their timetables are subject to change depending on peak season.
- Best for: Solo travellers and adventurers on a budget.
Once you arrive: A quick overview of Falls Creek
Falls Creek is the perfect destination to unwind, soak up the natural beauty of Victoria’s High Country, or take to the slopes in winter with endless snowboarding and skiing opportunities.
You can expect smooth, well-maintained roads for much of the drive from Melbourne to Falls Creek. Once you’ve entered Bright, you’ll encounter mountainous, steep roads and sharp turns that demand careful attention. Before you hit the road or choose another transport option to Falls Creek, consider these tips and guidelines to ensure you’re prepared for the journey.
- Best time to visit Falls Creek: Falls Creek is open year-round, but winter proves to be the most popular time for visits due to the snowfall and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Even so, the warmer months still make for a great adventure at Falls Creek, as you’ll be able to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.
- Accommodation: You’ll find a variety of accommodation options at Falls Creek to suit every budget. Hotels and lodges are available in the heart of the village, including QT Falls Creek and Falls Creek Hotel, while Cedarwood Apartments and Huski Apartments offer self-contained apartments with kitchen facilities and mountain views that are perfect for families and larger groups. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, consider Attunga Lodge and Apartments and Falls Creek Country Club, while the Viking Alpine Lodge and Howmans Gap Alpine Centre are more suited to those wanting to make the most of the ski season.
- Accessibility: You will need to pay entry fees for Falls Creek during the snow season when the resort is operational for skiing and snowboarding. Prices typically start from $50 for single-day entry, with multi-day passes available for those seeking a longer stay. There is no resort entry fee required for those visiting during the summer months of November through to May.
Top activities and things to do in Falls Creek and its surroundings
Travelling with kids, alone, or with a partner? There’s no shortage of things to see and do around Falls Creek, but the hardest part is simply choosing which activities to fit into your schedule.
Top stops for families
- Tobogganing at Falls Creek: After some family fun? At Windy Corner, you’ll find a sizeable tobogganing slope that makes for the perfect family adventure. Free to access, you’ll need to bring your own toboggan or rent one from a variety of places around the resort.
- The Village Bowl party: If you’re travelling with kids, be sure to check out Twilight Tuesdays at Falls Creek every Tuesday night from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm at the Village Bowl. Here, you’ll find a range of activities, including fire pits where kids can toast marshmallows, a games area, and plenty more. Pete the Snowdragon is also known to make an appearance and is a highlight for the little ones.
- Snowshoeing in the High Country: Take in the alpine scenery with some snowshoeing across Falls Creek’s diverse landscapes. Especially suited to those who might not have the skills for snowboarding or skiing, snowshoeing is an easy way to enjoy the snow and take in the panoramic views.
- Fireworks Fiesta: Every Thursday during the snow season, treat yourself and your family to a spectacular fireworks display at the Fireworks Fiesta in Falls Creek. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your accommodation or want to get closer to the action and soak up the atmosphere at the Village Bowl near the Frying Pann Inn, it makes for an incredible evening of entertainment.
Top stops for foodies
- Milawa Cheese Company: Situated in an historic building, a visit to Milawa Cheese Company is as exciting as it is informative. Learn more about the cheeses from this incredible family of cheesemakers before tasting the incredible variety on offer, from creamy bries to washed rinds and fresh chevre.
- Brown Brothers Winery: Just a short drive from Melbourne in the home of Milawa, this renowned winery offers wine experiences, cellar door tours, and tastings. If you fancy a meal, the Brown Brothers Restaurant serves up delicious local produce tailored to the seasons.
- Billy Button Wines: Located in the heart of Bright, if you’re a wine enthusiast, be sure to check out Billy Button Wines on your journey to Falls Creek. With an incredible cellar door experience that includes a tasting menu featuring renowned wines and deli goods, cheeses and local produce, you’ll be able to fill your cup in an incredible setting.
- Falls Creek Hotel: This restaurant boasts an incredibly rustic decor that makes it a local favourite. With live music and drink specials at Happy Hour every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 pm, you can take in the incredible views in a warm alpine environment.
- Lakeside Eatery & Bar: If you want to soak up the atmosphere of the snow season, don’t look past this incredible restaurant and bar. Along with classic menu items and nightly cocktail specials that include mulled wine, you’ll find an open fire, a games room, and live music on Saturdays.
- JB’s Restaurant & Bar: Indulge in delicious European alpine mountain food and Australian cuisine while overlooking the slopes and mountain ranges at this stunning restaurant. If all that wasn’t enough to entice you, JB’s Restaurant & Bar also offer German and Czech-Bohemian themed dinner nights which make for great fun and flavour.
Top stops for solo travellers
- Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing: If you fancy a hike, don’t look past this iconic three-day walk through the Alpine National Park that links Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. You’ll take in snow gum woodlands, grass plains, rocky summits, and historic huts on this rewarding hiking challenge that’s accessible from November to April.
- Cycling the Great Alpine Road: With unbeatable views and great challenges in the form of steep hills and winding roads, the Great Alpine Road makes for an epic cycling adventure. Passing through Mt Buffalo, Mt Feathertop, and the high plains, you’ll take in alpine scenery and impressive climbs.
- Swindlers Creek: Fancy a fish? Bring your fishing line and some delicious snacks and enjoy a peaceful afternoon fishing along Swindlers Creek next to the Plains of Heaven. With an open grass area, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind amidst the tranquil setting.
- Trail running at Falls Creek: Known for its trails as much as it is its snow, you’ll find three dedicated trail running tracks at Falls Creek with varying levels of difficulty. Choose from a 6km ascent, 10km out-and-back, or 12km loop ascent as you take in incredible terrain and views of the mountains and forest.
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Falls Creek from Melbourne
What is the cheapest way to get to Falls Creek from Melbourne?
If you’re looking for budget options to get to Falls Creek from Melbourne, consider public transport like bus services or you can also get a regional train from Melbourne to Wangaratta, and then a coach or private transfer to Falls Creek.
How do I travel from Melbourne to Falls Creek without a car?
You can still make the journey from Melbourne to Falls Creek without a car. As outlined above, consider the coach service Falls Bus which operates from Melbourne to Falls Creek, or you can also arrange flights from Melbourne to Albury, and then get a private transfer or bus.
Where can I stay near Falls Creek?
Falls Creek has a range of accommodation options, from alpine resorts with family facilities to budget motels. Top options include Cedarwood Apartments and Huski Apartments, while you can also consider Attunga Lodge and Apartments or Falls Creek Country Club.
Final tips for your Melbourne to Falls Creek journey
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the Victorian Snowfields or want to experience the beauty of the state’s Alpine scenery and mountain ranges, the journey from Melbourne to Falls Creek promises unbeatable scenery and diverse landscapes. No matter your travel preferences, you’ll find a range of options that include private transfer and bus services to get you to your destination seamlessly.
But with plenty of detours to be made along the way and sights to see, it’s worth taking the time to explore at your own pace. With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
Keep the drive going and discover 12 of the best road trips in Victoria. If you’re heading back to the city, don’t miss the very best road trip itineraries starting from Melbourne.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
