To the snow, driver, and don’t spare the horsepower

To the snow, driver, and don’t spare the horsepower

By Greg Hackett

For travellers, getting there usually is half the fun. This is no less true when heading to Victoria’s snowfields, as you pass through some of the state’s most beautiful and picturesque countryside.

But, half way up the icy mountain, try fitting fidgety snow chains to your car’s tyres in minus 10 degrees as nightfall approaches, with a howling wind and snow that’s almost sleet. This is just one of the reasons I prefer to be “chauffeured” to the peak and back in the cosy comfort of a coach. Let someone else take care of the snow chains, I say!  And the fuel cost … and the tortuous mountain roads in the dark … and the slippery bends with black ice ... and the varying speed limits … and the tiredness at the end of a stressful working week … and so on.

It just couldn’t be any easier, for those who work, live and play in Melbourne’s Docklands. The snowfields coaches depart and return to their main city terminal, smack bang on our doorstep at Southern Cross Station. It’s only a five-minute tram ride from your hi-rise apartment or office. Finish work early on a Friday, grab your gear, jump on a tram and, before you know it, you are relaxing in a plush seat on a heated coach, watching a new-release movie on DVD, and either making new friends with others on board or simply chilling out while thinking of a weekend of snow fun.

Heath and Jan Fallon, who have operated Falls Creek Coach Service for more than a decade, expect to carry up to 20,000 passengers this snow season. “We operate anywhere from five to 10 vehicles, depending on passenger numbers and private transfers,” Jan said. “With our private transfer service, we can pick up from one to 50 people in our coaches, mini-buses and four-wheel drive vehicles from any place, any time.”

Jan said the “park and ride” service had become increasingly popular, where drivers park their cars in a secure, undercover car park at the Tawonga South depot, near Mt Beauty, and ride the coach up and down the mountain. “People can leave all their worries here and forget about chains and dangerous driving conditions,” she said.

The busy winter service from Melbourne (Southern Cross Station via Melbourne Airport) starts on June 4, is in full swing by June 23, and finishes on September 29.  There are off-peak services all year round. “Passengers must book in advance which they can do online or by calling our office,” Jan said. “Our most popular time is the July school holidays. “Contact us now for our early-booking discounts. Also, see our Facebook page for special prices during the season.”

On a standard fare, each passenger can take two suitcases, a pair of skis/snowboard and boots.  It’s a relaxed six-hour trip which includes a half-hour meal stop at the Pickled Olive café in Euroa. The driver can place orders ahead (so try a Pickled Olive pizza!) and there’s no rush.

Falls Creek is a ski-to-your-door resort, where “snow plough” taxis must transfer passengers from the coach terminus in the village to their accommodation.

Falls Creek Coach Service can book this for you. Their Tawonga South depot has a Caltex service station which sells basic groceries and hires out snow chains. It is compulsory to carry chains when entering Victoria’s Alpine parks during the snow season, even if they are not used. “We have a large variety of chains to fit almost any vehicle,” Heath said. “Our friendly staff can offer advice and will show you how to fit the chains to your car, making sure you drive into the snow with the correct chains for you.”

But hey, I reckon catch the coach and let the driver worry about that!

Falls Creek Coach Service is at 233 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South (just before Mt Beauty). Call 5754 4024, or visit http://www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au

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