EVEN though the temperature’s dropped, there are still lots of great choices for Canberrans to go for a short or long holiday this winter.

With about two hours to the beach and almost three to the snow, the ACT offers close holiday escapes for everyone.

For snow-lovers looking towards the snow season, now’s the right time to book for a snow-filled weekend away. But for others looking to escape the cold (a little), it’s also a great time to get away from the crowds and relax near the beach.

Valhalla’s magical Yulefest escape

VALHALLA Perisher’s ski-lodge accommodation is looking forward to offering guests the fun and festivities of the Yule when it hosts its Yulefest celebrations between June 7 and July 7.

Kylie Langford, who helps run the family business, says Valhalla Perisher is a magical winter escape that captures the warmth of a northern hemisphere winter, especially over Yulefest.

During Yulefest, she says people can expect après by the fire, warm mead, delicious dinners, hearty breakfasts, fun times, friendships and the festivities of Yule.

“All combined with the natural beauty of the Snowy Mountains,” she says.

Kylie says Valhalla, which is a Viking term that translates to “Nordic Heaven”, has some of the most stunning panoramic views of Perisher Valley.

“We are perfect for nordic and alpine enthusiasts,” she says.

“We have 12 king or twin ensuite rooms with no bunk beds or TVs and three common guest areas; a spacious lounge, cosy dining room and separate TV room.

“Our focus is on our guest holiday experience, but it’s possibly the human interaction that helps set us apart.

“We have a warm friendly ambience and a great hosting team. Dining is fun and social and each afternoon we have après by the fire.

“Although we’re licensed there’s no physical bar so everyone feels welcome in all guest areas. We’re a guest-only lodge so there’s no members, public patrons or walk-through traffic.”

Valhalla Perisher, 31 Candle Heath Road, Perisher Valley, NSW. Call 9523 4885, email bookings@valhallaperisher.com or visit valhallaperisher.com

Snow stay that feels like home

THE cottage accommodation at Alpine Activity Centre in Jindabyne is like a home away from home, says centre manager Kirrily Olejniczak.

Centrally located within walking distance from Jindabyne township, and only a 35-minute drive to the ski resorts, Kirrily says the cottages are perfect for a small group or family holiday.

“The two cottages, which sleep about nine people in each, are well-appointed, three-bed, two-bathroom, self-contained cottages with modern facilities,” Kirrily says.

“They’re also warm, comfortable and affordable.”

But Alpine Activity Centre goes above good accommodation, according to Kirrily, who says visitors are greeted on arrival and have the opportunity to access her 20 years of local-area knowledge.

“We’ve got off-street bitumen parking and our centre management is on site 24/7,” she says.

“We always make sure guests have a really good snow holiday and that they’re well prepared and well informed so they can make the most of their trip.

“We’ve also got discounts available with a local ski hire for all their discounted equipment and clothes.

“This means they can pick up their equipment the night before their first day of skiing.”

Alpine Activity Centre also has a large dormitory-style building that can sleep about 100 people.

“It’s great for community groups, schools and corporate groups,” Kirrily says.

Alpine Activity Centre, 25 Barry Way, Jindabyne. Call 6456 2433, email alpine.centre@nsw.scouts.com.au or visit alpine.nsw.scouts.com.au

Camp or cabin, it’s all about relaxing

VISITORS can heat up by a campfire when they stay at one of the BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park waterfront campsites this winter, says general manager Jaclyn Guerin.

“[Or] for those who don’t want to camp, you can still get away and stay in the comfort of a villa or cabin which has heating,” she says.

Situated on the Clyde River and Nelligen Creek, Jaclyn says BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park makes for a relaxing family holiday for Canberrans hoping to escape the cold of the ACT.

“There’s plenty for the kids to do but it’s got that relaxed holiday feeling, too,” she says.

“We’ve got a skate park, a tennis court, a bouncy pillow and a small games room with a pool table, table tennis and arcade games.

“For campers, there’s a big camp kitchen and a large gas heater so you still have the ability to cook indoors.”

It’s also a great spot for people with boats, according to Jaclyn who says they have their own boat ramp and the perfect fishing areas.

“Nelligen is great because it’s close enough to Batemans Bay for convenience but at the same time away from the hustle and bustle as well,” she says.

BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park, 970 Kings Highway, Nelligen, NSW. Call 1300 784446 or visit nelligenpark.com.au

Relaxing spot for a memorable holiday

LOCATED centrally in Merimbula, The Palms Apartments, are a short stroll to the town centre and its closest beach Spencer Park Beach.  

Manager Sharon Le Strange says the laid-back beach town of Merimbula makes a relaxing and memorable holiday.

“We have six, modern, large, fully self-contained, two-bedroom units for you to enjoy for the duration of your stay,” she says.

With five standard apartments and one deluxe apartment, Sharon says they’ll suit any occasion whether it be family holidays, honeymoon, golf trip or fishing trip.

“Each apartment has a private balcony, some with wonderful views of Merimbula Lake and beaches,” she says.

“They are fully self contained with a fully operational kitchen. The master bedroom has a queen-size bed, large wardrobe and ensuite equipped with hair dryer. The main bathroom also boasts a corner spa to relax and unwind in.”

The Palms Apartments, 63 Main Street, Merimbula. Call 6495 1835, email contact@ptfcanberra.com.au or visit thepalmsapartments.com

At home with the ocean and lake

WITH accommodation backing out onto the beach and a short walk to a lake, Merimbula’s Grandeur Apartments have everything the lake and ocean have to offer.

Manager Sharon Le Strange says guests can step out the back door and enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, surfing, sail boarding and stand up paddle boarding.

Just 100 metres away there is also Mitchies Jetty, where visitors can take a fishing charter or go on a dolphin and whale watching trip, depending on the season.

Sharon says Grandeur’s one, two or three-bedroom, self-contained apartments are in a quiet, sunny and north-facing position.

“All the upstairs apartments have water views and every apartment also overlooks the large heated pool, toddlers’ pool and barbecue area,” she says.

Grandeur Apartments, 4 Ocean Drive, Merimbula. Call 6495 1456, email stay@grandeurunits.com.au or visit grandeurunits.com.au