Mountains of Contentment

The scenic Great Alpine Road led us to beautiful Cobungra, where the sun shon brightly and the mountain air was crisp and fresh. Shiki Snow Cabin sat perched on the hillside, a lovingly converted shed with wide open rural vistas that you could stare at for days.

With the spa bubbling hot for our arrival and the wood fire at the ready, we melted into our stay with ease. I put a pot of Gluhwein on the stove and we sunk into the hot tub for the evening as a million stars came into view above us. Taking it in turns to spot shooting stars and satellites we were reminded again that the night sky in the alps is really something else!

Rustic iron walls and industrial accents juxtaposed the amazingly plush King bed and the cosiness of a cushion-clad sofa, both of which boast a view. Our little one and our pup ran freely in the golden grass of the paddock out front as kangaroos bounded into the distance. As the early Spring sun beamed down upon the deck an overwhelming sense of contentment embraced us as a family.

With the cabin just half an hour from the summit of Mount Hotham, Victoria’s highest ski resort, we found ourselves meandering up the mountain each day. The nostalgia of our snowboarding days was fresh in our minds, but the joy of instead teaching our daughter to snowboard trumped any longing to be out there ourselves! Smiles and laughter were aplenty as we introduced our two-year-old to one of our favourite past-times. She cruised the snow like a natural before tiredness set in, and the words ‘Take me back to the snow house!’ resounded. Dinner cooked over the flames of the outdoor fire was calling.

Shiki, meaning ‘four seasons’ in Japanese, could have kept us for a month! Not only for the views and country homeliness but the incredible groundedness and peace that enveloped us from the moment we arrived.
With many thanks to a legend of a host David, we’ll most definitely return!
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Things We Did

  • Starry sky
  • Snow
  • Waterfall
  • Sunset
  • Restaurant
  • Lookout
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    The night sky in these mountain areas is not to be missed. Providing you score a cloud-free evening you'll be sure to spot billions of stars, our wonderful guiding Southern Cross and perhaps a meteorite or two! Level up the night sky experience by taking it all in from the hot tub. You won't regret it....
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      Hit the slopes for a ski or snowboard! Or simply take in the incredible views of layered mountains as far as the eye can see. Rocky outcrops and snowgums dot the snow clad mountains in winter, but these alps are as gloriously beautiful even without the snow!...
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        Victoria Falls sit proudly amidst the rolling hills of Cobungra, their mighty waters flowing down from the alps. An epic aussie scene with a lookout just off the beaten track....
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          At the trail head of the track to Mount Feathertop you'll find the most perfect spot to watch the sun go down. In winter you'll tramp snow clad tracks and in Spring and summer notice the wildflowers and bird call. One of the most beautiful vistas atop the rooftop of Victoria....
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            If you're up top for the day you can't go past dinner at the High Plains Hotel. With a delicious menu, live music, toasty wood fires and a great mountain dining vibe you'll be sure to have a great time....
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              A roadside stop just out of Omeo you can gaze across to Australia's highest mountain range and the great Kosciuszko in Jindabyne. It's a great pit stop in the journey....

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