Falls Creek’s most loved green season food and beverage event, the Long Lunch, returns this March with an exciting new chapter, hosted for the first time by Traverse Alpine Group.
Previously held at various sites in the High Plains of Falls Creek, most recently at Wallace’s Hut, the much anticipated annual event will now take place at the iconic Cloud 9 venue, offering attendees sweeping mountain views, elevated comfort and an enhanced dining experience.
The Long Lunch has built a loyal following over the years, popular for its relaxed, communal style – long tables, flowing drinks, delicious meals and live entertainment. Traverse Alpine Group plans to honour that tradition while elevating the experience with its signature hospitality. Attendees can expect arrival drinks and canapes, a multi-course dining experience featuring seasonal produce, premium local beverages, and live music, all set against one of Falls Creek’s most scenic locations.
The tavern’s got a new local behind the bar!
Ale’s (pronounced Ahlee) here to help for the summer and we’re open! Closed Mondays
Tues – Sun from 10am. Late weekends + Sam in the kitchen Fri – Sun nights! Pool table, dart board, rustic vibes and good people!
Email or call us for bookings - we’ll keep the doors open for you! Ph: 0492 877 044 Fully Licensed – Great Deck! Beautiful Bogong Village Walks, fishing, flowers! The Wedding Gardens are looking fine!
Vail Resorts is proudly supporting the Long Lunch by operating Halley’s Comet chairlift for the event, transporting guests to the venue via a scenic chairlift ride with stunning alpine views along the journey and an effortless ride to the top at Cloud 9.
Traverse Alpine Group Proprietor, Rosy Seaton said the Long Lunch event has always been a highlight of the Falls Creek calendar in the green season.
Sunday 8th March 2026
“We’re excited to continue its legacy at Cloud 9 and create an afternoon that brings people together over great food, wine and the incredible alpine backdrop,” Ms Seaton said.
This year, the event will also support Betty’s Place Women’s Refuge, an Albury-based refuge assisting women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Traverse Alpine Group and Vail Resorts will donate $20 from every ticket sold to Betty’s Place and attendees will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in a fundraising car raffle, with proceeds going directly to the charity.
“Supporting Betty’s Place has been close to our hearts for many years,” Ms Seaton said. “If we can use events like this to bring people together and make a real difference locally, that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.” Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly.
Falls Creek Long Lunch Date: Friday 13 March, 11am to 4pm Location: Cloud 9 Falls Creek – located at the top of Halley’s Comet chairlift Tickets: events.humanitix. com/long-lunch-2026 •
On
8th
further information, please contact
traffic conditions (including speed reductions & the presence of traffic controllers, etc.)
If you need to travel through areas of changed traffic conditions, please remember to:
• Obey all road rules and follow Traffic Controller instructions.
• Allow plenty of clearance when overtaking cyclists.
• Be aware of oncoming traffic when overtaking cyclists.
•
Sponsored by Molony’s Outdoor shop in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, the very first Conquestathon started an event that has seen thousands get to the top of Victoria’s highest. Pic – Courtesy the organisers.
Mount Bogong Conquestathon was first held in 1969 (See Image). It was first arranged and conducted in conjunction with the National Fitness Council of Victoria and the Mount Beauty and District Business Association. What would have been quite the highlight of the time, is that the prize money in 1969 was $35, which was a considerable amount of money!
From 1974, the organisation was managed and organised by the Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club until 2020 and after a few years of not being able to happen, (COVID), a small group of volunteers, Nikko Wright, Warren Sanders, Michelle Davies and Nathan Roberts restarted the event in 2023 under the incorporated association of the Kangaroo Hoppet. The event now always occurs on the Saturday before the March long weekend. In 2026, that date is Saturday 28th February. Volunteers from the local Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Search and Rescue assist the event by providing course marshals at both Bivouac, Michell Hut, Camp Creek Gap and Mount Bogong Summit!
Mount Bogong Conquestathon is not about coming first, it's about being connected with others and taking part in the achievement of the challenge to hike the highest mountain in
Victoria with the support of other people! Your conquest of Mount Bogong is not an easy one. You have 1,410 meters of elevation in only the first 9km up Staircase Spur! This is not even halfway and the hardest part is getting back down the 12km via Eskdale Spur, through Hell Gap towards Michell Hut and on the Camp Creek Gap. Even then, the final 8km on the Mountain Creek Vehicle Track can take an extra two hours if walking! A total of 21km, but extremely rewarding achievement!
Mount Bogong is so tall, that it can isolate weather systems unique to its location that are not even felt as close as Mount Beauty, which is why for the safety of participants and volunteers, everyone is required to carry mandatory equipment in case things do not go to plan and you are injured and have to wait until professional medical assistance arrives. Another focus of ours with enforcing mandatory equipment, is to help people fully appreciate the danger of hiking into alpine environments at any time, not only for an event and to always go prepared. Every snake you see is venomous, so we also expect that everyone carry and know how to apply a snake bite bandage if the unfortunate situation happened and you were bitten and had to await a Triple Zero call for medical assistance. Even sustaining a terrible fall and not being able to walk back would mean you would awaiting help and this is where your warm clothes and
From 4:30pm daily
Closed Sundays
rain jacket also for wind protection are vital! AGL Mount Beauty have supported our event by providing a grant, which pays for $2,000 of spot prizes awarded to participants as a gift voucher and shared between a range of local businesses in Mount Beauty, Tawonga South and Tawonga! Almost all participants come from outside the local postcodes, which is also extremely positive as this supports our local tourism and accommodation providers such as the fantastic local businesses as The Park - Mount Beauty and Tawonga Tourist Park who both have bookings from participants needing to stay on Friday before and Saturday after the event! Altra Running have also supported the event by providing a pair of running shoes to the winners of every category, which is such a fantastic offering!
For an affordable and 100% local volunteer organised event, Mount Bogong Conquestathon has a lot of reward for personal achievement and feeling proud to have accomplished the highest mountain in Victoria !
See you on Saturday! Nikko Wright (Event Director)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a volunteer fire fighter? Most of the communities around us have a volunteer CFA fire brigade. Locally we have Tawonga, Mount Beauty and Falls Creek CFAs with community members volunteering their time and skills when their communities are in times of need. While we respond to local structural and bushfires, we also support other emergency service organisations as needed, including motor vehicle incidents (with Mount Beauty CFA having a specialised high-angle rescue crew). When there are large fires, often our crews are called up to volunteer to support other
communities. Most recently, members from our local brigades volunteered their time and skills to support the fight of the Walwa fire (in January 2026). We’d like to recognise and thank all CFA members who volunteered on the Walwa fire, noting that from Falls Creek CFA we had AJ (our Captain); Lachie Beckett (1st lieutenant); Rohan France (a returning Winter member); and Stuart Smythe (previous Falls Creek member) volunteering their time to support all communities impacted last month. As a fire brigade we train regularly to improve and learn new skills. We have a range of roles for our members with some choosing to specialise in ‘back-of house’ functions like logistics and support and others who progress their skills through to being Crew
Leaders and Incident Controllers. We also fundraise to provide resources and training for our members. Falls Creek CFA hosts weekly raffles in the Summer on a Thursday evening at various venues with prizes from local organisations including Farm to Fork Butchers and Vegetation Fruit Market. This year we started our raffle run off at the Last Hoot and thank the team there for hosting us for the last 7 weeks. If you’d like to join us for the remainder of the 2026 raffle season you can find us on Thursday nights with the raffle drawn at approximately 8pm here: 1550 / Powderkeg – Feb 26 through to April 9, 2026
The Frying Pan Inn – April 16 through to May 28, 2026
And if you’re interested in becoming a CFA volunteer with a brigade close to you, head to https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/ volunteer-with-cfa/apply-to-volunteer •
Samantha Salmon
Falls Creek CFA Secretary & Treasurer
Creek FoodWorks Bogong High Plains Road, St Falls West P: 03 5758 3009 | F: 03 5758 3034 Em: fallscreek@countrygrocers.com.au Regular Hours till end Jan 10am – 5pm Seven Days Mount Beauty FoodWorks 4–16 Kiewa Crescent, Mt Beauty P: 03 5754 1400 | F: 03 5754 4829
Em: mtbeauty@countrygrocers.com.au Open 8am – 7pm Seven Days
Your Ed had the good fortune recently to visit Dargo, ostensibly to install a sign informing visitors and travellers through Dargo and heading north, that the Great Alpine Road between Harrietville and Mt Hotham would be closed between 8am and 1:30pm on Sunday 8th March.
TThis is part of the Rotary Club of Mount Beauty’s role in supporting our annual major event, the Bicycle Network’s Peaks Challenge which takes place on the Sunday of our Victorian Labour Day holiday weekend. The idea of putting a sign up in Dargo is to advise travellers of the road closure – and to prevent the angst that arises when people get to the Great Alpine Road and find it closed.
As in other parts of Victoria, the area to the North and West of Dargo was severely impacted by out of control fires, something this area is familiar with – as such there is much empathy for those going through the very stressful stages of fire, closed businesses, no visitors, struggling future and generally tough times.
The beer was cold and the conversation with the professional bar person Abbey was quite rewarding – initially agreeing to take down the Road Closure sign after the Peaks Challenge –then the conversation turned to the fires where your Ed learned that Abbey had written a poem – which we are duly printing.
And then, there is the photograph of the team outside the pub – which is hereby reproduced. Copies of this photo are available for purchase if you contact Abbey at the Dargo Hotel on 03 5140 1231.
To join the Board of the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre Inc.
This volunteer role is available immediately and is essential for overseeing the Centre’s financial responsibilities. Duties include monitoring budgets, preparing financial reports, and supporting good governance practices. This position suits someone with bookkeeping or financial experience who wants to make a positive impact in the community.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
Email Trish Dixon: trish@mountbeauty.org.au
The warnings are there
We see the glow of the hills
The wind and the heat
Gives us all chills.
Concerned at home
The nervous families
The VIC Emergency App
Not providing any ease.
Smoky air, coating the skies
Filling my lungs and stinging my eyes
Sun so hot, 40 in the shade
Orange skies, full of haze
Multiple brigades and a team of force
Waiting for the fire to take its course
Sleepless nights and nowhere to go
We know their skills will protect our Dargo
And wait, we do, so patiently
For the monster that’s coming
But we cannot see.
And we hope and pray
It won’t come too near
Maybe it will go round us
Or just disappear.
But the heroes stand side by side
Trucks at the ready, no room for pride
And the Dargo town, so full of thanks
For these brave warriors and their red fire tanks.
Abbey Wheeler •
This Saturday, 28th February 2026, from 5pm to 8pm Hydro Park will be transformed into a community celebration of our local musicians, artists and creators.
Wander through and browse unique handcrafted pieces from talented local & regional artists & artisans and lose yourself in live performances from homegrown and regional musicians, singers, and entertainers taking the stage throughout the night. With craft beverages flowing, original artistic creations on display, and the sounds of local & regional talent filling the air, this is more than an event - it’s an experience that celebrates everything authentic about our community. Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and bring your love for all things local!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 28th February 2026
Location: Hydro Park, 3 Pool Road, Mount Beauty
Trading Time: 5pm – 8pm.
Food & Drink: Diverse selection of food
vendors with trailers and stalls + licensed bar.
Entertainment: Our friends at Mountain Jam will be curating the evening’s musical entertainment, open mic performances featuring local & regional musicians, vocalists and performers.
Arts & Crafts: Curated artist market with original works, handmade goods, and creative pieces.
Atmosphere: Family-friendly, communityfocused, outdoor/casual setting.
"We are transforming Hydro Park into a community celebration featuring local musicians, artists, and creators. Attendees
Tawonga
CENTRES
Creek (closed in summer) 5758 3238
Beauty 5754 3400
POLICE (non-emergency) 131 444 Falls Creek 5758 3424
Mount Beauty 5754 4244
Wangaratta 5723 0600
REGIONAL ROADS VICTORIA 133 778
Falls Creek 5758 3287
WILDLIFE RESCUE - North East Shires
WILDLIFE RESCUE – Alpine Shire
can browse unique handcrafted pieces from regional artisans and enjoy live performances from homegrown entertainers throughout the night. With local craft beverages and artistic creations on display, it promises to be a great experience celebrating our community."
Further details from: https://mtbeauty.com/ mt-beauty-twilight-markets
Webpage for stall-holders: https://mtbeauty. com/market-stalls •
ADVERTISING RATES:
ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/
WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading
The permanent, public toilet that will be installed at the Kiewa River Trailhead off Embankment Drive in Mount Beauty is on track to be available for use by late May.
The toilet will be a single, unisex, accessible toilet with baby changing facilities, as well as an external drinking fountain and bottle fill station.
Importantly, this toilet will be connected to all utilities, including power, water, and sewerage. Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, acknowledged the journey it has taken to get here, for both Council and the communities of the Upper Kiewa Valley.
"The original project, as put forward through a community budget submission in 2022, was for a composting toilet at the trailhead of the Kiewa River Trail," she said. "However, further investigation by project officers and feedback from a Land Capability Assessment revealed that a composting toilet was inappropriate due
VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $10 per session. Classes by Narelle Jones. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Madness is a reasonable reaction to a world where people kill each other over lines on a map! Spike Milligan FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I think sometimes we need to take a step back and just remember we have no greater right to be here than any other animal! David Attenborough MISSING BOOK
This ‘Missing Book’ advert has appeared for quite some time now. Your Journo has purchased a digital copy from Melbourne University. But, the book itself is important – because it was given to a member of the community to be kept in perpetuity for the community. Titled “The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985” it is a vital piece of local history. If anyone can help us, call 0400 350 488.
to the location being so close to the river in a flood-prone area."
Cr Nicholas explained that the decision was made to install a facility that was connected to all utilities so that the toilet could remain in the same location.
"Whilst this decision required additional funding, it was clear that this area needed an accessible public toilet," she said.
"This involved extending the town water and sewer lines to the new facility, as well as completing required electrical works to ensure that the toilet will have access to power."
Cr Nicholas also acknowledged the progress being made on the public toilets in Tawonga South opposite the coach depot.
"We have committed to scoping the project in this current 2025/26 financial year, with delivery planned for the 2026/27 financial year," she said.
"We received positive feedback about the temporary toilets placed near the site over
the 2025 winter season and will look at this as another temporary solution during this upcoming 2026 season."
The public toilets at the Kiewa River Trailhead will be open for use in late May.
For more information, visit https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/kiewa-valley-trailheadpublic-toilet
The public toilets at the Kiewa River Trailhead will be open for use in late May.
For more information, visit https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/kiewa-valley-trailheadpublic-toilet
Visit the Bogong Power Station Information Centre
WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent. WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12 noon Saturdays. HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
WHO Doctors: Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson and Vanessa Cservid.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 50 years of service to the Upper Kiewa Valley. CONTACT Ph: 03 5754 3400
Em: enquiries@mbmc.com.au
Wb: https://www.mbmc.com.au/
If you need to see a doctor please contact Mount Beauty Medical Centre on 03 5754 3400. You may be directed to a doctor for a tele-health appointment. Our Doctors are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Mount Beauty.
Your local practice – supporting the community!
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather: 0428 993 125
BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.
CARPET CLEANING
Call Nathan of NatWest Home Maintenance, your local Carpet Cleaning Service. 0429 933 492.
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862
CIVIL CELEBRANT – HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125.
COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES
I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www.idreamofsnow.com
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Design and landscaping - quality work. Contact Hamish at External Solutions: Em: admin@externalsolutions.com.au. Mb: 0400 160 532.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695.
LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN
Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial. Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services. Ph: Laif: 0437 023 921.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
Altitude Electrical – No job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc. Mb: 0419 801 109
FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.
PILATES
Reformer, Group or Individual for a better quality of life. Wildflower Pilates Ph: 0433 017 660.
REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Altitude Physio, Massage & Myotherapy. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Text: 0403 854 525
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
If you spend enough time in the mountains, you start to recognise the regulars. I’m usually one of themslightly dusty, overly enthusiastic, chatting on a climb and steadily moving toward whatever ridgeline or finish line happens to be ahead.
I’m Nik Nok. I run… just not as much right now.
Running has shaped a big part of who I am. It’s how I explore new places. It’s how I build friendships. It’s how I process the hard stuff and celebrate the good. Over the years I’ve taken on some big alpine challenges, including the Running Wilds 100-Mile Alpine Challenge, raising $11,500 for the Stroke Foundation through Run for Resilience.
But more than the distances or the events, I’ve always loved the feeling of being present. Of moving under my own steam. Of choosing something hard and slowly working through it.
Then, during the Grampians 100-mile race, the script changed. An injury crept in - one I didn’t listen to early enough - and it eventually forced a full stop on all running plans for months. At first, I tried to carry on as usual. Adjust slightly. Ignore it. Push through. But the body has a way of making the final decision.
And when the thing that feels most like you is suddenly off the table, it leaves a space. Who are you when you can’t do what you normally do?
What do you do when Plan A disappears? The mountains don’t negotiate. They don’t bend to your expectations. They simply ask how you’ll respond.
So, after sitting in the frustration for a while, I realised something had to shift. If I wanted to come out the other side of this injury stronger - not just physically, but mentally - I needed to adjust my focus. Instead of dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I started looking at what I could.
That small change in perspective has led me somewhere unexpected - well outside my comfort zone, into territory that feels equal parts exciting and slightly ridiculous. In the next edition, I’ll share how injury pushed me onto two wheels, what it’s teaching me about resilience, and why sometimes growth isn’t about bouncing back to who you were.
Sometimes it’s about becoming something slightly different - and being brave enough to try. •
NikNok – Ultra Running turned cycling adventure enthusiast and FOMO Trails Co-Founder.
got a load for the tip? call
FEB 28 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@ parkrun.com
FEB 28 The Man Walk - Bicentennial Park 10am Saturdays, 3km easy walk around the pondage, for anybody that would love a walk and a chat. https://themanwalk.com.au/
FEB 28 Mount Bogong Conquestathon. www.hoppet. com.au/conquestathon. See write-up this Edition
FEB 28 Mount Beauty Chamber of Commerce Twilight Market, Hydro Park 5pm – 8pm. See write-up this edition
FEB 28 – MAR 1 Downhill MTB National Series – Falls Creek. Wb: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/listing/ downhill-mountain-biking-national-series-fallscreek-falls-creek/
MAR 7 Mount Beauty Community Market, 8am – 1pm Hydro Park, Lakeside Avenue. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail.com
MAR 6 – 9 Peaks Challenge, Falls Creek. 2000 cyclists challenge themselves to the ultimate 235km ride. www.fallscreek.com.au
MAR 13 Falls Creek Longest Lunch @ Cloud 9. More details and ticket info in this edition.
MAR 14 Falls Creek Staff Reunion at Bogong Jack’s Tavern, Bogong Village. Accommodation Bookings via Air B & B. Contact Rod Drill on Mb: 0412 481 711
MAR 28 – 29 Great Alpine Rally – the inaugural event based out of Falls Creek. https://www. australiantarmacrally.com/greatalpinerally
APRIL 3 – 6 Falls Creek Easter Festival – including FOMO Easter Trail Run
APR 11 - 13 Alpine Challenge, Falls Creek. The greatest run in the Alps From smaller distances to 100 mile. Runningwild56@bigpond.com. Mb: 0418 136 070
APR 25 ANZAC Day Falls Creek 5am Eagle Rock. Dawn Service 7am Bicentennial Park. March & Service 10:45am Hollonds Street and Cenotaph.
MAY 5 – 6 TTrade Fair @ Falls Creek. Open to all members of the hospitality industry. Ph: 0400 350 488
MAY 16 Mount Beauty Running Festival. Great courses, great fun. Em: info@hoppet.com.au
JUN 1 Falls Creek Polar Plunge – a refreshing dip in Rocky Valley Dam to celebrate the start of winter and appease the Snow Gods for a great season. 10am Rocky Valley Dam. Ph: 03 5758 1200
For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
8am - 8pm weekdays 9am - 7pm weekends & Public Holidays
Bogong High