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I’m sitting down at a table of six guests – one of whom is my partner, and the other four are people we’ve just met. A Christmas tree twinkles in the background while stockings hang by the fireplace, and outside, snow blankets the mountain. We’re just about to dig into our mains: a delicious plate of juicy roast pork belly with well-seasoned crackling, resting on silky-smooth polenta with a glossy, savoury jus and root vegetables. My new friend says to me: “I don’t want to tell anyone about this place, I love it so much.”
He’s a returning guest with his three daughters and wife, one of many families who come back each year and who, after falling in love with Barrakee, don’t look back. Gulp. Here’s hoping he doesn’t ask what I do for a living.
What is Barrakee Ski Lodge like?
Barrakee Ski Lodge is a family-run, family-friendly accommodation in NSW’s Perisher Valley. It’s located at North Perisher T-Bar, with the nearby Interceptor Quad – meaning it’s a ski-in, ski-out location. After brekkie, you can hop (or, more accurately, battle to get) into your boots and explore the largest snowfield and ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere.
When I visited later in the season, there wasn’t enough snow to ski into Perisher, so the team also offered daily complimentary shuttles to and from the slopes in the snowcat. It’s less than a 10-minute drive.
There were many things I loved about Barrakee, including the warm, personable hospitality led by Kylie and the team. But it was the delicious, restaurant-quality meals that were the standout for me.
What are the rooms like at Barrakee Ski Lodge?
The rooms are cosy and comfortable, with everything you need for a snowy escape. They range from two-person to six-person rooms, all with private ensuites, plenty of storage and central heating. While they’re not overly modern, owners Kylie and Darren are keen renovators and tell me there are upgrades in the pipeline. Our room had beautiful views – we could see snow-covered mountains from bed.
Is there a restaurant at Barrakee Ski Lodge?
Yes – and this is a big part of the experience. Breakfast and dinner are included with your stay, with a generous buffet breakfast (think scrambled eggs, roast tomato, bacon and fresh fruit) and a delicious three-course dinner. The menu changes each night on a weekly roster, so one evening it was gnocchi, roast pork and pistachio tiramisu, and the next it was fresh oysters, crisp-skinned fish and frangipane tart with berries. Plus, there are complimentary snacks before dinner, a fully stocked bar with Champagne, wine, beers and soft drinks, and a two-page non-alcoholic menu. The snow, coupled with the festive decorations, crackling fireplace and feast, makes it feel like you’re having your very first white Christmas!
Another highlight for families is the kids’ club offering. All the kids eat together before the adults, then go and play with a supervised team member while the adults enjoy their mains and desserts. That way, the adults can enjoy a glass of wine and dine knowing their kids are safe and having fun. It’s like a big old dinner party – without having to book a babysitter.
Is there a spa at Barrakee Ski Lodge?
There isn’t a spa, but there is a sauna, which is pretty much exactly what you want after a day on the mountain. There’s also an in-house massage therapist who offers appointments, so you can work out those ski legs without leaving the lodge. We booked in for a full-body massage after a day of skiing with Amber and it was heavenly. My calves were very grateful.
What’s the area like around Barrakee Ski Lodge?
This is where Barrakee really shines. It’s an on-snow, ski-in, ski-out lodge in North Perisher, just 50 metres from the North Perisher T-Bar and close to the Interceptor Quad Chair. When conditions allow, you can essentially step out of the lodge, click into your skis and head straight onto the mountain. If you’re not skiing, there’s a complimentary oversnow shuttle to get you around.
While some snow-goers like to be right in the action, I liked that Barrakee is a bit out of the hustle and bustle. It felt peaceful and serene, and like our own magical home.
How do you get to Barrakee Lodge from Sydney?
It’s about a 5.5- to 6-hour drive from Sydney to Perisher. If you’d like to break up the drive, stopping for a night in Canberra is a great option. From there, drive to Bullocks Flat Ski Tube Terminal and park your car there – no park entry fees or snow chains are required. From there, grab your luggage and get on the Ski Tube – it’s an 11-minute ride into Perisher.
The Barrakee team will organise a time to meet you there and take you (or just your luggage, if you’re keen to hit the slopes) to the lodge.
How much does it cost to stay at Barrakee Ski Lodge?
Rates vary depending on the room and time of year, with breakfast and dinner included in your stay. Two nights’ accommodation including meals and transfers costs around $1,814.
Find out more and make a booking here.
Note: I was hosted by Barrakee Ski Lodge, but our editorial recommendations are always honest.
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