Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/122153
outtahere "We all snowboard, so when someone suggested we open in Falls Creek for winter, it was really a lifestyle choice" Like ducks to snow The five-mate team behind the well-known and loved Three Blue Ducks at Sydney's Bronte Beach has recently opened a second restaurant in Falls Creek, also called Three Blue Ducks. Right in the middle of Falls Creek village beneath Huski apartments, the new venture is one that the guys see as a lifestyle decision. "We all snowboard, so when someone suggested we open in Falls Creek for winter, it was really a lifestyle choice," says Jeff Bennett, one of the team and the man behind the great beer and wine selection at the eatery. "We always like to support local producers, as we do in Sydney, and coming here we were just so spoilt – there is so much incredible produce in this region. All of our beers and wines are from Bright, Beechworth, Jamieson and other nearby towns, and the fresh produce that we get delivered to the mountain is incredible. That's half the fun, cruising around on a skidoo to pick up produce from the base of the mountain!" The boys all take turns running their new place in Falls Creek, with chefs Darren Robertson and Mark LaBrooy at the food helm, and bring their staff down from Sydney for two-month stints. "We all love Falls. Really, it's somewhere between work and a holiday for us," says Jeff. The cosy atmosphere, simplistic furniture and wall of dynamic graffiti art by Caleb Reid make this a favourite hangout for visitors before and after they hit the mountain. "Last year, our opening year, was awesome," says Jeff. "As soon as people knew we were here, they were coming in for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That's a great compliment to us, and we're looking forward to seeing them all again this year." 18 Roped into falls This page, clockwise from top left: A family on Wombat's Ramble; fine fare at Three Blue Ducks; some young snowboarders hit the slopes. Next page: Enjoying the snow; Falls Creek village. A few locals in Falls Creek are among the first to call it home. Barry Jones, for example, has been on the mountain for 34 years and is the owner and manager of Ropers apartments and Pretty Valley Alpine Lodge. When he arrived he bought the lodge and renovated it, and then he began building the apartments in 2004. The lodge and apartments can now sleep more than 270 people (90 at the apartments and more than 180 at the lodge). "We're a family-friendly resort and we offer the full family-friendly accommodation and ski package," explains Barry. "It's all about good old-fashioned service. Every year I look forward to the winter and sharing my big house with so many people."