The Astra Story
Astra Falls Creek has a storied history, true alpine heritage, and some colourful characters in its past who continue to inform its journey today and into the future.
In 1986 Falls Creek local Roy Morris commissioned Melbourne Architect Len Hayball, from Hayball Leonard Stent, and sent a brief for a new hotel to be named ‘Astra Lodge’. Stent enlisted the skills of fellow architect Grant Amon, who undertook the position of project architect and principal designer.
Grant drew on his Austrian heritage and local Alpine experience for the job. The distinctive sloping curved roof form, barrel vault entry and protecting eaves all combined to create a unique alpine design that won awards, raising the bar for the standard accommodation in Falls Creek resort.
Rosy Seaton acquired ‘Astra Lodge’ in 2014 and more befitting of a modern hotel, renamed it just Astra. Rosy with Grant Amon Architects completed major renovations and new builds in 2015, 2016 and 2017, which included a new Day Spa, Library, Wine Cellar, Custom Boot Fitting facility and building six new apartments plus a state of the art Boot Room. Astra Bar and Restaurant were also modernised but still retained its Alpine charm that guests have always loved. The revitalised Astra welcomed its first guests in the 2017 snow season.
Today, Astra is the jewel in the crown for Rosy’s expanding hospitality business, Traverse Alpine Group (TAG). TAG runs hospitality venues all across north-eastern Victoria and the High Country Region. In keeping with its award-winning tradition, the contemporary incarnation of Astra Falls Creek has been crowned ‘Best Boutique Ski Hotel Australia’ for eight consecutive years by the World Ski Awards.
These accolades affirm our commitment to delivering outstanding service to our Astra Family. We are thrilled that this recognition highlights the dedication of our incredible team at Astra and Traverse Alpine Group.
We are honoured to announce that Astra Day Spa has been awarded Luxury Ski Resort Spa 2024.
A huge thank you to the Astra Day Spa Team for creating such an inviting and relaxing sanctuary for guests at Falls Creek.
We are thrilled to announce that Astra Falls Creek has been awarded three goblets at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In 2024 judges noted:
“Astra’s wine list is both exciting and innovative with a marvellous mix of old and new, benchmarks and quirky wines from the far corners of the vinous globe. Cassandra Schnurr’s enthusiasm bubbles through her highly personalised selection. Don’t worry if the snow is poor or the weather bleak. Settle in and enjoy this stellar wine list.”
In 2023 judges noted:
“Astra knows it clientele well catering for wine buffs who admire some of the great names of the international wine world – Foradori, Vega Sicilia, Jadot, Margaux, Palmer, etc. – while also providing a smart selection of wines that simply meet the good drinking criteria that many of us want. There is choice aplenty on this 600-wine listing which explores Australia, including the ‘local’ wine territory of North-East Victoria, and Europe. Some of the most exciting names are those close by, situated in the Beechworth and Alpine Valleys, while some of the most surprising come from ‘alternative’ grape varieties and ‘other reds’ scattered throughout this list. And definitely take a tour of the newly re-excavated cellar carved into the east-facing sandstone flank of Falls Creek on your to do list when you visit.”
In 2022 judges noted:
“Matt Cridge has curated a marvelous wine list, perfectly pitched to the Fall Creek crowd. Local wines feature strongly with Giaconda to the fore. That said, the roundup of benchmark Australian wines is compelling seamlessly augmented by a roundup of vinous highlights from across the globe. Being snowed-in would not be bad with this enticing wine list in your hand.”
Our dedicated and professional team is the cornerstone of the exceptional Astra Experience. Traverse Alpine Group, which manages hospitality venues throughout north-eastern Victoria and the high country, values and rewards our staff for their unwavering commitment to excellence.
At the helm of TAG is Albury-born Rosy Seaton, a successful hospitality entrepreneur renowned for her achievements. Rosy is behind the award-winning Astra Falls Creek, the revitalised Boat Shed at Lake Hume, Cloud 9 Falls Creek, Frying Pan Inn, and Elm Dining + The Yard in Bright. Under Rosy’s expert guidance, Astra delivers a chic guest experience that embodies her deep passion for the region.
Cass brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality and wine industries to TAG.
Her journey began in Germany, where she started in beer gardens and has since evolved to managing prestigious 5-star hotels and hatted restaurants worldwide.
Now based in Australia, Cass has transitioned from the tropical island of Hayman on the Great Barrier Reef to the picturesque snow-capped mountains of Falls Creek.
With a deep passion for food, wine, and cheese, and a commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences, Cass’s expertise and enthusiasm are integral to our team.
Sam has been a valued member of the Traverse Alpine Group for over four years, contributing her extensive experience from more than a decade in hotels and events.
With a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sam plays a crucial role in ensuring that every guest at Astra Falls Creek enjoys a remarkable snow holiday, thanks to her meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills.
Outside of work, Sam can often be found enjoying an Amaretto Sour and cheese board at the Astra Bar, skiing the slopes, or sharing stories about her dog-sitting adventures during the off-season.
Astra’s Head Chef Monica Melendez has always been drawn to the food industry, a passion she inherited from her family. Growing up in Southeast Victoria, Monica found herself from a young age happiest in the kitchen with her grandmother. Her love of cooking was firmly embedded during her childhood and Monica could not wait to secure her first job as a kitchen hand at her local Italian Restaurant. With a firm understanding of what hard work, combined with talent and creativity could achieve, Mon was offered a second-year apprenticeship with Neil Perry at Two Hatted Rosetta Restaurant. Here she began to define her palate and hone her skills. Rosetta taught Monica one of her guiding principles, that superior quality ingredients prepared simply and with attention to detail will always shine through.
Monica’s journey continued, taking her to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Dishes were extremely intricate and provided Mon with an excellent taste of basic level gastronomy. After Dinner Monica continued to grow her culinary journey by travelling throughout Asia and Japan.
In 2020, Monica joined the Traverse Alpine Group (TAG) team as Astra Chef de partie. Monica was mentored and worked alongside several Head Chefs at Astra, Elm Dining, Bright and Huski Kitchen. Over the last 3 years, Mon has established her own style, and is ready to feed and nourish guests for Winter 2023.
“What I love most about being a chef is the camaraderie in the kitchen and sharing my passion for food with like-minded people. I enjoy seeing guests getting excited when experiencing our food, it is just one of the most fulfilling feelings!”
For Winter 2023, Astra’s guests can expect total dining experience which will be influenced by Monicas’s European style training alongside a pop of Asian techniques and ingredients. Simple, delicious, yet refined dining awaits Astra guests.
The Astra bar is a destination of its own. One of Monica’s many joys is sitting by the fire with a glass of wine accompanied with cheese, charcuterie and most importantly, friends! This intimate and welcoming feeling is exactly what she wishes to bring back this year with a selection of specially curated delicacies for guests to enjoy while relaxing in our world class lounge.
Meet Rubie, our Award-Winning Astra Day Spa Manager, who returns to Falls Creek for the winter season.
With 15 years of experience, Rubie has managed and worked in some of the most stunning locations around the world, including the Philippines, the Caribbean, and tropical Queensland.
Rubie’s favorite treatment at Astra Day Spa is the ‘Ultimate Alpine Escape’, a luxurious 5.5-hour spa package she describes as “one of the best combined spa treatments that everyone should try while at Falls Creek!”
Beloved by both staff and returning guests, we are delighted to welcome Rubie back to lead our Spa team and enhance your relaxation experience at Astra.
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At Astra and Traverse Alpine Group, we are committed to making a positive impact on our local community. Through our long-term partnership with local Women’s Refuge Bettys Place, we aim to create sustainable change and support those at risk and in greatest need.
Betty’s Place specialises in addressing domestic and family violence, offering support to those in need by developing personalised safety plans to protect individuals and their families.
Steve suffered a major stroke at his home in Falls Creek in September 2020. Steve has a long road ahead of him and Traverse Alpine Group and The Frying Pan Inn are proud to support Steve Lee’s Fightback.