Question 1

What is a private transfer?

Accepted Answer

We're glad you asked!   A private transfer is a taxi or other commercial passenger vehicle reserved solely for your use.   Booked according to your schedule and destination, you don't share the vehicle with any other party. Your driver will be waiting for you on arrival at the designated pick-up point and will take you to your destination.      Private transfers are usually a fixed fare, so you will know the cost of your service in advance.

Question 2

Do I still need to wear a face mask in the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do.  It is a current Victorian Government public health order that all passengers and drivers in a taxi, rideshare, or commercial passenger vehicle wear a fitted face mask. (Except for those who have a medical exemption)

Question 3

I am concerned about COVID19, what safety measures are in place?

Accepted Answer

There is nothing more important to us than your safety and that of our drivers and our wider community.    We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and act upon the advice of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV), Dept of Health & Human Services, WHO guidelines, State and Federal Government directives.     To comply with current Victorian Government public health orders, all drivers and passengers MUST Wear a fitted face mask in a Commercial Passenger Vehicle.    Each vehicle is cleaned and disinfected at the end of each shift, driver change, or transit.   All our drivers wear face masks and have undergone training in COVID19 Hygiene awareness.    Our drivers are fully vaccinated (double jab) and have had their booster shot.  Drivers are not permitted to work if unwell.     More about our COVID19 safety measures can be found here, and you can always give us a call on 0488 863 360 if you have any questions or concerns.   We hope this helps to provide some peace of mind when traveling with us.

Question 4

What's the difference between a shuttle and a private transfer?

Accepted Answer

Good question!    A shuttle has a set schedule for departure times and locations.  You share the vehicle with other parties and pricing is generally on a per person basis.    A private transfer is booked according to your schedule. You are picked up at a time and location that suits you. The vehicle is reserved solely for you or your travel group's use and the cost is generally per vehicle.     We offer a private transfer service however, there are shuttle services that operate from Mt Hotham and Falls Creek during the summer for hikers.

Question 5

Why take a private transfer to the snow when I can drive myself?

Accepted Answer

A private transfer is a very convenient alternative to driving yourself to the resorts.  You can save yourself time, money, stress and hassle by being driven to the snow in safety and comfort by an experienced local driver, familiar with snow conditions and the Alpine roads.  ​ If you aren't confident driving in snow or icy conditions, or fitting snow chains, please consider parking your car and taking transport up to the resort. In addition to private transfers, there are regular bus shuttles to the mountains if you would prefer not to drive yourself.    Taking a private transfer means you can travel when you want to.  No need to worry about: - fitting snow chains; - stress of driving in snow or icy conditions on unfamiliar roads; - on-mountain parking costs and hassles; - waiting for buses or other passengers; and, - digging out your car at the end of your stay.  ​ Book a ride with us and we'll pick you up at a designated time and place, and deliver you to your destination (and take you home again) in safety and comfort. No stress, no hassles and no wasting your precious holiday time.

Question 6

This is our first time to the snow - what should we expect?

Accepted Answer

Prepare to have an amazing experience in a unique part of Australia with lots of fun, laughs, and wonderful memories to take home with you!   We LOVE taking 'first-timers" up to the snow! The excitement when you see that first patch of snow - it's just magic!  Even more so if you are travelling with little ones!     Firstly, if you are travelling from Albury airport, it takes approximately two hours to Falls Creek and approximately two and a half hours to Mt Hotham (weather permitting). The roads are a little on the 'twisty' side, so for those who may suffer from motion sickness, it's a good idea to sit in the front seat and/or take some travel sickness remedies or medications.   Snow is wet and cold, so it's best to make sure you have the appropriate clothing (waterproof jacket, snow boots, hats, and gloves) either on you or in the car ready to put on upon arrival.   If you have young children, please make sure they have waterproof snow boots - not gumboots. Although waterproof, gumboots are not insulated or warm, and it doesn't take long for little feet to get cold. Warm jackets, gloves, and hats are essential, particularly if you are arriving at night time and/or have to wait for a while for transport to your accommodation.   If staying at Falls Creek in accommodation away from the Bogong High Plains, you will need to book transfers with Accommodation Transfer Service. We recommend you pre-purchase online before your arrival to save time and hassle.   If you haven't been snowboarding or skiing before, give it a go.  We highly recommend that you book a couple of lessons. It will be more enjoyable and safer than going it alone.   Both resorts have excellent websites and apps with up-to-date information on events, lift information, and dining options - you can find them at fallscreek.com.au and mthotham.com.au.   Enjoy yourselves, take lots of photos (tagging #fallscreek and #mthotham), and don't forget to tag us in too - @mtbeautytransfers! We love seeing your adventures and enjoying your stay in our part of the world.

Question 7

What are conditions like travelling up to the snow? Will there be snow on the road?

Accepted Answer

When weather conditions are clear, the drive to both resorts is relatively straightforward and affords some great alpine views.   However, the weather can change quite suddenly, resulting in poor visibility, ice and snow on the roads, strong winds, and heavy snowfalls.   ​ Your safety is always our priority.  Even with snow chains, when conditions are poor, transfer times to/from the mountain will be slower and your departure may be delayed.   ​ We do recommend that you allow plenty of time to ensure you make onward travel connections on time.   Upon arrival at the resort, there's a good chance it will be cold, and a fair chance (fingers crossed!) it will be snowing.    We recommend having your snow gear (snow boots (not ski boots!), snow jackets, hats, and gloves) with you in the vehicle or already be kitted out in your snow gear so everyone is ready to go when you arrive.   This is particularly important if you are traveling with young children.  Please ensure they are dressed appropriately.

Question 8

What's the drive like up to the Resorts?

Accepted Answer

The roads to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are all sealed and well maintained.   Both roads (Bogong High Plains Road and the Great Alpine Road) are mountain roads, so there are quite a few twists and turns (but the scenery makes it worthwhile)! ​ Whilst our drivers do their utmost to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, for some prone to motion sickness, the drive up and down the mountain can be a bit challenging. If you, or anyone in your party, suffers from motion sickness, please let us know when you book. ​ Young children in particular are often affected by the frequent braking and turning of the descent.   For comfort and peace of mind, we highly recommend discussing with your doctor or pharmacist suitable travel sickness remedies or medications that may help make your journey more pleasant.

Question 9

Are your drivers experienced driving in the snow?

Accepted Answer

A very important question!    All of our drivers are professional commercial drivers, accredited with Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria.    They all have excellent driving records and, as locals, are very familiar with driving the Alpine roads with years of experience driving in snow and icy conditions.  All of our drivers are also extremely competent in fitting and removing snow chains for all our vehicles.

Question 10

What gear will I need?

Accepted Answer

You can hire skis, boards, and ski pants on or off the mountain; however, it is extremely important that you are prepared for the cold conditions on arrival and be dressed appropriately.   We highly recommend that you are dressed in snow boots, a warm waterproof jacket, beanie, and gloves as a minimum for your arrival. This is particularly important if you are traveling with young children.    Snow is cold and wet, so please make sure your little ones are warm and dry with snow boots, waterproof jackets, gloves, and/or mittens.

Question 11

Do we need snow chains?

Accepted Answer

During the snow season it is a legal requirement that ALL vehicles entering the resort carry snow chains. This includes AWD and 4WD vehicles.   All our vehicles are fitted with snow tires (3PMSF) and carry diamond pattern snow chains and our drivers are well versed in fitting them.   Chains will be fitted as directed by Resort Management staff or at our driver's discretion, whichever comes first!

Question 12

Do you take me directly to my accommodation at Falls or Mt Hotham?

Accepted Answer

FALLS CREEK RESORT During the declared snow season, there is no vehicle access to Falls Creek Village.   ​ Accommodation Transfer Service (ATS) is the best way to get you and your luggage to properties up in the village or located away from the Bogong High Plains Rd. ​ We are able to drop off and/or pick up at the ATS terminal.   ​ For guests staying at QT, Falls Creek Country Club or Woodsmoke, we offer a door-to-door service (weather permitting).    MT HOTHAM RESORT We can provide service to accommodation on Great Alpine Road (weather permitting) OR to and/or from Corral Car Park.

Question 13

What about my skis and/or snowboard? Do you have space to carry all my snow gear or extra luggage?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the number in your travel party, skis and boards can be safely carried in our vehicles or in one of our covered luggage trailers.   Please let us know at the time of booking if you are travelling with skis and/or boards, or extra luggage, so we can book the appropriate vehicle or supply a trailer with your vehicle.   ​ Any additional snow gear or oversized bags can also be carried in one of our luggage trailers. There is no extra charge for the trailer.

Question 14

Do I have to pay resort entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, resort entry fees apply to all visitors going to Falls Creek and Mount Hotham in the declared snow season. ​ Resort entry fees help to contribute towards services such as snow clearing, provision of visitor services, and ski patrol to name just a few.  
 Cost of Resort Entry is INCLUDED in the cost of your private snow transfer with us.

Question 15

Is on mountain transport service included in the cost?

Accepted Answer

On mountain taxi/transport is NOT included as part of our fare.   If your accommodation is in Falls Creek Village (not accessible from the Bogong High Plains Road), you will need to book and pay for transport with Accommodation Transport Services (ATS) ie. from the drop-off point to and from your accommodation.   If weather conditions prevent us from accessing accommodation on the Bogong High Plains Road, drop off will be at ATS and you will need to purchase tickets for on-mountain transport.  To save time, it is best to pay online before arrival

Question 16

What if my flight/travel connection is late or postponed?

Accepted Answer

Even the best-laid plans can be thrown into disarray by bad weather, mechanical breakdowns, traffic jams, or any number of things!    That's why we recommend that you advise us as soon as possible of any change to your travel plans so we can reschedule drivers (and bookings) if required.   We recommend sending a text to us confirming your departure time before boarding your flight or transport.    Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Question 17

Should I take out travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Personal travel insurance is not included in the cost of our private transfer service.    We strongly recommend personal travel insurance in respect of illness, injury, loss of baggage and personal items, damage to or loss of bicycle, skis/snowboards, cancellation, or curtailment.    For peace of mind before travel, it's a good idea to check with your insurer regarding policy coverage and features.

Question 18

Do you provide child safety seats?

Accepted Answer

Child car seats and infant capsules are required by Victorian and NSW law for private transfers. ​ Child safety and booster seats can be requested at the time of booking and we are happy to provide them at no additional charge.    Unfortunately, we are not able to supply infant capsules, so you will need to provide your own.   Please note,  parents/guardians are responsible for correctly fitting child safety seats/infant capsules and securing children into their seats.   ​ Our drivers are not responsible for the installation and securing of child seats or infant capsules.

Question 19

Do you charge extra for luggage trailers or child safety seats?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't. ​Luggage trailers and child safety seats are all provided (free of charge) as part of our service.   Travelling with kids and all their gear is just part of life! (We've got three boys who snowboard, so we TOTALLY understand!) Sometimes, you just need to take that extra suitcase - and we want to make it as easy as possible for you.

Question 20

Can we stop for coffee or shopping/break?

Accepted Answer

Of course!   Especially after a long flight, bus ride, or train trip, at the end of a great hike, bike or snow break, or traveling with kids.   Brief stops for lunch, coffee, and shopping can be arranged with your driver if you let us know when you book so we factor it into our scheduling.  ​ We do our utmost to accommodate our customer's requests, however, breaks and stops are subject to scheduling requirements on the day of travel.

Question 21

We need transport for our hiking trip, but not sure whats best, before or after our hike?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to take you to the start of your trip OR the end of your trip.   It's entirely up to you and what suits your plans.   We have found that a pick-up at the start of your journey means you are not under time pressure to complete your walk at a set time for pick up.   We recommend parking your car where you plan on finishing your hike and let us take you to your starting point.  That way you can jump in the car and head straight home after your hike, rather than spending another 2.5 hours driving back to your vehicle.   However, we are happy to take you whichever way you want to go!   It's also worth considering overnighting at the start/finish of your walk, especially if you have to drive long distances back home, or had a very early start.    Check out Falls Creek or Mt Hotham websites for some accommodation options.

Question 22

We are planning on doing the Alpine Crossing Hike, what should we know?

Accepted Answer

ParksVic has some great resources on the Alpine Crossing, well worth a read when planning your trip.   Be prepared for ALL weather conditions, have a good map (Bogong Alpine Area Map), and let someone know where you are going before you set off. (ie fill in the trip intention book)    Alpine Crossing Information FAQ on the Alpine Crossing Falls to Hotham Brochure   The drive to/from either pick up/drop off points at Falls or Hotham is approx 2 hours 15 mins on some very windy mountain roads.   For some people, especially children, these roads can be a bit of a challenge. For those who suffer from motion sickness, we recommend sitting in the front or middle seat and chatting to your chemist or Dr beforehand regarding travel sickness remedies.   Remember to take lots of photos and tag us on Facebook or Instagram (@mtbeautytransfers) and enjoy!

Question 23

I am doing the Falls Hotham Alpine Crossing hike, where can you pick me up?

Accepted Answer

We can pick you up or drop you off when and where ever suits your plans.    As we offer a private transfer service, (not a shuttle service) you can travel where and when it suits you.     Pickups can be arranged from your door to the trailhead, Vline service from Bright or Albury Airport, and anywhere in between!   A lot of people start the walk at Falls Creek (Heathy Spur), however, a lot also start their hike from Hotham (Loch Car Park).   It's really up to you which direction you want to go.   We do find that taking you to the start of your hike works well as you are not under any time pressure to meet us at the end of your walk.  You also will be able to jump into your car and head home rather than spending another two hours and 15 mins traveling back to your starting point. Very tiring especially after a long walk!   Whichever direction you go, it's a great hike in a beautiful part of the world!

FAQS

Frequently
Asked Questions

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently
Asked Questions