The secret ski spot Aussies are missing - and it's closer than you think

Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.

Balwangsan Summit at MONA Yongpyong resort in South Korea.

June 3, 2025

When it comes to overseas ski destinations popular among Aussies, South Korea appears nowhere on the list, but it really should. The Asian hotspot offers everything - from skiing, snowboarding and snowy-mountain hikes to off-slope activities such as visiting villages full of snow-dusted hanoks (traditional wooden houses) and relaxing in jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses). Now is a great time to ski in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to plan your next northern hemisphere ski escape for later this year. Head to the country's eastern Gangwon-do province, which receives the maximum snowfall, then check in to a resort such as MONA Yongpyong, which is great for the whole family. visitkorea.org.au

The whales are on their way

This year's whale-watching season in Queensland's Moreton Bay is just around the corner, and tipped to be bigger than ever with more than 45,000 whales expected to pass through on their annual migration. Brisbane Whale Watching offers cruises in the area, which is also home to dugongs and sea turtles. brisbanewhalewatching.com.au

New openings in paradise

A range of new experiences have opened in Tahiti. Check in to Manihi Miki Lodge on the island of Manihi or - if you're travelling with a group - take over the 10-guest Villa Tohora on Moorea. Taste authentic local cuisine in a traditional Polynesian home as part of a new excursion by Atunu Mai on Moorea; or sign up for a whale-watching tour with Blue Dream Xperience off the sister islands of Taha'a and Raiatea. tahititourisme.au

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Fondue Chalet in Melbourne

Cheesy pop-up in Melbourne

Want to experience a slice of European winter? Make a beeline for Fondue Chalet in Melbourne. A collection of 18 "chalets" plonked on Skyline Car Park's rooftop, in the heart of Federation Square, the pop-up "village" offers sweeping city views with a side of fondue and mulled wine, served by heavily accented French staff for a bona fide European experience. The strictly-limited-time offering (until June 22) accommodates groups of six to eight people in each of the chalets and has - at last count - garnered 123 five-star reviews on Google. So don't forget to book ahead. fonduechalet.com.au

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.