IN a sign of the times, and how tough it can be to operate in the fickle food and beverage industry, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa have made the difficult decision to close their Cuisine Restaurant.

The closure of Cuisine Restaurant and Bar will take effect from Monday September 2nd, 2024.

The resort said the decision comes in response to challenging trading conditions and a decline in visitor numbers at the resort.

While it may seem busy in the winter months, and perhaps the peak of summer, trying to operate on a year-round basis maintaining staff through all the quieter periods has always been challenging to many operators in the region.

"We are disappointed to have to announce this closure of Cuisine, with another quiet summer approaching, we have decided it is time to make this hard decision,” said General Manager Anthony Cleary.

"Cuisine Restaurant and Bar holds a special place in the Resort, offering memorable dining experiences to our guests over the years and hosting numerous weddings, conferences, and events. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and loyal guests who have supported us throughout this time."

In the 2023-24 summer, the Snowy Mountains Region was hardly what you would describe as bustling. After several good years of visitation, mainly due to border restrictions, visitors now have choices galore of where they can travel.

Lake Crackenback has been an attraction as a wedding venue, with its vast picturesque grounds, accommodation at your doorstep and Cuisine an ideal function venue, all combining as a great package. However, the wedding market has also declined from its heyday.

The resort said they will be contacting all wedding bookings affected by this closure personally with details of refunds and recommendations of other suitable venues.

It is actually quite sad for the region that what is renowned as a great dining venue, with its lake views and spacious dining area, will now be closed.

Cuisine has been a favourite for their chef dinners, where many renowned top chefs would be paired with a wine company for an always exquisite evening.

As a result of Cuisine Restaurant closing, the resort will no longer be hosting events such its Savour the Snowy Mountains weekend.

Accommodation – Dining - Activities

Nothing changes on the accommodation front, all Lake Crackenback Resort’s stylish apartments and chalets are still available for holidays and business as usual.

Guests will be able to dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Perrotta's Italian, formerly Alpine Larder café. Perrotta's is now run independently from the resort where guests have a great selection of their Italian inspired menu.

For activities, Harro's Snowsports run the entire operation now on a year-round basis. They offer their full snow retail shop in winter, and convert in summer for mountain biking plus all the resort’s family favourites of canoeing on the lake, archery and golf,

For guests still wishing to stay at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, everything remains the same except they have lost one dining venue.