The Sundeck Hotel in Perisher Valley, one of Australia’s most unique alpine hospitality assets, has been sold after more than three decades of ownership by long-time proprietor, Cliff Wallis.
The transaction was negotiated by Leonard Bongiovanni and Ray Larkin of MQ & Associates, in conjunction with Michelle Stynes and Alex Cherry of Forbes Stynes Prestige Property Sales, with the purchaser revealed as hospitality investor Peter Dean.
Perched at approximately 1,769m above sea level, the Sundeck is widely regarded as Australia’s highest hotel, positioned directly on the ski slopes within Kosciuszko National Park and offering a rare ski-in / ski-out alpine hospitality experience.
Originally built in 1959 and rebuilt shortly after a fire in 1960, the hotel has long been a beloved institution within the Australian ski community. The property comprises 41 accommodation rooms, a public bar, dining room, commercial kitchen, guest lounges, sauna facilities and ski storage areas, with capacity for up to 90 overnight guests.
The venue operates seasonally during the winter snow season, with the majority of revenue generated from accommodation packages that include breakfast, lunch and dinner for visiting skiers and snowboarders.
The Sundeck’s slopeside bar and outdoor deck have become a famous gathering point for après-ski drinks and live entertainment, while the venue has also hosted community events such as the long-running Sundeck Cup cross-country ski race and comedy nights popular with both locals and visiting guests.
Exceptionally rare
Selling agent Leonard Bongiovanni, director of MQ & Associates, said the property attracted strong interest due to its rarity and iconic position within the Perisher ski resort.
“Assets like the Sundeck Hotel are exceptionally rare. It occupies a truly unique position directly on the slopes at Perisher and has been part of the Australian skiing landscape for decades,” Bongiovanni said.
“There was strong interest from buyers who recognised both the history of the venue and the opportunity to continue building on its reputation as one of the Snowy Mountains’ most distinctive hospitality experiences.”
Forbes Stynes Prestige Property sales agent Michelle Stynes said the sale marked the end of a remarkable chapter for the Wallis family.
“Cliff Wallis has been the long-time custodian of the Sundeck and has built it into one of the most recognised venues in the Perisher resort,” Stynes said.
“It’s a very special property that holds enormous sentimental value for the skiing community, and we’re pleased to see it transition to a new owner who appreciates its unique alpine character.”
Located approximately 30 kilometres from Jindabyne and forming part of the Perisher ski resort, the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sundeck occupies a strategic position within Australia’s premier snow tourism destination.
The resort has experienced increased international visitation in recent years following the acquisition of Perisher by global ski operator Vail Resorts, which integrated the resort into its global lift pass network.
