IT ALL STARTED WITH A VISION

Tanderra: A Lodge Built on Mateship & a Bold Idea

It all kicked off in August 1969 with two blokes, a moonlit stroll along the Perisher-Smiggins Road, and one seriously big idea. Bill Dewez and Mike Shaw weren’t just soaking in the alpine air—they were scheming. Not just a place to ski, but a lodge where new mates could meet, old friendships could thrive, and the slopes would feel like home.

A few beers in (because of course), their vision snowballed—exploring wild terrain, pushing boundaries, and dreaming up a lodge built to last.

And just like that, Tanderra was born.

Blood, Sweat, Beer & a Smoko

By December ’69, Bill (and Mike) had wrangled a crew of so-called Gentlemen Builders—blokes with big hearts, calloused hands, and absolutely no regard for modern OH&S. No scaffolding. No cranes. No cherry pickers. Just pure grit, dodgy ladders, and a generous helping of swearing.

They worked hard—but never so hard they’d skip smoko. The roof went up… then came off… then went up again. They sought advice, shared tools, and even called in divine backup—thanks to Rev. Malcolm Pearse, whose mountain-top blessing began: “And the Tanderros came upon the mountain…”

The final test? Fire up the generator, flick the lights, and unveil the name. Easy in theory—until the ‘Tanderra’ sign refused to go up straight. Turns out, aligning letters after months of backbreaking labour was just as tricky as building the place itself. But with muscle, stubbornness, and a few colourful words, the sign finally stood tall—just like the lodge behind it.

And the mateship? That’s what really held it all together. Tanderra drew in all sorts—different places, backgrounds, skills, and genders—but everyone brought the same unbeatable combo: a sharp sense of humour and a shared determination to make this mountain lodge something truly special.

More Than a Lodge, It’s a Legacy

For nearly six decades, Tanderra has been more than a lodge—it’s been a home away from home. Founding members still return, now with their kids (and their kids in tow). Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and mountain bikers have all made it their basecamp, while school groups, uni crews, and the occasional corporate escape keep the guestbook full.

Ask anyone who was around Hotham in the ’70s or ’80s—they’ll know Tanderra. Chances are, they stayed here. And if not? They definitely came for the parties.

The name Tanderra—contributed by founding member Chris Maine—means resting place. And after a day carving through powder or tearing up trails, there’s no better spot to kick off your boots, throw on a hearty meal, and sink into a couch with a well-earned drink in hand.

Welcome to the Family

If these walls could talk, they’d have thousands of stories to tell—some probably best left on the mountain. Sure, the roof needed its upgrades over the years and the ‘Silver Spade’ room did lose its ‘sisalation’, silver lustre, but the spirit of Tanderra hasn’t changed. It’s about mateship, adventure, and those special memories and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

So whether you’re here for your first visit or your fiftieth—welcome. You’re now part of the Tanderra story.