Summer Activities
Mount Hotham & Dinner Plain
Alpine Nature Experience
The summer version of their eco-village is the perfect way to spend some time unwinding. Picture yourself watching the stars from a tree top tents after a copious meal by the fire, or perhaps from under our Tipi, breathing the fresh Alpine air surrounded by century old snow gums. Alpine Nature Experience offers plenty of outdoor games, hikes, walks and other adventures, so you can do as much, or as little, as you want!
Frisbee Golf
Dinner Plain is host to Australia's highest Disc Golf course. Just like golf, disc golf features nine tee-offs and nine holes (baskets) and is an activity that visitors can use year-round. It's a free activity for all participants. The goal is to get your disc into the basket in the least amount of shots. For a game and free equipment hire, please drop into Ramada located on Big Muster Drive.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes are available for hire during the low season. Take to Dinner Plains pump track to test out your mountain biking skills. Set up in the green season at the roundabout as you enter Dinner Plain.There are plenty of tracks ranging from beginners to advanced around the village and mountain. Make sure you carry water with you and tell someone where you are heading to.
Tennis & Basketball
Tennis courts are located at the front of Dinner Plain near the playground and are available for use free of charge. Equipment is available from Ramada located on Big Muster Drive.
Mountain Surrounds
Horse Riding
There are several groups that run trail rides near and occasionally in Dinner Plain. Enjoy the high country in the traditional style of the country cattlemen and journey along trails and across the plains on horseback.
White water rafting
Looking for an adventure? Why not try white water rafting on the local Mitta Mitta river. Spend the day with a qualified guide conquering over 60 different rapids. For more information call 1800 997 238 or visit their website.
Helicopter Rides
Located at the base of Victoria's most picturesque alpine wilderness, assures you complete satisfaction. Whether you're just taking in the breathtaking scenery, experiencing the genuine hospitality of an outback pub for lunch or being deployed to your favourite adventure location, HiLifeHelicopters offers something for everyone and caters for every budget. If you're visiting from overseas then this is truly an experience that lets you discover the Real Australia. Experience the exhilaration of helicopter flight today!
Hiking and walking
Experience once of Australia's rarest landscapes on one of the many walking trails that wind through the Alpine National Park surrounding Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. The best time of year to hike our alpine environment falls between early November and late April, and the summer months are particularly pleasant with alpine wildflowers in full bloom.
Remember, you are venturing into an alpine environment that is snow-covered in winter and weather conditions can change rapidly. When venturing out on a hike, always carry warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, a sun hat, sturdy shoes, a map, a first aid kit and plenty of water as well as snacks. Importantly, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Brabralung Trail Hotham to Dinner Plain
Grade 3 - Distance 26km return. Walk or ride this multi-use trail that runs through the Alpine National Park, linking Dinner Plain to Hotham resort. Look out for native flora and fauna and spot the resident emus at JB Plain. This trail will take you through woodland to alpine plains that give the High Country its unique scenic views. There are numerous areas to rest and picnic. A location not to miss is the old cattlemens post, JB Hut, where you can also camp.
Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River Walk
Grade 3 - Distance 26km. A lovely natural environment and rich gold history are the twin rewards offered by this interesting walk. Within the Alpine National Park, it follows a disused vehicle track past the remnants of the long-abandoned Brandy Creek gold mine and down to the delightful flats of the Cobungra River. The Cobungra rises below Mount Hotham and flows into the Mitta Mitta (a tributary of the Murray River) near Anglers Rest. Start from the Cobungra Ditch South trail head, reached 5.5 km along the Great Alpine Road from Dinner Plain Village heading towards Mount Hotham.
Carmichael Falls Walk
Grade 3 - Distance 2km. Heading off along the Dinner Plain 4WD track, this single track trail within the Alpine National Park descends through snowgum forest to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Carmichael Falls. It's a short 1km down to the lookout but the hike out will get your heart pumping. Dropping 25 metres over basalt cliffs, the falls are in the headwaters of Precipice Creek and the Dargo River, which are among the many waterways feeding the major catchments arising at the Dinner Plain plateau. The actual falls are in fact two falls side by side at the confluence of the Precipice and Dinner Plain Creeks which rise in the alpine bogs of the Dinner Plain Village.
Cobungra Ditch
Grade 3 - Distance 12.5km. One of the few interpreted historic walking tracks in the area, the Cobungra Ditch follows the course of an abandoned water race which supplied water for the hydraulic sluicing operations at the Brandy Creek mines. The ditch was cut by the Cobungra Gold Mining Company in 1884 at the cost of 11,000, and employed upwards of 120 men in its construction. Today interpretation signs along the course of the Ditch describe the history of the water race and its construction. The feature is retained for much of it length by ancient looking dry-stone walls and passes through snow gum and mountain ash forests.
Dead Timber Hill Walking Track
Grade 3 - Distance 4.5km. An enjoyable walk that passes through snow gum forests out to an open view. The walk takes you out to a rocky mountain outcrop with vast views over the ranges, including across to Mount Hotham. It makes for a nice location during sunrise or sunset. The walk leaves from near JB Plain on the northern side of the Great Alpine Road, where you will find a small car park. It is 4 km return. However, you can walk this trail as a loop that is also 4.5km by leaving directly from Dinner Plain Alpine Village.
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
Grade 4 - Distance 37km. Walking on air 2000 metres above sea level. This 37 kilometre, three day hike is a trek through some of Australia's most pristine mountain scenery, crossing the Bogong High Plains in the Victorian Alps and connecting the alpine resorts of Falls Creek and Hotham. Wander across high plains, alive with the brilliant colour of summertime wildflowers, and keep an eye out for shy native wildlife watching you pass. Summer is the most popular season to walk the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, with wildflowers in full bloom and the cool alpine air a welcome break from the heat below. Moderate fitness is required, with certain sections requiring stamina and plenty of easy walks in between. Be challenged, rewarded and changed over three inspiring days and two starry nights on this trek through Victoria's alpine wilderness.
JB Plain Walk
Grade 2 - Distance 3.6km. This short walk is part of the longer Hotham to Dinner Plain walk which can be walked or ridden. This multi-use trail runs parallel to the Great Alpine Road through the Alpine National Park. Starting from Dinner Plain Hut, walk past the Dinner Plain Community Centre on the Brabralung Trail to the trail head at the boundary of the Alpine National Park. A sidewalk - 2km return - to Paw Paw Plain is popular for fine views of the remote Dargo River Valley and Mount Tabletop.
Montane Walking Track
Grade 3 - Distance 3.1km. Just a short step from Dinner Plain, yet offering a great sense of remoteness, this walking track offers a fantastic snapshot of a sub-alpine environment. It traverses varying landscapes and a range of habitats - scenic snow gum forests and mature Mountain Tea Tree bushland, snow grass plains, wetlands and alpine rivers and streams. Along the way, there are many great places to stop for a picnic or rest or simply to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Precipice Plain Walk
Grade 4 - Distance 9km. Walk or bike along the Dinner Plain 4WD track to a lovely natural lookout across the remote Dargo Valley. Catch the sunset in the high country for fabulous colours in the sky. Precipice Plain is a unique geological feature which lies 4 km south of Dinner Plain. With its spectacular outlook across the remote Dargo Valley, this is a great place to enjoy the sunset in the high country and soak up the fresh mountain air and cool breezes in summer. The western edge of Precipice Plain drops almost vertically to a narrow valley below that joins the Dargo Valley. Mount Tabletop is directly opposite and there are sweeping views of the Dargo catchment.
Room With a View Walk
Grade 3- Distance 3km. A short and easy walk from Dinner Plain out through snow gum forest to an open plain with spectacular views of Mount Hotham, Mount Feathertop, Bogong High Plains and the Cobungra River. Starting from Dinner Plain Hut, follow the track to the sign marking the crossing point to the northern side of the Great Alpine Road and the track leading to the Forest Walks trailhead. The Room with a View walk initially follows a slightly undulating trail then flattens out. The track heads north along the eastern flanks of Dead Timber Hill. After 0.5 km it drops gently down to a grassy plain and veers west to a marker that designates the track loop.
Summit Walk
Grade 2- Distance 2.5km. Beginning from the Trainer chairlift in the Village, keep to the right of the Summit chairlift climbing to the peak of Mt Hotham. Follow the vehicle trail from the top of the chairlift past the Telstra tower to the fire tower for an inspiring 360 degree view including Mt Buffalo, Mt Feathertop and Mt Buller.
Tabletop Walk
Grade 4- Distance 10km. Mount Tabletop is a distinctive flat plateau linked to the Great Dividing Range by a low ridge. From JB Plain follow the old fence line south across the plains for 0.5 km. From here the route is marked. After crossing the snow plains and snow-gum woodland, the route drops down to Tabletop Creek and then follows a long ridge up the plateau. The track is marked to a rocky outcrop just below the summit. Return via the same route.
The Huts Walk
Grade 4- Distance 18km. Links three of Hotham's significant historic huts, each which represent an important role which led to the development of Hotham Alpine Resort. These iconic huts include Spargo's, Derrick Hut and Silver Brumby Hut. The walk offers bushwalkers a unique opportunity to experience some of the high countrys rarely seen significant natural and historic landscapes.
The Razorback
Grade 4- Distance 22km. The Razorback walking track begins at the Diamantina Hut, 2.5 km on the Harrietville side of the Hotham Village. The Razorback is a high ridge linking Mount Hotham (1861m) and Mount Feathertop (1922m). The route is generally above the tree line so excellent views are available for much of the walk, however, as the ridge is very exposed it should not be crossed in unsettled or bad weather. Return by the same route or, if you have made suitable transport arrangements, walk down to Harrietville via the Bungalow Spur Track. Ensure you are well prepared for this walk, as the weather can be unpredictable.
