Summer At Dinner Plain

From the heights of Mount Hotham to the seclusion of Dinner Plain, you are drawn into a world of postcard perfect mountain views, fields scattered with alpine wildflowers and the chance to indulge in a host of high country adventures. Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain have adventures for all.

Pack a picnic and take a chairlift ride to the valley floor in search of an idyllic lunch spot beside the crisp clear waters of Swindlers Creek or Silver Brumby Hut.

You can also enjoy relaxed dining on the sun drenched balconies and courtyards of our cosy eateries and restaurants. With so much to explore at Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain it's hard to just stay one day.

Swimming

Rundells Alpine Lodge has a tranquil swimming pool set amongst the snowgums, perfect for cooling off after a summer hike or ride. Entry for Rundells guests is free. For non guests its $15 per person of $35 for a family of 4. The Onsen Retreat and Spa also has a 15m lap pool. Access is $40 which includes the use of the spa and the gym.

Fishing

The rivers in the Victorian Alps are extremely plentiful and an absolute paradise for both budding and experienced fishers. The Mitta Mitta, Dargo, Cobungra and Ovens rivers are great for catching trout.
Two operators specialise in guided fishing tours from Hotham or Dinner Plain :

  • Angling Expeditions Victoria - (03) 5754 1466
  • Clear Waters Fly Fishing - 0418 591 475

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking around Mt Hotham is one of the best ways to see it. There are many good tracks extending out from Mt Hotham and from Dinner Plain - four wheel drive tracks and fire trails winding through the bush.

Mountain Bike Hire

For mountain bike hire & tours, please call:

The General Store on (03) 5759 3523

  • Per Hour $16
  • 1/2 Day $40
  • Full Day $60

(Weekends and Public/School Holidays)

Pickups and drop-offs available from Dinner Plain Taxi - 0427 000 702

Walks & Trails

There are a variety of walks around Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. There are more than 15 walking trails around DP including the 2km return trip to Carmichael Falls and 3km return tip to Room with A View. For something a little more challenging there is a 9km return trip to Precipice Plain where you will be rewarded with commanding views of the Dargo River and Dargo High Plains. For the adventurers, head to Mount Hotham and take in the spectacular views along the Razorback as you head to the peak of Mount Feathertop and enjoy 360 degree views of the Alpine High County. The 22km walk leaves from Diamantina Hut, you will need to make an early start, take plenty of water. The bush walking season lasts from early November to until early May.

Join a 7 Day Gourmet Guided Holiday across the Victoria Alps with Hedonistic Hiking

Hike the classic trails of the legendary High Country of Victoria: The Razorback, Mount Feathertop, Mount Buffalo and the Australian Alpine Walking Track. Follow in the footsteps of some of the early visitors to this area - the explorers, the gold diggers and the first European settlers. In the past, travellers stayed in huts - we stay in fabulous hotels and mountain lodges in Falls Creek, Dinner Plain and the Buckland Valley. Dine on the delicious cuisine and sample the wonderful wines of the Alpine Valleys of northeast Victoria. Tours depart 26th December, 2008 and 30th January, 2009.

www.hedonistichiking.com.au/high country.html

Higher Ground Adventures

Higher Ground Adventures is an Outdoor Education organisation, which seeks to provide an environment in which young people can learn more about themselves, about others and the Natural world. We believe Outdoor education provides an important foundation for personal growth and can better prepare our youth for challenges in life ahead.

Phone 0417 362 161 or 0439 345 117

Nature's Calling

Contact Richard on (03) 5159 6452 or 0429 469 855

Horse Riding

Horse riding is available in Dinner Plain, Cobungra and Swifts Creek.  Whether you take a short 1 or 2 hour jaunt or a 2 or 3 day excursion there is a trail riding adventure waiting for you. 

To arrange call Adventures with Altitude on (03) 5159 6608.

Abseiling and Rock Climbing

There are a wealth of rock climbing and/or abseiling avenues for all standards prediminately  out behind Dinner Plain or out towards Mt Smythe  Climbs range from the extremely technical to the budding beginner.

Guided climbing or abseiling trips can be booked with Adventure Guides Australia on 0419 280 614.

Camping

There are plenty of camping grounds in the local area. Try JB Plain, Tawonga Huts and the Old Feathertop Hut Site all have camping facilities that are more than adequate.

Massages/Health Treatments

First opened during the 2006 ski season, Onsen Retreat and Spa is now open year round and makes for the perfect holiday haven in the heart of Dinner Plain. A huge range of treatments, massages and invigorating rituals are offered on a daily basis. Treatments of one hour or more give you complimentary access to the gym, swimming pool and spas.

For the full range of what is available simply check out www.onsen.com.au or call (03) 5150 8880.

Road Cycling

Take your next cycling session to one of the most scenic and highest bitumen roads in Australia.

A simple ride between Dinner Plain and Hotham is a cruisy 10km ride and a great way to escape the everyday in amongst the snowgums.  

Scenic Chairlift Riding

The Summit Chair at Hotham is open from 29th December, 2007 - 6th January, 2008 10.30am - 3.30pm daily each and everyday for what some argue is the most scenic chairlift riding in the country, right up to an altitude of 1,845m.

  • Prices - Adults (18 and over)
    Return - $10
    All Day Unlimited - $20

  • Prices - Kids (6 - 17)
    Return - $5
    One Day Unlimited - $10

  • Kids 5 and under ride FREE

Touring

The Great Alpine Road epitomises the saying "take the scenic route". The road passes through farmland valleys, along winding rivers, through the eucalypt forests of the Alpine National Park then deep into mountain cattleman country, to the lakes and the ocean beyond.

Discover the delights of the Great Alpine Road on your way to Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain this summer.

Distance/Times

  • Melbourne to Wangaratta
    239km/2.5 hours

  • Wangaratta to Hotham
    130km/2 hours

  • Hotham to Dinner Plain
    11km/10 mins

  • Dinner Plain to Bairnsdale
    162km/3 hours

  • Bairnsdale to Melbourne
    283km/3 hours

Other Activities

Gold Prospecting - Swift's Creek

Cassilis is one of the richest gold producers in the region. Gold Pans are available for Purchase within Swift's Creek.

Golf

  • Bright Golf Course
  • Omeo Golf Club
  • Tambo Valley Golf Course

McConnels Berry Farm - Bruthen

Fresh quality raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries and red currants. Open Dec - Feb, 10am - 4pm.

Engineers Rd Bruthen (03) 5157 5527

Oriental Claims - Omeo

The area is a great reminder of life on the gold fields. Accessible from foot or car from Omeo. Interpretive signage exists throughout the 'claims'.

Rafting

Eastralian Adventures - Roger Peggie (03) 5620 616

Wineries

Ensay Winery - Great Alpine Rd, Ensay

Gourmet Food and Wine Tours - operating 7 days a week all year round. Sample regional wines, buy direct from cellar door, food tasting, lunch at local restaurants.

Contact Shaun Maiden (03) 5727 3382 or 0418 579 218. Website: www.shaunswinerytours.com

Mt Markey Winery - Cassilis Rd, Swifts Creek

4 WD & Off Road Tours

My Life Adventures - Greg Brown (03) 5755 1560

North East Off Road Tours - provide Day tours, Camping tours and Tagalong Tours.

Contact Shaun Maiden (03) 5727 3382 or 0418 579 218. Website: www.neoffroadtours.com.au

Silverstream Backcountry Tours - Kim & Liz Burt (03) 5759 2666 or 0418 844 212