ALPINE NATIONAL PARK
THE ROOFTOP OF AUSTRALIA
The Alpine National Park is to be seen to be believed, a unique ecosystem at 2,000 metres above sea level unlike anything in the valleys below. Dinner Plain sits proudly at the heart of Victoria's alps where tracks, trails and roads lead in all directions to unforgettable experiences.
Whether it's hiking the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, touring the Great Alpine Road or sleeping under the stars beside historic cattlemens' huts, the opportunities to explore are endless in Dinner Plain's High Country backyard.
NATIONAL PARK WALKS FROM DINNER PLAIN
A series of moderate to long distance walks (10km - 30km) lead from Dinner Plain into the Alpine National Park. Many of these are great return-trips whilst others, like the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, are best tackled as a multi-day single direction hike.
When heading into the National Park, preparation is key. Make sure you are adequately equipped with sufficient water, food, sunscreen and sensible choices in footwear and clothing. Parks Victoria offer sound advice on preparing for your hike which we recommend reading as part of your hike preparation.
CAMPING
ADVENTURE UNDER THE STARS
The Alpine National Park offers endless opportunities for a camping. From bush camping amongst the gnarled snowgums to mountaintop clearings with endless vistas, it is and experience like no other. All areas of the Alpine National Park are hike-in / hike-out, and you need to be self equipped to carry everything you will need using just your own two feet. Be mindful that you will need water and food, in addition to your tent, clothing, bedding and other supplies.
There are some truly spectacular options within a day's hike from Dinner Plain, none less than the Razorback Ridge trail to Mt Feathertop and the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing. Closer by, JB Plain offers a popular camping location (with provided fire pit and drop toilet) or you can hike a few kms extra to Precipice Plain with its spectacular cliff-top aspect.
CAMPING LOCATIONS
JB Plain - 2km West via Brabralung Trail | Trail Notes
Precipice Plain - 4km South via Dinner Plain Track | Trail Notes
Razorback Ridge & Mt Feathertop - 15km North West via Great Alpine Road (Parking available at Diamantina Hut Trailhead) | Trail Notes
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing - 13km North West via Great Alpine Road (Parking available at Mt Loch Trailhead) | Trail Notes
HIGH COUNTRY HUTS
EXPERIENCE ALPINE HISTORY
Discover the Cattlemen's Huts of Dinner Plain, steeped with history of forgotten years. Dinner Plain shares locality with a number of historic huts, open and available to enrich your stay with the taste of a bygone era.
The Cattlemen's Huts have played an important role in Australia's European history. Throughout the Alpine National Park hundreds of huts once existed, used for cattle graziers, shelters for travellers and refuges for the pioneer skiers. The majority of huts and buildings have long since perished through fire and the wearing elements of weather.
NEARBY HUTS
Access to the High Country Huts huts is unrestricted, but visitors are asked not use them as overnight accommodation unless in an emergency. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to use a High Country Hut for refuge, make sure you leave things clean and secure, with the fireplace fully extinguished.
For further information www.hutsvictoria.org.au
TOURING
AUSTRALIA'S BEST TOURING ROAD
The Great Alpine Road is one of the great touring routes of Australia. For 308 kilometres you will experience the splendour of lush valley rivers and forests to spectacular mountain vistas, spanning the whole way from the High Country to the Ocean.
The route begins in Wangaratta, taking you over the mountains through to Bairnsdale. This is an extraordinary drive at any time of year, a standout highlight is the traverse from Harrietville to Dinner Plain which covers the steep climbs and sheer cliffs of Mount Hotham, with Mount Feathertop a closeby backdrop. During winter snow is likely and chains must be carried.
The Great Alpine Road can eaily be covered in a day but there are great stopping points to explore. Basing yourself in Dinner Plain offers an easy day-trip distance to visit Cobungra, Omeo and Angler's Rest in a 5hr return trip to Falls Creek.
4WD TERRAIN
Dinner Plain has a 10 kilometre track the 'Dinner Plain 4WD Track' from the Birregun Road to the Great Alpine Road. This is a moderately graded track, with a few rocky sections toward the top. 4km out from Dinner Plain is the impressive cliff-top of Precipice Plain, a must-stop location on the track.
Between Mt Hotham and Harrietville, the Dargo Plains Road is open during the green season and offers a wealth of 4WD tracks as the "Beyond Hotham 4WD Experience".
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Snowplay is a permitted recreation under Victorian COVID-19 Guidelines
Snowplay is limited to a maximum group size of 10.
Ensure you maintain 1.5m social distancing at all times from people you do not live with.
