Story by Ilenia & David
The Great Alpine Escape
Adventure in Hotham Heights, High Country, VIC, AU
We left behind the busy Melbourne skyline eager to enjoy a weekend away from the city, immersed in nature and outdoor activities. Heading to Mount Hotham, we were excited for our weekend stay: an eco-dome situated right off the Great Alpine Road, surrounded by snow gums. After a quick stop in Bright for a coffee and a pecan tart from Gumtree Pies, we finally made it up the mountain!
We didn't waste any time and headed straight for the Mt Loch Summit. We joined a local guide for the hike, and it was the perfect way to see the Bogong High Plains and the east side of Feathertop for the first time. When we got back to the village, our host Jean-Francois greeted us with a delicious dinner for everyone. His kindness and hospitality really set the tone for the trip; we spent the rest of the night stargazing outside the dome, excited for the next day.
The next morning, we stayed in the dome and watched the sea of clouds burn off at sunrise, which was easily one of the best parts of the stay. Once we got moving, the day was pretty spontaneous. We took an Alpine Buggy Tour out to the Silver Brumby Hut, grabbed a coffee at Elements, and had a big lunch at The General. We spent the afternoon on our gravel bikes hitting the Brabralung Trail, which was a solid challenge through the woodlands.
We then headed back to the property early to actually enjoy the space. We spent the evening in the wood-fired hot tub with a glass of local red wine, just watching the sunset.
Right before the drive home, we made a last-minute call to jog up Mt Feathertop. It was a hot, exposed 22km, but the views from the summit were well worth the effort. We left for Melbourne feeling completely rejuvenated. If you're looking for a place that perfectly balances mountain grit with total quiet, this is it. We can't wait to come back during the snow season to enjoy the slopes!
We didn't waste any time and headed straight for the Mt Loch Summit. We joined a local guide for the hike, and it was the perfect way to see the Bogong High Plains and the east side of Feathertop for the first time. When we got back to the village, our host Jean-Francois greeted us with a delicious dinner for everyone. His kindness and hospitality really set the tone for the trip; we spent the rest of the night stargazing outside the dome, excited for the next day.
The next morning, we stayed in the dome and watched the sea of clouds burn off at sunrise, which was easily one of the best parts of the stay. Once we got moving, the day was pretty spontaneous. We took an Alpine Buggy Tour out to the Silver Brumby Hut, grabbed a coffee at Elements, and had a big lunch at The General. We spent the afternoon on our gravel bikes hitting the Brabralung Trail, which was a solid challenge through the woodlands.
We then headed back to the property early to actually enjoy the space. We spent the evening in the wood-fired hot tub with a glass of local red wine, just watching the sunset.
Right before the drive home, we made a last-minute call to jog up Mt Feathertop. It was a hot, exposed 22km, but the views from the summit were well worth the effort. We left for Melbourne feeling completely rejuvenated. If you're looking for a place that perfectly balances mountain grit with total quiet, this is it. We can't wait to come back during the snow season to enjoy the slopes!
Things We Did
- Experience
- Bakery
- Café
- Bike
- Restaurant
- Hike
Departing right from our doorstep at the eco-village, the buggy took us along the Davenport Access Track, stopping at Swindlers Creek, home to a very elusive platypus. The tour continued to the "Plains of Heaven" where a replica of the Silver Brumby Hut (built for the Russell Crowe movie) still stands! Steve was amazing and shared fascinating history and details about the peaks and slopes that make the alpine region a true skier's mountain.
No visit to the Alpine region would be complete without a stop at our favorite pie shop, Gumtree Pies in Bright. A warm and cozy bakery, they offer indoor seating, frozen and ready-to-eat pastries, and a pecan tart to die for!
In a quest for an afternoon coffee after some cycling, we found our way to Elements, a bar inside Club Wyndham in Dinner Plain. Although we only enjoyed some caffeinated drinks, Elements offers great options for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. The warm ambiance and decor made us excited to return during the skiing season as well.
Running all the way from Hotham Village to Dinner Plain, this shared path is great for exploring the rugged nature of the alpine range, either on foot or on two wheels. It features stunning snow gum woodlands, alpine meadows, and views across the Victorian Alps. We explored it on our gravel bikes; however, during the winter, it transforms into a cross-country skiing track. Plus, it's right outside the accommodation!
The General is a quaint and cozy takeaway shop and bar perched on the Great Alpine Road, quite literally the busiest spot in Hotham Heights. Featuring an extensive food and drinks menu, great coffee, and live music, it’s a perfect stop for stocking up on local produce. We had an early lunch before exploring the trails, and a great feed was exactly what we needed for a big day out.
Last-minute decisions make for great adventures, so right before starting our drive home, we decided to jog up Mt Feathertop. The trail starts from Diamantina Hut and ends at the summit of Feathertop, featuring a very exposed, well-marked ridgeline. It’s a 22km out-and-back affair and can be quite challenging in a couple of rocky spots. It gets really hot in the summer, so pack some snacks and plenty of water before heading out; the views from the summit are unmatched.
To enjoy the alpine range as much as possible, we decided to hike Mt Loch as our first stop. Departing from Hotham Alpine Resort, the moderate track climbs through alpine meadows, offering unobstructed views of the Bogong High Plains and the east side of Mt Feathertop. While there are a couple of steep climbs on the way up, the views are well worth the effort! We definitely recommend doing this hike during the warmer months, just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the track is completely exposed.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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