Story by Fabio
Hidden Alpine Village
Adventure in Hotham Heights, High Country, VIC, AU
We arrived at Mount Hotham right before the sunset to meet the crew from the Snowshoe to Fondue, Igloo to Skidoo experience. This was for sure going to be one the most unique things we've ever done, the place, the food, the teepee and the mountain landscape. It's definitely worth it!
There is a 20 minute snowshoe to get to the eco-village, but it was nice and easy stopping along the way to hear some stories about the first occupants of the Australian Alps and to enjoy the beautiful light of the sunset. The eco-village is a little area in the middle of the Hotham National Park surrounded by snow and gum trees. They have a special infrastructure of teepee and snow-domes that combines a very unique camping experience and amazing food in the mountains.
When we arrived there was a delicious glass of mulled wine and a toasty warm fire in the outside fire pit waiting for us. We got to sit with a group of people around the fire and watch the final lights of the day. We were all very lucky because it was one of the only nights up at Mount Hotham with a clear sky in the middle of winter, there was no moon either so the stars and the Milky Way were really easy to see.
After enjoying this nature spectacle it was time for dinner. We relocated into the cosy teepee restaurant, complete with wood-fire and learned what makes a French fondue so delicious. It was such a unique experience. it is a collaborative dinner so every one gets to play a part. Someone will cut the bread, while another grates the cheese then the final touch is the special wine. I can now say I've tasted a real fondue and I can't even explain how amazing and cheesy it was, you just gotta try it yourself. Now with our bellies happy it was time to rest.
The snow-domes have a transparent top and because we were lucky enough to get a clear sky, we can say we stayed at a "million star hotel". With the wood-fire on and a nice cosy bed, after all that amazing food no need to say the night was just beautiful.
In the morning we got to have a little walk around and find a good spot to watch the sunrise. We were then greeted with a great breakfast and to finish the experience we had a little ride on a snowmobile that took us back to the car park....
There is a 20 minute snowshoe to get to the eco-village, but it was nice and easy stopping along the way to hear some stories about the first occupants of the Australian Alps and to enjoy the beautiful light of the sunset. The eco-village is a little area in the middle of the Hotham National Park surrounded by snow and gum trees. They have a special infrastructure of teepee and snow-domes that combines a very unique camping experience and amazing food in the mountains.
When we arrived there was a delicious glass of mulled wine and a toasty warm fire in the outside fire pit waiting for us. We got to sit with a group of people around the fire and watch the final lights of the day. We were all very lucky because it was one of the only nights up at Mount Hotham with a clear sky in the middle of winter, there was no moon either so the stars and the Milky Way were really easy to see.
After enjoying this nature spectacle it was time for dinner. We relocated into the cosy teepee restaurant, complete with wood-fire and learned what makes a French fondue so delicious. It was such a unique experience. it is a collaborative dinner so every one gets to play a part. Someone will cut the bread, while another grates the cheese then the final touch is the special wine. I can now say I've tasted a real fondue and I can't even explain how amazing and cheesy it was, you just gotta try it yourself. Now with our bellies happy it was time to rest.
The snow-domes have a transparent top and because we were lucky enough to get a clear sky, we can say we stayed at a "million star hotel". With the wood-fire on and a nice cosy bed, after all that amazing food no need to say the night was just beautiful.
In the morning we got to have a little walk around and find a good spot to watch the sunrise. We were then greeted with a great breakfast and to finish the experience we had a little ride on a snowmobile that took us back to the car park....
Things We Did
- Hike
- Snow
- Food & Drink
- Scenic Drive
On the way back from Hotham, we stopped for a delicious lunch at Bright Brewery. If you're done to eat snacks and pies during your long drives from Melbourne, we absolutely recommend stopping for food and drinks, it isn't the most affordable but for sure one of the most delicious options in the region....
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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