Cycling

There are some really good cycling tracks around Mt Hotham, or alternatively you can cycle from village to village along the Great Alpine Road. You can ride on the Winter cross country ski trails, the four wheel drive tracks or the fire trails that wind through the Alpine flora and forests. Pick up a cross country trail map from Mt Hotham Resort Management Board Office in the village during office hours and hire bikes and helmets from Adventures with Altitude in Dinner Plain.

Bush Walking

These mountains are glorious to hike in Summer, late Spring and early Autumn, but during the rest of the year the mountains are covered with snow, however, don't let that fool you into thinking you won't need your cold weather gear! The temperature and weather conditions in the mountains are highly changeable so be prepared for whatever the elements could conceivably throw at you; rain, snow, fog or belting sun! There are fantastic trails all through the mountains with options for day or overnight hikes. The most popular, and spectacular, are listed below, but there are a plethora more. Check out the Alpine National Park website for full listings, or pick up some maps and guidebooks at any Victoria outdoors store.

• Mt Feathertop This is the second highest mountain in the range, and a well liked Summer hiking destination. The views atop are magnificent and the camping area around Federation Hut, which is about 2 km from the summit, is a peaceful place to hang your boots overnight. There are two popular approaches to Feathertop, and both are usually overnight walks, unless you're a really really keen hiker! The first is along the Bungalow Spur Trail; a 22 km return trail leaving from Harrietville. The second is the Razorback Spur Tail, again 22 km return, which crosses the exposed ridge between Mt Hotham and Mt Feathertop from the Mt Hotham Village.

• Hotham to Dinner Plain Trail This well-trod 13 km one-way trail leaves the Hotham General Store and winds its way through snow plains and Snow Gum woodland to enter the Dinner Plain Village. It is a cross country ski trail in Winter and a pleasant hike or cycle in the warmer months.
• Mt Bogong Now this is actually the highest peak in Victoria, and its massive bulk is ripe for a climb via the fittingly named Staircase Spur Track, a very hard 16 km return trail leaving from the Mountain Creek Picnic Area in Moonambel. As it's a particularly hard track, you may want to camp overnight in Cleve Cole Hut, which is 3 km east of the summit, before heading down the mountain again.

Four Wheel Driving

There are numerous winding mountain tracks available for four wheel driving all through the rugged ranges, passing rolling hills, rocky ridges and river crossings. You can go yourself or get a tour from people who really know the area well. Day tours are run by North East Off Road Tours and Silverstream Backcountry Tours.

There’s much more to do in Summer, including horse riding, visiting day spas, galleries, farms and restaurants, and even an annual Polo match in Omeo!