Bright, Feathertop and Dinner Plain

Two hikers walk past their tents out towards an open plain

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Bright, Feathertop and Dinner Plain

Alpine National Park

From panorama-prone hikes across wildflower draped ridgelines to cross-country ski trails through twisted snowgums and fresh mountain air, Bright, Feathertop and Dinner Plain has it all. Conquer Victoria’s second highest peak, Mount Feathertop, ski the slopes of Mount Hotham or mountain bike between Dinner Plain and Hotham along the Brabralung Trail.

Mount Feathertop via The Razorback follows an exposed ridgeline, linking the popular Mount Hotham Alpine Resort to the top of Victoria’s second highest peak. Although it falls 64-metres short of Mount Bogong’s record, it is arguably Victoria’s most spectacular peak. Through spring and summer, the slopes and alpine plains are carpeted in a sea of wildflowers. Among masses of alpine daisies, Billy Buttons poke through the vestiges of the remaining snow drifts.

For a change in scenery, follow the Bungalow Spur Walk from the quaint town of Harrietville and climb over 1300-metres to reach the pinnacle of Mount Feathertop. Sheltered from the harsh alpine conditions, for the most part, take a break at Federation Hut before making the final ascent to the top.

For shorter, family-friendly walks, set out on the Bungalow Spur Walk to Picture Point or Tobias Gap for views over the Ovens Valley. Or opt for a walk out to Carmichael Falls, where the confluence of the Precipice and Dinner Plain Creeks plunges 25-metres to the headwaters of the Dargo River.

Stay a night or two in the comfort of Harrietville, Mount Hotham or Dinner Plain, all cool havens through the summer months. The Brabralung Trail running between Dinner Plain Alpine Village and Mount Hotham Alpine Resort too is wonderful. Suited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and ideal for mountain biking, walking and trail running once the snow has melted, the 12-kilometre trail is not to be missed.

The bike-friendly towns of Dinner Plain and Hotham offer thrilling mountain biking and road cycling experiences - with the benefits of spectacular alpine vistas around every corner. Mountain bike through Snow Gums along The Brabralung Trail, or challenge yourself with the 7-Peaks ascent to the top of Hotham or Dinner Plain. And visit the Dinner Plain Alpine Village to access over 35-kilometres of singletrack mountain bike trails.

Things To Do

 
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Two friends walk along the Brabralung Trail near Dinner Plain in the Alpine National Park.

Brabralung Trail

Enjoy a pleasant walk or cycle through Snow Gum woodland and open snow plains. Starting at the Hotham General Store and finishing at Dinner Plain Village, the trail is never far from the Great Alpine Road.
Two people walk along the Razorback towards Mt Feathertop in the Alpine National Park.

Mount Feathertop

Stunning Alpine landscape with Victoria's second highest peak, Mt Feathertop towering above Harrietville in the Ovens Valley.

How to get there

Bright, Feathertop and Dinner Plain

Bright, Feathertop and Dinner Plain

Alpine back country winter safety

Safe backcountry travel in Victorian Alpine areas during winter requires training and experience.  You control your risk by choosing how, when and where you travel, and the activities you participate in.

When to go

Fun in the Alpine National Park continues long after the snow has melted. Hiking, mountain biking and road cycling is at its best through summer while wildflowers still blanket the slopes. Walk or mountain bike the Brabralung Trail, which runs from Mount Hotham to Dinner Plain, or pedal the thrilling mountain bike trails of Dinner Plain.

Need to know

Bright, Feathertop and Dinner Plain

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

An all-terrain wheelchair known as the TrailRider is available for free hire from the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre. Visitors must supply their own helmets. For more information, contact the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre on 1800 11 885. 

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Davies Plain Track - 2.3 km track section currently closed due to flood damage

    A 2.3km section of Davies Plain Track, near Davies Plain Hut Camping Area within the Alpine National Park, is currently closed to all vehicles because of significant water damage and severe erosion, following recent flood and storm events in the area.  As a result of the temporary closure, Davies Plain Track is not a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlies Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending further assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlies Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near Tom Groggin). 

    Attachments: Flood damaged track section currently closed to all vehicles Davies Plain south (189KB)

  • Alpine National Park

    Eastern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage

    The 4x4 tracks in the Eastern Region are an iconic part of Victoria and an important focal point for many people. With a large number of visits per year, they are very popular for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.
    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close infrastructure in the interests of public safety and environmental protection.

    The following tracks have been significantly damaged by storms and floods and are currently closed to motor vehicles to ensure public safety and environmental protection:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Macfarlane Flat Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
     The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed. Assessments and repair works are not expected to be completed until late 2024 / early 2025.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Wobonga Track Closure

    Wobonga Track is CLOSED due to upgrade works being completed. This closure will be in effect until the 30th of April. 

    - Alternative access to King Basin Track is via Basin Track and Long Spur Track. 

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Alpine National Park

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken (See attached map for details).
     
    The closures will apply during the following dates:
     
    29 April – 2 May 2024 (Bogong High Plains)
    29 April – 3 May 2024 (Feathertop and Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    The following tracks and visitor areas will be open during the operation:
     
    OPEN – MT FEATHERTOP AREA
    ·     Bungalow Spur
    ·     The Razorback
    ·     Diamantina Spur
    ·     Mt Feathertop
    ·     Federation Hut
    ·     West Kiewa Logging Road
    ·     Blairs Hut
     
    OPEN – MT HOTHAM/DINNER PLAIN AREA
    ·     Great Alpine Road
    ·     Dargo High Plains Road
    ·     Dinner Plain Track
    ·     Blue Rag Range Track
    ·     Machinery Spur
    ·     Swindlers Spur
    ·     Dibbins Hut
    ·     Brabralung Trail
    ·     Carmichael Falls
    ·     Dead Timber Hill Walking Track
    ·     Room with a View Walking Track
     
    OPEN – BOGONG HIGH PLAINS AREA
    ·     Bogong High Plains Road
    ·     Pretty Valley Road
    ·     Wallace Hut
    ·     Pretty Valley Hut
    ·     Pretty Valley Camping Area
    ·     Mountain Creek Camping Area
    ·     Big River Camping Area
     
    For more information about the program and park closures, please visit this link. 

    Attachments: Alpine National Park aerial operations information April_May 2024 (9,883KB)

    Bogong High Plains Road

    Following the landslide at Bogong Village the Bogong High Plains Road is now open however remediation work will continue into the foreseeable future to rectify the damage created by the landslide. Parks Victoria advises that all visitors check the Regional Roads Victoria and  Victoria's big build website for the latest traffic updates on closures or delays before visiting.
     https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/north-eastern-improvements/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 
    https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 

    Ambyne Settlement Road - Very Poor Condition, Limited Access to Alpine National Park east of the Snowy River

    Ambyne Settlement Road passes through private property and links Ambyne Road with Ambyne Track, Amboyne Boundary Track and Blackguard Gully Track.  This road provides one of the few access routes into and out of the Alpine National Park on the eastern side of the Snowy River.

    Recent severe storms caused local flash flooding in the Ambyne Valley and have resulted in parts of Ambyne Settlement Road becoming severely damaged with washed out creek crossings in several areas.

    Visitors need to be advised that access into and out of the Alpine National Park via Ambyne Settlement Road is currently very difficult and should only be attempted by experienced drivers with high clearance 4WDs and recovery equipment.

    There are no alternate, publicly accessible routes nearby which provide access through the private property in the Ambyne Valley.

    Attachments: Map - Ambyne Settlement Rd - Very Poor Condition (1,400KB)

    Restricted Access at Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track

    The eastern end of Spring Saddle Track has restricted access due to machinery continuing to clear soil as part of the Bogong Village landslip remediation works.  The track is open to pedestrian traffic but not vehicles and no Park visitors will be able to enter the works site at the Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track. There is signage explaining the restrictions at the Spring Saddle Track Fainter Fire Trail intersections. 

    Storm Damage to Dry River Walking Track

    Dry River Walking Track has been impacted by storm events and is in poor condition and difficult to navigate with horses. Alternative tracks should be considered.

    Mt Pinnibar Track - poor track conditions

    Mt Pinnibar Track, between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track, has developed sections of significant and deep track erosion following flood and storm events.
    While the track remains open it is recommended that only experienced drivers in well equipped 4WD vehicles attempt this track in dry conditions.
    All visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.

    Ground shooting operations targeting Feral Pigs Eastern Alps from 15 April 2024.

    Ground operations (ground shooting) targeting Feral Pigs are undertaken across the Eastern Alps, and include areas to the west and north of Suggan Buggan, west of Wulgulmerang, and east of Cobberas and Brumby.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.

    This work is to be carried out dusk to dawn from:
    * 15 to 26 April, and
    * 29 May to 15 June 2024.

    Attachments: Flyer for feral pig control FINAL (165KB)

    Road Conditions – Tamboritha and Howitt Roads

    Tamboritha and Howitt Roads in the Foothills and Southern Alps area of the Alpine National Park are currently recommended for all wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles with sufficient clearance and appropriate tyres. Road maintenance works have been completed on sections the Tamboritha and Howitt Roads  in summer 2024, however some road surfaces conditions remain poor. 

    Vehicles travelling on the these roads require attention to variations of the surface condition. 

    Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions.

  • Moroka Hut and Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge CLOSED until further notice

    The Moroka River pedestrian bridge is closed until further notice due to being assessed as structurally unsound. 

    Access to Moroka Hut is via the Moroka Range Walking Track (4WD only). 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

 
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm