When it comes to family vacations, there’s something truly special about immersing yourselves in nature.
This summer, on your trip to Dinner Plain, plan to combine adventure with education.
Embrace the charming alpine village, and explore its stunning scenery.
With trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it’s an excellent opportunity for family bonding while enjoying the great outdoors.
For those with a passion for science, join communities across the Victorian Alpine Resorts who are sharing their environmental discoveries on the peaks of Mt Hotham, Mt Buller/Stirling, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek and Lake Mountain with iNaturalist.
Discovering Dinner Plain
Dinner Plain is a hidden gem just a short drive from Mt. Hotham.
This picturesque village offers a range of accommodations, from comfy affordable hotel rooms at High Plains, rustic cabins to luxury houses and for a number of families there are some lodges available in Summer months too - making it an ideal base for your family getaway.
The area is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
Take a leisurely stroll through the village, where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and admire the unique architecture. The charming atmosphere is perfect for families, with plenty of open spaces for kids to explore and play.
Hiking Mt. Hotham
The highlight of your trip will undoubtedly be hiking Mt. Hotham.
With trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it’s an excellent opportunity for family bonding while enjoying the great outdoors. T
he views from the summit are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
One of the most popular hikes is the 2.5-kilometer summit walk, which is relatively easy and perfect for families.
As you ascend, keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.
Enhancing Your Hike with iNaturalist
To make your hiking experience even more enriching, consider using iNaturalist, a fantastic app that allows you to document and share your nature observations.
The app serves as a virtual science tool, encouraging families to engage with their surroundings and learn about the wildlife they encounter.
Before you set off on your hike, download iNaturalist on your smartphone or tablet.
This app allows you to take photos of plants, animals, and insects, and then identify them using its database.
You can also record your findings and share them with a community of nature enthusiasts. This not only enhances your hiking experience but also fosters a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the environment.
Your observations contribute to a broader database of citizen science observations that will be utilised by Resort Management, scientists, researchers and other land managers to conserve our unique alpine environment.
As you hike, challenge your family to spot different species and identify them using iNaturalist. You might discover unique alpine flowers, native birds, or even the occasional wallaby!
Not only will you create lasting memories, but you'll also develop a deeper appreciation for the incredible ecosystems that thrive in the Australian Alps.
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