OH! Magazine - Australian Version July 2018 | Page 21

best breweries in the country! At an
altitude of 1,550m, Blizzard Brewing
Company is Australia’s highest brewery
(beer tastes better at elevation, right?),
and at Blizzard, today’s powder is
tomorrow’s beer because they basically
brew with snow-melt; this means using
fresh, pure spring water, directly sourced
from the high altitude aquifers of Dinner
Plain. Most people who visit the brewery
confirm that they'll happily swap their tap
of spring water for a tap of Bizzard beer
any day!
treatments, massage, an indoor pool, gym
and group fitness classes.
Sled Dogs
Dinner Plain also boasts the unique
opportunity to experience sled dogs in
their natural environment. There are
numerous operators at various times within
the season, and there's even an annual
Sled Dog Challenge – which is an event that
you have to see to believe.
Getting to the Alpine Nature Experience
Dinner Plain Onsen Retreat + Spa
www.visitdinnerplain.com.au
The best way to complete your stay is to
head down the mountain slightly to Dinner
Plain. Here, you can indulge your senses
and soothe aching muscles in a Japanese-
inspired 40°C outdoor onsen, which is
surrounded by the tranquility of the high
country's mountains and gumtrees. Ideal
for bathing and restoration after a night in
the snow dome or to conclude a skiing and
snowboarding sesh, the Onsen Retreat +
Spa also offers beauty and body
Getting to your Alpine Nature Experience
destination is an adventure in itself. The
Great Alpine Road in high country Victoria
stretches 303km from Wangaratta to
Bairnsdale, reaching 1,840m at Mount
Hotham, which claims the record as
Australia's highest road. It's one of the
most spectacular drives in Australia, and
with unrivalled views that you won't find
anywhere else in the country, it's truly one
for the bucket list. A journey along this
road will take you through rolling river
valleys, pristine bush, quaint towns and
gourmet food regions, with the best bit of
all climaxing with dizzying views of Mount
Buffalo and Mount Feathertop as you
spiral your way up Hotham. Then, high up
at over 1,500m in the fresh mountain air,
you'll discover the hidden gem of Dinner
Plain with its mesmerising architecture
and peaceful atmosphere. Honestly, you'll
wonder why you never came sooner!
Note: If travelling to Dinner Plain or
Hotham you are advised to travel via
Gippsland and Omeo. This is because
heavy snow, low visibility and strong winds
can make the approach from the Bright-
side slow. Snow chains must be carried in
all vehicles at all times. Also be aware that
you will need to purchase a permit to park
your car while participating in the Alpine
Nature Experience. For permit details visit
www.mthotham.com.au
Alpine Nature Experiences start from $109
per adult or $65 per child. To secure your
Alpine Nature Experience or to find out more
visit alpinenatureexperience.com.au
Photos by Georgie James and Kate Hanton
https://vimeo.com/226403521
OH! MAGAZINE ( JULY 2018 )
21