Seasonal Activites

The 2012 Advance Pet Foods Sled Dog Challenge, Australia's only sled dog race on snow, is being held over the weekend of 11th & 12th August at Dinner Plain, 8km east of Mt Hotham. This annual event is not to be missed!!! Attracting Australia’s finest mushers and sled dog teams, as well as international competitors, this is the only event of its kind held in this country. With around 350 dogs set to go head to head in 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 dog teams there will be a flurry of excitement in the air as they make their way through Dinner Plain’s stunning terrain and snow gum lined ski trails. The race provides a unique experience for both competitors and spectators alike! During the weekend spectators will be treated to freight sled pulling demonstrations, BBQ and souvenir stands, and snowball throwing, snowman building competitions for the kids. All the makings for an action packed, fun filled weekend! Race Start Times: Saturday 9.00AM to 1.30PM – Followed by lunch Sunday 9.00AM to 12.30PM – Followed by presentations Further Information: Email: sleddogs@ssc.net.auRobert Stevens: 0412 327 997Sue Simmons: 0412 161 801Barry Burden: 0408 359 413Susan Hodgkinson: 0417 356 948PLEASE NOTE ONLY DOGS COMPETING ARE ALLOWED ENTRY TO THE ALPINE AREA AND DINNER PLAINSPECTATORS ARE REQUESTED TO PLEASE LEAVE THEIR DOGS AT HOME.

Awaken your senses with this 6 day food and wine festival, featuring regional foods and exciting cool climate wines from the spectacular North East Valleys. This will be the sixth time the event has been held and for those food and wine lovers out there it is an event not to be missed!

From wine tastings and master classes to foodie films, pampering sessions, kids activites, tapas and regional produce platters, there is something for everyone. Visitors will have the chance to experience delicious gourmet food and quality local beer and wine from the Alpine Valleys in a wonderful snowy setting.

And don't forget the Top Chef Challenge. Visit participating venues to sample and critique our chefs dishes. All critics will be entered into the Mountain Fresh prize draw and the winning chef will recieve the prestigious title of Fresh Chef 2011.

Three days of music and indulgence, on two stages in the middle of nowhere, with the luxury of everything! The festival features artists from all types of genres. With the stages set up on the Big D ski run, 1815 meters above sea level, what more could you ask for? Cool Summer prides itself on supporting Australian independent music and have some great bands confirmed to play the festival such as John Williamson, Bomba, Tijuana Cartel, Marshall & the Fro, Abbie Cardwell, Hussy Hicks, Kate Vigo & The Underground Orchestra, Matt Sonic & The High Times and Many Many More! Tickets on sale now from www.coolsummerfestival.com

The DP Festival of Cycling is a 3 day cycling event based in the picturesque village of Dinner Plain in North East Victoria. The event offers a unique opportunity for road cyclists to challenge themselves to descend and climb the Great Alpine Road, including the renowned Mt Hotham Summit, in a fully supported environment. With a maximum of 120 riders participating, all aspects of the weekend are personalised to ensure you can achieve your personal best on your bike.  The festival includes the Hotham Challenge Ride, Ridewiser coaching clinic, mechanical workshop, official welcome drinks and much much more. For more information and to view the full event schedule checkout hotham.com.au/cycling

Head to the High Country this Labour Day for an action packed long weekend!! With 6 trophy races and a wide range of side attractions, the Hinnomunjie Races is the perfect family event. Gates open at 11am with the first Melbourne Race starting at approximately 12pm, and the first local race commencing at approximately 1.00pm.

The annual Tambo Valley Racing Club picnic races at Swifts Creek has been running for 116 years. Each year the picnic racing event attracts punters and families. Much emphasis is placed on entertainment for the kids. The racecourse is situated on the banks of the Tambo River, with magnificent hill views in all directions. All buildings have been constructed to take advantage of the local timbers, thus giving a real country look and feel. The lawn area is well shaded and protected by beautiful weeping willows. As the final event in the Alpine Discovery Festival, this 6 race meeting, including the legendary Swifts Creek Cup, is not to be missed!

This annual event is not to be missed!! Held at Swifts Creek every Labour Day long weekend. Watch some of the 4x4 drivers tackle the local mountain terrain, straight up & straight down!! LOCATION: Starts at the Swifts Creek Police Station between 8 am and 10am. Presentation at Albion Hotel Swifts Creek at 8:30pm.

Celebrate Easter in Dinner Plain with a giant easter egg hunt, scenic chairlift rides, a visit to the day spa and a chance for the kids to checkout the CFA truck!

Only 10kms from all the action of the Easter Sunday polo match and a short drive to Omeo for the annual rodeo.

Inviting rodeo riders from all corners of the country to compete in this annual Easter Saturday event. The day is sure to be action packed full of entertainment for the whole family.

Come and see the Broncs, Bulls, Barrel Race, thrills and spills.
Cost - $20.00 Adults $10.00 Concession. Under 12 free.

The Geebung vs. Cuff 'n' Collar Polo Match is an annual event whereby the 'High Country Cattlemen' take on the 'City Slicker' team in a polo match, named after the historic poem 'The Geebung Polo Club' by Banjo Patterson. Taking place at Horsehair Plain (adjacent to the Hotham Airport), only 10 minutes from Dinner Plain, it’s a great day out for the whole family. With events such as kids running races, a giant ‘Tug-O-War’, frozen chook throwing, live music, fashion and the infamous Easter egg drop from a helicopter, who could miss it??  And don’t forget the main event, the Polo Match. Approximately 3000 are expected to revel in the atmosphere and get into the festival spirit. Gates open at 10am, Polo begins at Midday. Ticket prices: to be confirmed.        

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit then by joining in with the Dinner Plain community at the 4th annual Community Carols. A great family event with a BBQ in the ‘Secret Garden’ at rear of  Alphutte Restaurant and special guest artists, Wilbur Wilde, the Wangaratta Pipe Band and the Swifts Creek Primary School Choir. There may even be a special appearance from our jolly friend in red!  For the perfect break before Christmas enjoy a weekend 2 night package with wine, Christmas fruit cake, and a santa stocking for the kids. For more details please call us on (03) 5159 6556.