Today we decided to drive up into the Victorian Alps and visit Mount Hotham, one of the ski areas in this area. When we decided to come here we thought…
Today we decided to drive up into the Victorian Alps and visit Mount Hotham, one of the ski areas in this area. When we decided to come here we thought we might be able to ski there. However, they are having a warm winter and their snowpack is very minimal. So, we just drove up to see the area.
The Mount Hotham resort area encompasses a large area before and after the ski area. They require a $69 permit to stop or park anywhere in the resort area. We decided it wasn’t worth that money to stop so we drove through the resort area until we got to the far side. We stopped in a small community called Dinner Plate, walked around a bit, and then returned through the Mount Hotham area back to Bright.
In Australia you are required to carry snow chains in your car when you go above the “snow line.” Although there is minimal snow here right now we still had to rent chains for our rental car. I do see why they require this. The road to Mount Hotham was steep and narrow and would be a difficult drive in icy conditions. I struggled at times driving because the edge of the road was a very steep drop-off with no guard rail. I was happy that Tari was on that side of the car since she does not have a fear of heights. I simply focused on making sure I stayed close to the center line.
After we returned to Bright I did a 20 mile bike ride and Tari did a long walk along a scenic trail here in Bright.
Infomation about the forest at higher elevations in Australia. Fire is important for the health of these forests as well.Once again, pretty obvious where you should drive. Also you can see the minimal snow pack up here.
A species of Eucalyptus trees is common in the higher elevation forests here. No koalas live here though.Top of Mount Hotham. You actually walk over to the top of the chairlift, ski down, and then come back up the chair lift. Quite a few skiers here.
Forest with mountains in the background.The chair lift goes over the road here! Also, the ski trail goes over the tunnel you drive through.
We thought these signs were hilarious. I am sure everything looks very different when there is snow covering the road, but as we drove up it was very obvious that you would stay on the right side of the poles. To the left was a very big drop-off.A view of mountains. Hard to really take in the beautiful views from up there, especially since we couldn’t stop to take pictures (we weren’t going to pay the fee just to stop).
Suspension bridge over Ovens River in Bright. Bridge is close to our timeshare.
This waterfall was created during the gold mining boom here in Bright. Used to send mine tailings down to the river for gold mining.
Ovens River from the suspension bridge.
Another smaller man made cut in the rocks taking water to the river.
Kookaberra sitting up a gum tree. I am sure you all remember the song. Was fun to see one. Never knew the amount of noise they make. They are the birds that make a sound that sounds like monkeys in trees. Their vocalizations are used for the sounds of the jungle at numerous places.
A mandatory picture from my ride. This is looking bacak up the valley towards Bright. If you zoom in you can see snow on the top of a mountain in the distance.
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