by Dawn Teh
posted on 5 August 2024
Embark on a picturesque journey from Bright to Dinner Plain which stretches about 70 km through the rugged Australian Alps. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of lush forests and snow-capped mountains.
You can either rent a car, take the bus, or grab a taxi to reach Dinner Plain. Keep reading to find out details for each option and decide which is the best choice for you.
If you want the convenience and flexibility of stopping whenever you like, why not hire a car on Turo? You can choose from a range of SUVs, 4WDs, and more.
Bright to Dinner Plain: An overview
This trip can be completed in a day. But why not stop along the iconic towns along the way? In addition to visiting the popular Hotham Alpine Resort, you can challenge yourself with a hike up Mount Feathertop near Harrietville or bike along the Great Valley Trail.
- Distance: 67 km
- Travel options: Car, bus, taxi
- When to travel to Dinner Plain: Winter season is most popular
- Top spots along the way:
- Visit Tronoh Dredge Hole
- Hike Mount Feathertop
- Bike along the Great Valley Trail
- Explore Harrietville Museum
- Go fishing at Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm
- Explore Alpine National Park
- Hit the ski slope at Hotham Alpine Resort (Mount Hotham)
- Best activities at Dinner Plain:
- Skiing at Cobungra Platter
- Carmichael Falls
- Sled dog ride around the village
- Cross-country skiing through snow gums within Alpine National Park
How to get from Bright to Dinner Plain
You can get from Bright to Dinner Plain by car, bus, and taxi. Here’s all the information you need on each option so you can decide which is the best choice for you.
Bright to Dinner Plain: Drive
Of the three options, renting your own vehicle offers the most convenience. You can stop whenever you feel like it. Plus, it’s more affordable than hiring a snow taxi or ride share.
This stunning scenic route also showcases the natural beauty of the Victorian High Country. You’ll wind through lush forests and rolling hills before ending up at the quaint alpine village of Dinner Plain.
Distance: 67 km
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cost: Car rental cost varies depending on car make and length of hire. You can expect to pay between $70-$120 per day.
Best for: Scenic drive, you want the flexibility of being able to make stops along the way and have a vehicle once you arrive
Tips for driving from Bright to Dinner Plain
- You need to carry snow chains at all times before entering Dinner Plain (hire them at Harrietville or Bright)
- Alpine diesel and antifreeze are recommended
Hire your dream car on Turo for your Victorian Alps adventure today.
Bright to Dinner Plain: Bus Service
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Options:
- Public Transport Victoria Regional Bus
- HothamBus coach service (with shuttle from Mt Hotham to Dinner Plain included)
Cost:
- $10.60 daily fare for Public Transport Victoria Regional Bus
- HothamBus coach service starts from $59
Best for: You don’t mind a longer journey, and you don’t need the flexibility of a car
Important notes:
- Public Transport Victoria Regional Bus
- You may not be able to take big luggage onto the bus
- Service doesn’t run every day
- Hotham Bus
- You’re allowed 45kg of luggage which must be placed in the luggage compartment. One carry bag under 5kg, along with ski or snowboard bag
- Service only runs twice a day
Bright to Dinner Plain: Taxi
Distance: 67 km
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cost: Starts from $200 (depends on the type of vehicle you hire)
Operator: Snow Taxi
Best for: Relaxing on the journey, luxury experience, fixed quote per trip, you’re not planning to stop along the way, you don’t need the flexibility of a car
Plan the perfect getaway with Turo — explore Victoria’s stunning alpine region at your own pace and select from with a wide variety of unique cars you won’t find anywhere else, all conveniently available for pick-up from trusted local hosts. Explore car rental in Bright on Turo.
Things you need to know before you get going
Hiring your own car to get from Bright to Dinner Plain is a convenient and cost-effective option. But it’s important to make some simple preparations before you begin your trip so that everything goes smoothly. Here are the most important things to know.
Winter driving conditions
Take extra care when driving in the winter as ice and rain can make the roads slippery.
Remember to:
- Slow down
- Maintain extra distance between you and the car in front
- Pull over if you’re unsure if the roads are safe
Find out more about winter driving safety tips here.
Snow chains
During the snow season, it’s mandatory to carry snow chains when driving to Dinner Plain. These can be rented at ski rental stores in Bright (note that snow chains are NOT available in Dinner Plain).
You can hire chains from ski rental stores in Bright or Harrietville.
Antifreeze and alpine diesel
It’s recommended you use antifreeze and alpine diesel when taking this route (both available in Bright) to ensure that your fuel doesn’t gel up in the alpine conditions.
Once you arrive: Car parking
- Visitors must park in designated areas at their accommodation and around the village. Specific parking areas include:
- Horseshoe Circle Car Park: This area is designated for day parking only.
- Scrubbers End Car Park: This area offers both day parking and overnight parking in designated areas. Permits are required for overnight parking, which can be obtained from your accommodation host.
Resort entry: Fees and other restrictions
- No resort entry fee required: Unlike other major ski resorts in Victoria (like Falls Creek or Mount Hotham), you don’t need to pay a fee to enter Dinner Plain making it an accessible destination for anyone wanting to stop by.
- Caravan restrictions: Caravans can only stay overnight at the Scrubbers End car park outside of snow season. During the snow season, caravans are not permitted to stay overnight.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Dinner Plain from Bright
Can I get to Dinner Plain from Bright without a car?
Yes, it’s possible to get to Dinner Plain from Bright without a car, but it’s not always the most convenient or cost-effective choice.
Bus services are operated by HothamBus and Public Transport Victoria Regional Bus. This option will take you about an hour longer than driving. Services aren’t as frequent as well (twice a day for HothamBus). You can also hire a snow taxi, which is a good option if you want to relax on the journey. But it’s more expensive than hiring your own vehicle.
Booking your own car on Turo is a more convenient option. You won’t have to plan your itinerary around bus schedules or worry about expensive taxi fees.
Do I need snow chains to drive to Dinner Plain?
Yes, if you are driving to Dinner Plain during the snow season, it is mandatory to carry snow chains. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and snow chains are required to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Make sure you know how to fit them properly before your trip.
Can you drive a caravan or RV to Dinner Plain?
Caravans and RVs are only allowed to park overnight at the Scrubbers End car park during the off-peak season. The car park is closed to caravans and RVs during snow season. Check the Dinner Plain website for exact season dates each year.
Hire your dream vehicle on Turo for your Bright to Dinner Plain adventure.
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
