explore-hotham

Trek 1 - The Plains to the Falls

The Plains to the falls

trek 1 - Precipice Plain, victoria river & victoria falls

Trek 1 Map

The Plains to the Falls - PRECIPICE PLAIN, VICTORIA RIVER & VICTORIA FALLS

Start The General Store Mt Hotham

Head South on the Great Alpine Road heading towards Dinner Plain and Omeo.(Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt Hotham Resort Management Office)

9.8 km JB Plain Hut on Right

Stay on Great Alpine Road.

1.3 km Dinner Plain Track on Right

Turn right onto Dinner Plain Track, just before Dinner Plain Hut (on left). Engage your vehicle’s 4WD system if available.CAUTION – Track is difficult to see, if you miss the turn, continue to Dinner Plain turn-off and come back.(Toilets available at Dinner Plain)

4.6 km Precipice Plain Lookout on Right

Park in the marked area and walk 100m over flat ground to the edge of a cliff with great views west towards Mt Tabletop and Mt Blue Rag.CAUTION – Stay back from the cliff edge, as the ground can be unstable. Keep a close eye on any children.(Photo opportunity)

7.0 km Victoria River Track on Left

Turn left onto Victoria River Track.

2.4 km Black Sallee Lake on Right

Turn right into Black Sallee Lake (120 m). When ready, return to Victoria River Track and turn right.(Picnic area with table and fire pit) 

8.2 km Great Alpine Road Intersection

Turn right onto the Great Alpine Road. 

3.6 km Victoria Falls Track on Left

Turn left onto Victoria Falls Track. CAUTION – Track is difficult to see, it is on a right hand bend in the road, if you miss the turn, continue down the road and come back.

800 m Victoria Falls Picnic Area

There are two picnic areas either side of the road right beside the Victoria River.  Above the day picnic areas are toilets and bush camping areas with more fire pits.(Picnic area with table, fire pit and toilets)

3.9 km Cattle Grid on track

Stay on Victoria Fall Track.

300 m Victoria Falls Lookout Parking Area

There is a short (50 m) marked walking track, over uneven ground, down to a fenced viewing area looking down onto Victoria Falls.CAUTION – Walking track is steep with loose ground.(Photo opportunity) 

1.0 km Victoria Falls Viewing Area

A clearing in the trees allows a great view back to the falls. Park with care.CAUTION – Edge of track in unfenced and steep.(Photo opportunity) 

300 m Hydroelectric Station Dam

This is the end of the road, you can drive around the dam and explore the area.  When you are ready, return to the Great Alpine Road.(Toilets available at the Victoria River picnic area) 

6.4 km Great Alpine Road Intersection

Turn right onto Great Alpine Road to return to Mt Hotham.OPTIONAL – If you want to visit Omeo (22 km away), then turn left.(Fuel, food, shops and toilets available in Omeo)

22.6 km Dinner Plain on Left

Stay on Great Alpine Road.(Toilets available at Dinner Plain)

11.5 km The General Store Mt Hotham

This is the end of this journey!  

Dinner Plain Track  
Narrow track with minimal facility for overtaking/passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, sharp turns, short steep descents and ascents.

Victoria River Track
  
Narrow track with no facility for overtaking/passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, sharp turns, short steep ascents and descents.Victoria Falls Track  Formed dirt road with reasonable overtaking/passing opportunities, containing sections of corrugations, steep drop-offs, uneven terrain and potholes.

The Plains to the Falls  
From humble high plains grazing to ambitious technological advances brought about by the gold mining era in one of the State’s first hydro-electric power schemes, this easy trek offers a historical insight into the spectacular Victorian mountain ranges.  Skirt the basalt rim of the high plains, drive through Snow Gum woodlands and view the magnificent waterfalls, this trek takes in the vastness of the alpine country.  Highlighting the diversity of European pioneers use of the Alps, this trek is a great introduction to what was once a remote corner of the State.