Posted Fri 23 Jun 2023 at 09:15am
Rug yourself up and prepare for snowy dog-friendly activities at Dinner Plain, a winter wonderland in Victoria. Renowned for its breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and exhilarating winter activities, you and your furry friend can frolic in the snow, build snowmen (or snowdogs) and cosy up by the fire together.
Read on to uncover the wonders of this enchanting destination and plan the ulti-mutt winter getaway!
1. Build your very own snowman
Get your hands and paws together to build the paw-fect snowman (or snowdog)! This dog-friendly activity in Dinner Plains allows your imagination to run wild as you sculpt the snow creature of your dreams. Whether it’s a mischievous snowdog with floppy ears or a rendition of the famous Olaf from Frozen, you and your beloved pup will have a ball creating your very own snow sculpture.
2. Strike a pose on a toboggan
Although pups are not allowed on the toboggan run at Dinner Plain as it gets very busy and can be dangerous for both humans and four-legged friends, you can still join in on the fun by taking cute snaps on a toboggan. If your pup is a diva and refuses to walk on the snow, this could be an alternative method of travelling (if it’s not too busy).
3. Stay warm inside your very own igloo
For an even greater challenge, test your crafting skills by building your very own igloo! Did you know that despite their icy exterior, igloos provide a surprisingly warm and insulated shelter? If you don’t believe us, try it out for yourself!
4. Fuel up on some pub grub
After hours of snow play, you and Fido are bound to be famished! Lucky for you, there are a few dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Dinner Plain where you can fuel up on some delicious food. Head to Club Wyndham’s Elements Restaurant outdoor beer garden with your pup and enjoy a refreshingly cold beer and warm woodfired pizza. If you’re travelling in Winter, make sure your furry friend is rugged up, as it gets cold outside!
Hotel High Plains is another great dog-friendly restaurant option. With a burger bar and jaffle & waffle breakfast bar open during Winter alongside their regular bar and restaurant, you and Fido have unlimited options available! And, if you’re game, battle it out with a round of pool – loser gets the bill.
Dinner Plain Hotel and The Hub Cafe are two other available dog-friendly options, so you won’t have to go to the same venue every day! If it’s too cold to sit outdoors in Winter, grab takeaway and enjoy your meal in the warmth of your accommodation.
5. Cosy up with your pup indoors
When you need to warm up, head indoors and snuggle up with your pup near the fireplace. Dinner Plain has several dog-friendly accommodation options, so you and Fido can cosy up and watch the snow fall from inside. Choose from High Bernation House, a spacious holiday home, Pinot, a compact and stylish apartment, Cottage Creek, a recently refurbished cottage and more!
6. Explore the picturesque town of Bright
Hop in the car and journey to Bright, a small but picturesque town just over an hour away from Dinner Plain. Make your first stop at Ginger Baker, a dog-friendly wine bar and cafe, to satisfy your brunch cravings. Order crispy potato rosti with poached eggs and spinach, ricotta hotcakes with berry compote, creamy gorgonzola gnocchi with mushrooms or lamb cutlets with chimichurri.
If you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan-only options, head to Wild Thyme Cafe for buckwheat pancakes with fresh fruit, vegan pad thai, sweet potato pizza and more!
Then, it’s time to explore Bright on a bike – hire a dog trailer and bike from Bright Electric Bikes and go on a thrilling adventure. With over 150km of connecting bike trails around Bright, you’ll easily be able to spend the day biking and uncovering the beauty of the town.
Reward yourself with a glass of wine at Ringer Reef, a dog-friendly cellar door with 13 different grape varietals grown onsite. Sit outside with Fido on the landing and order a shared platter while enjoying the beautiful view.
Or, head to Bright Brewery, an iconic venue on the Ovens River’s banks. With an expansive outdoor area, you and Fido will easily find a spot to enjoy a cold brew and a fresh, seasonal meal. If you’re stuck on choosing a beer, try out their DoggoBrau, a tropical XPA that’ll tickle your tastebuds. Part proceeds from the sale of DoggoBrau go to RSPCA Victoria, so you’ll be helping their cause to protect animals in need.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Bright on the third Saturday of the month, head to the Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market. Sift through some of the freshest produce, wines, ales, original artworks, homewares and more with your pup.
7. Take a mini road trip to Mount Beauty
If you have extra time to spare, take a road trip to Mount Beauty and experience the breathtaking scenic views this alpine town has to offer. Get your heart rate up on the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk – a 3.9 km dog-friendly trail that’s enjoyed best on a warm day.
You’ll adventure over a bridge and four river crossings and tackle a swim across the gorge to reach the final destination. Remember that this trail is rugged and dangerous, so it may not be suitable for all pups and humans. The gorge water can get extremely deep, so keep an eye out for your furry friend and ensure they’re well equipped with a life jacket.
Once you’re finished the walk, head to Crank Handle Brewery for a quick pick me up. You and Fido can sit in the outdoor beer garden and listen to the ripple of the Kiewa River as you enjoy an icy cold beverage paired with a delicious pub meal.
8. Visit the charming village of Myrtleford
Another great dog-friendly activity near Dinner Plain is to visit the charming village of Myrtleford. Grab some takeaway from Cafe Fez or Cafe Chulo and head out to Lake Buffalo for a relaxing picnic. Although pups aren’t allowed in Mount Buffalo National Park, you can both enjoy the majestic scenery from the lake. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in the lake, so If your pup loves to swim, go for a splash in Nimmo Bridge Reserve.
Head back to town, enjoy a cruisy walk along Myrtleford’s Mosaic Trail, and try to spot as many mosaics as possible. Two friends (also known as ‘The Two Crackpots’) hatched an idea to create an experience that evokes a child-like pleasure of a treasure hunt. With over a hundred different mosaics scattered across the town, you’ll need more than a couple of days to spot them all.
Most mosaics are hidden along the 5.6 km loop trail that leads you alongside the river and the town’s parks. If you happen to take a wrong turn, don’t fret; you might just unearth one of the rare, concealed mosaics.
Keep in mind that some of these dog-friendly activities in Dinner Plain (especially hiking, biking or swimming) may not be available during the Winter months due to the icy conditions. Despite this, there’s always plenty to do, and if it’s your pup’s first time experiencing snow, it’ll be an adventure they’ll never forget!
Need more inspiration? Here are some of the best pet-friendly holiday destinations in Australia. Or, if you want to explore your own backyard, check out these paw-some dog-friendly activities in Melbourne!
