Alpine Nature Experience at Mount Hotham: Ditch the Beach for a Hilltop Hyperdome

Boycotting the beach during summer has never looked as good as the weekend I spent at the Alpine Nature Experience atop Mount Hotham in Victoria’s High Country. There was no traffic, no scalding sand, just the peaceful hum of nature and a warm breeze.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gunaikurnai and Taungurung people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

The Alpine Nature Experience at Victoria’s Mount Hotham is known for its overnight accommodation in legit handmade igloos during winter. Fair enough too – that’s a pretty awesome experience.

But a summer visit to the elevated tents (like a hammock with a fully enclosed cover), or the futuristic hyperdomes takes relaxation to a whole new level. 

Hands down the worst part about camping is the set up… forget about that here, it’s already done

For a start, there’s no snow. It’s T-shirt weather during the day, the breeze takes the edge off, and you’re in the perfect position for sunset. When night rolls around and you’ve warmed up in the eco-friendly spa with the best view in the world, the temperature drops just enough to sit snug in a jumper around the campfire and swap stories.

It’s like four summer holidays in one weekend.

What the heck is a hyperdome?

Glamping is one thing, but staying in a hyperdome at Alpine Nature Experience is like glamping 2.0. These futuristic, dome-shaped tents, nestled within the alpine landscape, are super luxurious but the focus is less on the tent and more on bringing the outside in.

100% increase in mirrored surfaces compared to a normal camping trip

The domes are a blend of sturdy canvas and clear windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Inside, it’s surprisingly roomy and stylishly furnished – think wooden floors, the most plush queen bed you’ve ever slept on, cosy blankets, and even a little fireplace for cooler summer nights.

For all its simplicity, it doesn’t skimp on comfort.

Note that the domes are hot inside during the day. But they’ve got little windows for ventilation and frankly, there’s so much outdoors to enjoy, it’d be a waste to spend your afternoon inside.

Yes, those are fairy lights and yes, they are magical at night

First Impressions: Shrug Off the Real World

After parking the car at the base of the ridge, it’s only a short hike through the alpine forest to reach the camp. Despite being so close to the main road, the sound drops away quickly and before you know it you’re there.

Literally everything has been done for you, from hot water and a foot pump-operated basin in your hyperdome, to a separate shower, and a special worm-composting toilet that legitimately does not stink (what is this fresh magic?!).

I implore you to ignore the solar-powered phone charger generously provided in your room and turn your communication brick off. This little eco-retreat is magical and it deserves your full, undivided attention.

What the Alpine Nature Experience is Like

My weekend started in the car park on the main road, with clear instructions on where to wait provided by email. Shortly after my partner and I pulled up, we were met by host and creator of the Alpine Nature Experience (ANE), JF, who walked us to camp.

He started the ANE because he wanted to bring a little slice of the French Alps to Australia. To JF, that looks like communal meals with delicious locally produced food, grand views, comfy sleeping arrangements, and nights under the stars around the fire.

Everything has been built with the idea to have the least impact on the natural environment as possible

While you’re there, don’t forget to ask JF about his galah story. You’ll be equal parts horrified and impressed. It’s an epic campfire yarn.

The camp was communal in a good way at meal times (omg the salad dressing is to die for), and during the evenings, but there weren’t any expectations to participate if we didn’t want to.

Hiking Trails

If, like me, you like to throw a hike or sightseeing into every trip away from home, you’re in luck. The camp is surrounded by hiking trails and JF knows everything about what to do and where to go. When I saw spitfires for the first time, he gave me a full David Attenborough-esque run down, and now I’m pretty much a spitfire expert.

These guys regurgitate a yellow fluid as a defence mechanism which is how they got the nickname ‘Spitfire’

If you want something more chunky to do the following day, or even the day before you arrive, consider the Hotham Huts Walk (or Mount Loch for a shorter option), or the Dead Timber Hill Walking Track in nearby Dinner Plain.

On my visit, every other guest was headed to hike the Razorback Trail the following day.

This is a moderately challenging hike, but the views are worth every step. The trail winds along the spine of the ridge, offering 360-degree panoramas of the Victorian Alps, all the way to Mount Feathertop. Sleeping on Mt Hotham the night before makes the early start a lot less painful too!

Read more: Hiking Mount Hotham – High Country Walks You Have To Experience

Relax and Reconnect with Nature

Not into hardcore hikes? No problem. The slower pace of the ANE makes it easy to spend a lazy day soaking in the serenity. We spent time playing bocce, exploring the trails around camp, watching insects collect pollen, and drinking in the view from every vantage point we could find.

The highlight was the wood-fired hot tub perched atop the mountain with an expanse of peaks rolling away in the distance. JF set us up with our choice of beverage and then we were on our own to zen out before dinner was served in the group Tipi Tent. It was here that the sense of calm I’d been hoping to find really hit me. Did I float to dinner afterward? It felt like floating.

Not every package includes the hot tub but I highly recommend taking the one that does

Dinner Under the Stars

The evening meal was warm, hearty, and delicious. The ingredients are locally sourced and there are plenty of choices for pre- and post-dinner drinks with a wide selection of wine and craft beers.

After dessert (oh don’t get me started on the deliciousness of the dessert) we headed out to the communal campfire to continue chatting with our fellow guests, wandering off to enjoy the tranquility of the silent mountain before bed.

Remember to ask JF about the galah story. I’m not sure it’s ever going to leave my brain

There’s really no better way to fall asleep than drinking in the river of stars overhead, the sunset lingering through the transparent wall at your toes.

What I loved most about this weekend was the emphasis on sustainability. Alpine Nature Experience prides itself on being eco-friendly. They use renewable energy and even offer carbon-neutral stays. It feels good knowing your getaway leaves a minimal footprint on the Victorian High Country.

You won’t want to leave

A Nature Retreat Like No Other

As a regular hiker and camper, I know the value of retreating to the bush. It’s the only place I truly switch off and relax. But most of my trips involve sacrificing comforts, which naturally limits peak enjoyment.

The ANE seamlessly makes you feel completely in tune with the world around you, while providing all the comforts lacking on the average camping trip – gourmet meals, a hot tub (!), a warm bed, and a toilet to rival your one at home.

Best of all, it couldn’t have been further from an overcrowded beach. Bliss. 

Alpine Nature Experience FAQs

How does a natural drop toilet with no pipes not produce an odour?

JF tells me it’s a worm composting toilet. So not only is there no smell, but there’s never going to be a random chopper buzzing overhead to carry out the waste underneath. Very good news for the planet, and JF, who otherwise would be shovelling your poos.

Where is Alpine Nature Experience?

Alpine Nature Experience is located at Mount Hotham, around a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne. You’ll be heading along the Great Alpine Road – perfect for a road trip!

How do I book the Alpine Nature Experience?

Head to the Alpine Nature Experience website to check availability and make a booking. Prices for a night in a hyperdome start at around $400 per couple, including meals and activities. Summer stays tend to book out quickly, so it’s worth locking in your spot early.

What does the Alpine Nature Experience stay include?

• Accommodation in a luxurious hyperdome: A spacious dome tent equipped with a queen bed, cosy bedding, and heating
• Gourmet campfire dinner and breakfast: Locally sourced, delicious meals
• Guided walks and activities: As well as the hikes I mentioned, there are also plenty of guided activities to do, like the ANE hiking and cycling offers
• Sustainability focus: JF is so passionate about the environment that he built the camp by hand. It strictly adheres to Leave No Trace principles, is carbon-neutral, and fully off-grid

What do I bring to the Alpine Nature Experience?

• Comfortable hiking shoes (runners are fine for camp)
• Warm layers for the odd cooler night
• A reusable water bottle
• Hat
• Small bag or backpack (you don’t want wheels!)
• Bathers for the hot tub

More Ways to Enjoy Victoria’s High Country

• Victoria’s High Country Bursts With Adventure All Year Round
• The Best Hikes in High Country Victoria
• Harrietville and Mt Beauty – The Valleys That Make VIC High Country So Special
• Road Tripping Through Victoria From Sea to Summit