Journey starts! This is the estimated travel time. A long day ahead.

Planned stops along the way.

But first, a big breakfast at Macca’s. The Sausage and Egg McMuffin is my usual choice.

First stop at Bruthen. We had another breakfast here with family.

We rented a snow chain at Omeo.

That moment when we are driving through roads and snow is falling all around us. We have finally arrived in the snowy area, and the excitement really kicks in.

Arrived at Dinner Plain. This is where my relatives will stay. This town looks so magical and dreamy.

Then, we need to drive from Dinner Plain to Hotham Heights for about twenty minutes. My partner and I rented an apartment there. Didn’t realise it’s far.

We had a hard time figuring out where this place is. We look at the maps, drive around, walk in circles, feeling exhausted and frustrated. We keep going back and forth, and when we really cannot find it, we finally call the staff. Turns out it is at The General, a place we already walked past several times!

We haven’t unpacked our luggage yet and the view is so amazing I cannot resist taking a photo first. #priorities

Selfie before we leave. We are driving to my cousin’s place at Dinner Plain for dinner.

They cooked this Nilagang Baka (Filipino Beef Stew) which tastes so good and perfect for the cold weather. Happy tummy.

We drove back and then left our car here because this is the designated area for overnight parking. We’re not allowed to park outside the apartment. But on Dinner Plain at my cousin’s, they are allowed to park outside. Yeah.

It’s freezing! But I still want to remember this moment and freeze it in time.

Waiting for the bus to come. I can’t walk back to the apartment because it is too far. I might freeze to death before I even reach that place on foot 💀

It looks both scary and beautiful outside.

Now it feels warm and cozy. Ready for the night.

Day 2 selfie. Start of another amazing day.

I walked around and reached this area where skiers go. Not many people yet since it is still early in the morning.

I wonder what’s out there.

Look at these outdoor tables and benches covered in snow!

Leaves covered in snow I wanna shake them.

They look so sharp. I want to touch and break them, but it seems dangerous to do.

Back in the apartment. I was deep in snow and I didn’t know that it got in my boots. Careful to not let it fall in my shoes or it could get wet.

Bus back to Dinner Plain. Gonna explore around. So excited.

This town covered in snow looks just like the movies. I’m the main character!

It’s cool to see how this tractor clears all that snow away.

Weathering Heights. Wuthering Heights. So clever!

Play area at Dinner Plain. People go here for skiing and tobogganing.

Oh yeah, I tried tobogganing for the first time. I really enjoyed it, but the walk up the hill was a bit of a drag.

No snow experience is complete without tossing a snowball at someone.😅

I made snowballs and tried to stack them into a tower. It took a lot of time and I gave up.

And yes, more pictures! And realising that I only enjoy snow for holidays. I don’t think I could ever live somewhere like this long term. The effort just to do simple things is too much. I cannot imagine doing this every day. Walking in the snow is like walking in the desert sand.

Now waiting for the bus back to Mount Hotham. It took longer than expected.

Still snowing outside, but the view is better than last night.

Back at the apartment again. Now feeling cozy. Rest for a bit.

But I don’t want to stay inside. I want to seize the day and explore some more outside. I’ll only be here for a few days.

So here I am again, deep in the snow. That building behind me is our apartment, the one on the second floor. It’s not easy going down here. The snow is still soft and every step can sink as deep as my knees.

My relatives from Dinner Plain came to see us at Mount Hotham. Then we went to Hotham Hub, where there is an area for kids to play.

Bus back to the apartment. Now it is so dark. Feels like a horror movie is about to start. But first, I need to eat.

Ordered pizza for dinner. Ham, chicken, bacon, mushroom, capsicum, red onion, salami, pineapple, and olives. It’s a little spicy, but just enough to warm me up in this cold weather.

This bar feels like a hidden gem in the mountains, with just the right mix of warmth, charm, and character.

Noticing the display on the wall. There is so much history in this place. I am so full and so ready for the night.

Final morning at this amazing spot. I should leave, yet the view makes it hard to say goodbye.

Pausing to appreciate the experience. So many warm and unforgettable moments. I will miss this kind of cozy and peaceful feeling.

Now took a step outside. It’s moments like these that I treasure.

Checked out this outdoor scene blanketed in snow.

The General. There is a cozy bar here where we ate pizza. They also have a convenience store. And what else? Right next door is our apartment. Maybe they own that too?

That’s the local police, and the yellow sign shows where our bus stop is.

Here’s a closer view of the police station.

Here comes the bus, ready to take us back to the parking area where our car is waiting.

Woah! I couldn’t believe how much snow piled on the car. We have no tools, so we used our gloved hands to clear it.

Crank the heat! We need to melt the snow fast.

Back at Dinner Plain at this restaurant. Time for breakfast.

Hashbrown Benedict: hollandaise sauce, hash browns, poached egg, chives, avocado mash, balsamic. We waited a long time for this. I think they forgot about us.

Plus got myself a large cafe latte with caramel syrup because it’s gonna be another long drive home today. Didn’t realise this is too much for me.

Wooden beams, stone fireplace, cozy lounge with soft chairs. Ugh, so relaxing and feels like a place to bond together and exchange stories.

Met with my family. They built this big snow man!

And here are the snowmen my partner and I made.

There I am, making a snow angel, while my little cousin is busy throwing snow at me.

We built snowmen, went tobogganing, took lots of photos and videos, walked around, and did so much more. I was out of energy and tried to sleep. This is the tree I saw above me while lying down on the snow.

The snow chain in one of the wheels. We need to return it to Omeo on the way home.

Throwback: this is me at Mt. Buller in 2021. That was four years ago! My family and I were there for a day. I had a great time!

I really enjoyed this snow getaway at Mount Hotham. I love that it is not too crowded, so we get to have as much fun as we want. And the best part is our place to stay is right where the snow is, so you can experience it the moment you step outside. That is such a fun feeling!