Dinner Plain Orienteering Challenge
Turn a walk around the beautiful alpine village of Dinner Plain into a family treasure hunt with the Dinner Plain Orienteering Challenge.
This free, self-guided activity encourages families to explore the village using a specially prepared orienteering map to locate 10 numbered markers hidden in different locations.
The challenge combines walking, map reading, observation and problem-solving, making it an enjoyable way for children to practise navigation skills while discovering the village.
Orienteering Challenge:
The course features 10 permanent orienteering markers located throughout Dinner Plain. Each marker is identified by a numbered red and white orienteering symbol and is attached to a feature such as a tree, pole, fence or building.
Participants can complete the challenge in two ways:
- Free Choice: Find the 10 markers in any order, planning your own route around the village.
- Numbered Course: Visit all 10 markers in numerical order, starting and finishing at the location marked with a triangle on the map.
Download the Dinner Plain Orienteering Challenge map and instructions (PDF) before setting out (or use the map below).
Dinner Plain Orienteering Challenge Instructions & Map
Walk Details:
- Distance: Variable depending on the order in which markers are visited.
- Duration: Depends on the route taken and how quickly the markers are found.
- Difficulty: Family-friendly navigation activity around the village, with some uneven ground.
- Start and Finish: Near the village entrance, at the triangular symbol shown on the official map.
- Equipment: Printed or downloaded orienteering map, comfortable walking shoes and suitable clothing.
- Facilities: Public toilets and parking are available near Dinner Plain Hut at the village entrance.
Tips for Families:
- Download and print the two-page orienteering map before arriving.
- Encourage children to study the map and help decide which direction to walk.
- Look carefully at the map symbols and descriptions to identify the correct marker locations.
- Allow extra time for younger children who enjoy exploring along the way.
- Bring drinking water, sunscreen and warm clothing, as alpine weather can change quickly.
- The challenge is best attempted during the warmer months when village paths and marker locations are not covered by snow.
- Keep an eye out for vehicles when crossing village roads.
Opening Hours:
Self-guided activity, best undertaken during the snow-free months. See current Dinner Plain walking information.
Cost:
Free. Download the orienteering map and instructions.
Review:
The Dinner Plain Orienteering Challenge is a fun way to transform an ordinary village walk into an adventure.
Rather than simply following a walking track, children can become explorers, using a map to navigate between locations and search for hidden markers.
The flexibility of the activity is a major attraction. Families can choose their own route or follow the complete numbered course, taking breaks whenever they like.
The attractive alpine village setting adds to the experience, with distinctive mountain chalets, snow gums and winding village streets providing an interesting backdrop.
Best of all, the activity is completely free and provides an entertaining alternative to more structured outdoor adventures.
This is particularly appealing for families with primary school-aged children who enjoy treasure hunts, puzzles and exploring new places.
Web Links
→ Orienteering Challenge Map and Instructions
