Could the 310km Great Alpine Road be Australia’s most breathtaking road trip? Elisha certainly thinks so, with its sweeping alpine views, charming towns, and endless scenic stops that make every kilometre a moment to remember.

 

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Quick Overview

The Great Alpine Road is a major road connection from Bairnsdale in Gippsland all the way to Wangaratta in the High Country. Winding its way from the coast, up into the mountains, and down to the Ovens Valley over a 310km journey, the Great Alpine Road is one of Australia’s most scenic drives.

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Expect plenty of views like this

About the Great Alpine Road

Predominantly used for reaching two of Victoria’s premier ski resorts, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain, the Great Alpine Road in its entirety is one of the most underrated road trips in Victoria.

It’s the country’s highest, year-round accessible sealed road, rising up to its highest point of 1,840m and taking in sweeping views of Victoria’s biggest peaks. You’ll need at least three days to really enjoy it, which leaves enough time for some side excursions as well.

Great Alpine Road History

For thousands of years, this part of the High Country was only accessible by foot. The Gunaikurnai and Taungurung people frequented the region, particularly in the spring and summer months. In the early 1800s, stockmen drove their cattle through the area, building huts and shelters on the alpine plains. In 1845, gold was officially discovered near Omeo, which led to a population boom in the lower valleys.

During the 1920s, Hotham Heights Chalet was established as a skiing destination. However, the road network was slow to develop, with the initial dirt track up to the ski fields subject to landslides and closures almost every year. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the full extension of the road from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale was completely sealed and renamed as the Great Alpine Road.

Read more: Rural Australia is Underrated and Wangaratta Taught Me Why

 

Winding turns are the norm as you head into the alpine section

How to Get to the Great Alpine Road

You can start the drive from either end of the Great Alpine Road. From Melbourne, Wangaratta is three hours or 250km away via the Hume Freeway. It takes half an hour longer to get to Bairnsdale, with 280km of driving via the Princes Highway.

Where to Stay Along the Great Alpine Road

The Great Alpine Road offers a chance to stay in some of the most beautiful towns in Victoria. There are plenty of accommodation choices, including campgrounds, caravan parks, B&Bs, and hotels.

Omeo offers a lovely caravan park on the river or you can stay in the historic Golden Age Hotel, which has been hosting guests since 1940.

As you climb up towards the ski resorts, you can opt for something more unique and stay in a ski lodge. These are more affordable in summer but are open year round.

In the northern section, Harrietville, Bright, and Myrtleford along the Ovens River are all very charming towns. There are ample caravan parks, hotels, and privately owned B&Bs to choose from.

 

Can you really say you’ve been to Omeo if you didn’t stay at the Golden Age?

Best Places to Stop on the Great Alpine Road

It’s worth planning stops along the way to explore more of the beautiful towns on the Great Alpine Road. The must see towns and attractions include:

Omeo

Omeo is a historic gold mining town on the Great Alpine Road. The name is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘mountains’ or ‘hills’, which makes sense as it’s completely surrounded by towering peaks. The local population has dwindled since the end of the gold rush, and it’s a delightfully quiet little spot. If you like riding, be sure to check out the Omeo MTB Park. And a walk to enjoy the historic buildings in the main street is a must!

Read more: Omeo Victoria: A Guide to Visiting The Town on The Cusp of High Country & Gippsland

 

The main street of Omeo is as short and sweet as they come

Dinner Plain

Dinner Plain is a small alpine village with over 200 lodges and chalets, as well as cafes and restaurants. Set amongst the Snow gums, it somehow has a European ski village vibe, which really comes alive in the winter months. The tight-knit settlement also has some great summer season activities, with many short walks and mountain biking trails leaving right from the main hub.

 

The popular 26km return Brabralung Trail spans the distance between Dinner Plain Alpine Village and the Hotham General Store | @jessleenehme

Hotham

Hotham Alpine Resort is the highest ski resort in Victoria, with outstanding panoramic views across the Aussie Alps. In winter it features downhill runs, cross country trails, jumps, and terrain parks, with 13 ski lifts to choose from. When summer rolls around, so too does the hiking season, when you can tackle the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, the Hotham Huts Walk, or the iconic day hike along the Razorback Trail to Mount Feathertop.

 

The views as you pass over Hotham are more than special

Harrietville

The small settlement of Harrietville features a charming, tree-lined main street located right at the base of Mount Feathertop on the banks of the Ovens River. There are swimming holes to cool off in, cycling trails, and challenging hikes, plus two outstanding pubs to grab a feed.

Read more: Harrietville and Mt Beauty – The Valleys That Make VIC High Country So Special

 

Looking down towards Harrietville from the Great Alpine Road

 

Bright

Bright is a real stunner. Within an hour, you’ll be looking at the local real estate listings and plotting to make a permanent move to the High Country. I don’t know if it’s the shady parks, the vibrant autumn foliage, swimming in the river, the wine bars and trendy cafes, the paragliders overhead, or the ample cycling trails (saying that cyclists love it here is a mega understatement!); but it has a little bit of everything. Just try not to fall in love with the place, pretty much everyone does.

Read more: Bright Ideas for Victorian High Country Adventures

 

It’s even prettier on a bike. Highly recommend cruising around this town. Post-ride coffees are basically mandatory

 

Mount Buffalo National Park

A drive up to Mount Buffalo National Park, a short side trip from Porepunkah, is an absolute must. The distinct plateau can be seen in the distance as you drive down from Mount Hotham. Its massive granite tors, flowing waterfalls, Snow gum forests, and alpine plains offer one of Victoria’s best outdoor playgrounds. If you have time, head off on a day hike, camp at Lake Catani, and admire the view from The Horn.

Read more: Mount Buffalo is an All-Seasons Playground

 

All hail the mighty Mount Buffalo Horn

Nearby Accommodation

Skill Level for Great Alpine Road

Intermediate

The entire drive along the Great Alpine Road is on a sealed road, so you don’t need 4WD experience. However, in winter, you’ll need to carry snow chains between Omeo and Harrietville.

There are many opportunities for hikes along the way, which range from beginner friendly right up to advanced. The weather conditions in the alpine region can be incredibly volatile, be prepared for driving and exploring in all climates, and to turn back or cancel if conditions are unsafe.

 

Essential Gear for Driving the Great Alpine Road

  • A trusted vehicle (Safety is paramount when driving slippery alpine roads, so look for a car with a 5 Star ANCAP Safety rating and AWD. You’ll also want plenty of internal space for more friends and adventure toys – and the ability to tow the BIG adventure toys.)
  • Snow chains in winter
  • Warm jacket (even in summer)
  • Hiking boots (or skis/snowshoes)
  • First aid kit
  • Camera
  • Your favourite road trip snacks and playlists

What’s It Like to Drive the Great Alpine Road

Day 1: Bairnsdale to Omeo

Distance: 123km
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

I began my drive from the southern end, where the Great Alpine Road leaves the bustling rural centre of Bairnsdale and passes through Bruthen. This is the first of many gold rush-era settlements on the Great Alpine Road, with quirky heritage buildings, a great bakery and general store to stock up on snacks.

If you want to stay longer, have a honey-themed brunch in the Tambo Valley Honey Cafe and pick up some local brews from the Bullant Brewery to enjoy later.

The road to Omeo is a quiet drive alongside the Tambo River, offering some beautiful views of farmland and rugged terrain as the river carves its way deeper into the hills.

You’ll pass through Ensay and Swifts Creek, both offering just the essentials to passing traffic. Finally dropping down into Omeo, I enjoyed admiring some of the historic buildings from the golden days and a classic pub meal with the locals.

 

Connors Hill Lookout, near Ensay

Day 2: Omeo to Bright

Distance: 110km
Time: 2 hours

The road from Omeo to Bright is one of the most epic drives in the country.

A couple of tips:

  1. Try not to be distracted by the jaw-dropping views as you tackle hairpin bends with steep slopes
  2. Be sure to leave early in the day to allow enough time for all the photo stops and little side excursions

The Great Alpine Road climbs immediately upwards into the mountains from Omeo. You’ll notice the change in scenery as you enter the alpine vegetation thick with Snow gums and grassy plains.

I stopped at the snow village of Dinner Plain to stretch my legs on the Dead Timber Hill Walking Track. This 4.5km circuit on fairly easy terrain is the perfect way to admire the twisted Snow gums and open views.

 

Drinking in the view from Dead Timber Hill walking track

 

As I got closer to Hotham, the mountains rolled far into the distance on both sides of the road. The General is one of the few places open year-round for lunch, offering pub grub and outdoor seating.

My favourite stretch of the road is the descent into Harrietville. The road seems to follow the ridgeline as it curls away from Hotham village and down to the Ovens Valley. The distinctive triangular peak of Mount Feathertop stands tall across the Razorback in all its beauty, while Mount Buffalo rises up in the distance behind layers of ridgelines.

There are several pullover spots along the way to take in the view; Danny’s Lookout and Renes Lookout are both worthwhile. By the time I made it down to Harrietville, the mountain views had been obscured by trees and I was glad to give the brakes a rest with a stop at Pioneer Park. It’s got public toilets, some benches, and gorgeous scenery to enjoy.

 

Prime example of a photo making a caption entirely redundant

Day 3: Bright to Wangaratta

Distance: 78km
Time: 1 hour

Wandering the streets of Bright in the morning, I can never resist grabbing brunch at Wild Thyme Cafe. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful towns in Victoria.

The next leg of the drive saw me head towards Myrtleford. It was impossible to miss the rugged plateau of Mount Buffalo National Park looming ever closer. Aim to allow enough time to take a side trip from Porepunkah and head into the park for the day. In summer, swimming in Ladies Bath Falls or Rollasons Falls is idyllic. In winter, you can try tobogganing or cross-country skiing at Dingo Dell.

For me, the real highlight is driving to the top of the plateau’s highest point at The Horn. This incredible spot has sweeping views from the car park, but it’s the short scramble up to the lookout that offers a sweet panorama that remains the best view I’ve seen in Victoria.

 

Make sure you stay long enough to take it all in

 

On the last leg of the drive to Wangaratta, I took the alternative route via Snow Road through the Milawa Gourmet Region. Picking up some local produce or going for a wine tasting at one of the local wineries is a ripper way to cap off your road trip.

Tips for Driving the Great Alpine Road

  • During the winter season (June to October), you’ll need to carry snow chains and purchase a resort entry permit for Hotham (required if you plan on stopping within the resort boundary)
  • The weather in the alpine region is volatile, so be prepared for all weather conditions and check the forecast before you head out
  • Be aware of low visibility on the higher sections of the Great Alpine Road, particularly around Hotham where low-hanging clouds can obscure the road (use your headlights)
  • You’ll need more than three days if you plan on tackling longer day hikes such as Mount Feathertop or enjoying some skiing at Hotham or Dinner Plain

Read more: 50 Lessons From a Road Trip Across Australia

 

And don’t forget to take your sweet time – having the freedom to stay longer in places you like is a massive perk

FAQs Driving the Great Alpine Road

Why is driving the Great Alpine Road so popular?

Aside from being a great way to get from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta, the 310km journey provides dramatic mountain views and access to some of Victoria’s prettiest towns.

How long does it take to drive the Great Alpine Road?

Driving the Great Alpine Road from end to end takes about five hours. If you’re doing this without an overnight stop, make sure to rest every couple of hours.

What other road trips can I do in Victoria?

The closest road trip to the Great Alpine Road is along the East Gippsland coast, but there are plenty of great drives across Victoria including the Great Ocean Road (Explorer Leah has driven it 190 times!), the Silo Art Trail, and this epic loop from sea to summit.

What’s the best time of year to go on a road trip?

The best part about trips in the car is that you can go anytime! Travelling through alpine areas in winter can be trickier with snow chains, but it’s not impossible. Check out our list of the best road trips for summer across Australia!

Can I take my dog on a road trip?

Yep – you can definitely take dogs on road trips. There are few key essentials to consider like factoring in extra rest and toilet breaks, considering the heat, and allowing time for walks. Explorer Sarah has some great tips to help you plan the ultimate adventure for you and your bestie.

What’s the highest point on the Great Alpine Road?

The highest point on the Great Alpine Road is at Mount Hotham Alpine Resort where you’ll be 1840m above sea level.

What are the best road trips in Australia?

When it comes to road trips, Australia has some of the best in the world. From the drive along the iconic Red Centre Way, to the Gibb River Road, the Sapphire Coast, the Grand Pacific Drive, the Kingsford Smith Mail Run, and so many more across Australia – you’ve got plenty to choose from!

Stories From the Road

 

Start planning your next road trip now! Grab a guide book: Road Trips Australia (Enter WAE15 at checkout for 15% off!)

 

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