The Great Alpine Road

The Great Alpine Road, a 308-kilometre route from Wangaratta through Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain to Bairnsdale, is an extraordinary drive at any time of year (please note chains must be carried during the winter months). It packs a powerful scenic punch, taking you past valleys, mountains, forests, rivers, vineyards, farms and historic villages before arriving at Bairnsdale, near the ocean, in Gippsland.
While this route can be covered easily in a day, you’d miss out on a great deal of countryside if you don’t take the Discovery Route loops. For example, there’s the Kiewa Valley Drive, which includes Myrtleford-Ovens-Happy Valley-Tawonga-Mount Beauty-Bright, or Mount Beauty-Falls Creek-Omeo-Bright in summer. The Kiewa Valley, where the highway follows the route of the Kiewa River, is reminiscent of the pretty and peaceful alpine valleys of Europe.
The Mount Buffalo drive takes you from Bright-Porepunkah-Mount Buffalo-Porepunkah and back to Bright. It’s the best way to ensure you see the Mount Buffalo National Park on your travels. Alternatively leave Bright for the nearby heritage-listed village of Wandiligong, before heading back toward Harrietville, Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain and Omeo. SYDNEY MELBOURNE TOURING The Great Alpine Road is also included in the new Sydney to Melbourne Touring Routes. It’s one of three distinctive touring routes that take you between Australia’s two largest cities. The ‘Adventure’ route drive takes you over the stunning Victorian Alps. Drive Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road up lofty mountains, into valleys and past rivers and vineyards to the ocean. Along the way have an outdoor adventure - experience rock climbing, hang-gliding or white-water rafting and snow sports in winter. Sample gourmet delights at welcoming towns along the way. For more information go to www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au FOR MOTORCYCLISTS Want a challenge? Then try the tight curves on the Great Alpine Road to Mount Hotham, the Mount Beauty-Falls Creek alpine road and the steep road that winds up to Mount Buffalo. (These roads are not suitable for motorbikes from June to October). If you’re in cruise mode, a loop around the region will give you straight stretches of road along the Great Alpine Road and Kiewa Valley Highway, with some good bends on the roads between Happy Valley, Mount Beauty, Tawonga and Bright. For more details on the Great Alpine Road, visit www.greatalpineroad.info
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Victoria’s Alpine High Country Information website is the place to go to discover all about the region including Bright, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Kiewa Valley as well as the alpine resorts such as Falls Creek, Mount Hotham & Dinner Plain. Book your holiday accommodation online including hotels, motels, self contained apartments, units, caravan parks and ski lodges. Stay up-to-date with our holiday packages, specials and deals throughout the year including family ski packages, winery exploration deals, mid week escapes and weekend getaways. Discover all the attractions, festivals & events, wineries and restaurants available in the high country region to plan your best holiday.