Great Alpine Road

Victoria's Great Alpine Road is one of Australia's great drives, winding 308 km through the high country from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale. This route takes you through the heart of the Alpine National Park, over the state's highest sealed road at Mount Hotham (1845 m), and past historic gold-rush towns, snow gums, and wildflower-strewn meadows. For international travellers with a rental car, it's a perfect way to experience the Australian Alps without the crowds of the ski season — think crisp mountain air, wide-open vistas, and a sense of isolation that feels a world away from the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Hotham – The highest point on the route offers panoramic views across the Bogong High Plains. In summer, the ski lifts run for mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides.
• Bright – A charming alpine town known for its autumn colours, craft breweries, and the riverside Canyon Walk. Stop for a coffee and a paddle in the Ovens River.
• Falls Creek – A year-round resort with hiking trails to waterfalls and snow gums. In summer, the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is a multi-day walk for experienced trekkers.
• Omeo – A historic gold-mining town with well-preserved 19th-century buildings and the Omeo Historic Area. The Omeo Highway section is a gravel alternative for 4WD enthusiasts.
• Bogong High Plains – A vast alpine plateau dotted with glacial lakes and wildflowers. The Wallace's Hut is a historic cattlemen's hut worth a short detour.
• Bairnsdale – The eastern terminus, gateway to the Gippsland Lakes. The St Mary's Roman Catholic Church is famous for its stunning interior murals.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate the Great Alpine Road, plan for two to three days to allow for stops, short walks, and the winding mountain roads. A two-day itinerary could cover Wangaratta to Bright on day one (with a detour to Mount Buffalo), then Bright to Bairnsdale via Mount Hotham and Omeo on day two. For a more relaxed pace, add an extra night in Bright or Falls Creek to enjoy the local food scene — try the Bright Brewery or the Snowy River Café for hearty mountain fare. The road is sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles in good weather, but check road conditions in winter when snow chains may be required.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Buffalo National Park – Just west of Bright, this park offers the spectacular Mount Buffalo Gorge and the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet.
• Alpine National Park – The road runs through this vast park; detour to the Cobberas or the Davies Plain area for remote wilderness experiences.
• Gippsland Lakes – East of Bairnsdale, the lakes are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and spotting birdlife at the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.
• Wangaratta – The western start point, with the Milawa Gourmet Region offering cheese, wine, and olive groves.
• Beechworth – A historic gold-rush town with a famous bakery, Ned Kelly connections, and the Beechworth Historic Park.
• Snowy River National Park – South of Omeo, this park features the spectacular Little River Gorge and the Snowy River itself.

Please check official sources for current details.