The Great Alpine Road is a 308-kilometre route that extends from Bairnsdale in the heart of Gippsland to Wangaratta in the north-east. The road is Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road and winds past lofty mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, vineyards and farms. Sample local food and wine, and fish, cycle, climb or ride along the way.

Bairnsdale, the start (or finish) of the Great Alpine Road, was originally settled as an inland port and sits on the banks of the Mitchell River which leads into the Gippsland Lakes. The town is now a major gateway to Victoria’s east. Visit St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, the interior of which was painted in the 1930s by Francesco Floreani, attend an annual musical and sporting event, or explore the Mitchell River silt jetties that extend 8 kilometres into nearby Lake King.

Heading North from Bairnsdale travel through delightful country hamlets including Bruthen, Ensay and Swifts Creek to Omeo, the service centre for the local cattle, sheep and timber industries. An alternative route from Swifts Creek to Omeo is through Cassillis, a small town that was once a thriving mining community. Explore the picturesque valley on foot and see relics of the gold-mining era. The township of Swifts Creek is famous for its bakery and a good place to stop for a break.

From Omeo the Great Alpine Road ascends to the alpine communities of Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. The landscape changes from alpine ash to snow gum forest and heathland as you climb. Mount Hotham offers 245 hectares of ski area, including a wide selection of downhill and cross-country trails for beginners as well as experienced skiers.

Take in the spectacular views from Danny’s Lookout to the summit of Mount Feathertop, the second-highest mountain in the state, over the Alpine National Park and as far as Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo on a clear day. The winding road continues to provide amazing views until you descend into the sleepy town of Harrietville and on into Bright, a beautiful town on the Ovens River, filled with grand deciduous trees that are breathtaking in autumn. Bright is also home to Simone’s, one of the best restaurants in the state, and magnificent Italian villa-style accommodation at Villa Gusto.

Discover fine wine and local produce in the valleys along the northern leg of the Great Alpine Road. At Milawa call in at the famed Brown Brothers cellar door and sample great produce at Milawa Mustards and the Cheese Factory, along with the five-star Lindenwarrah Country House Hotel. Nearby Rutherglen is one of the oldest and most renowned winegrowing regions in Australia, famous for its muscats and fortifieds.

The Great Alpine Road ends at Wangaratta, an historic town known for its hospitality and popular jazz festival.

For more info on the Great Alpine Road click here

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