Everyone’s heard of The Great Ocean Road, but what about its less famous sibling The Great Alpine Road? Located in the foothills of Northern Victoria, this 339 km stretch of highway reaches from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale and is Australia's highest all-year-round accessible sealed road. It offers equally beautiful views, showcasing an entirely different landscape, but still with just as much to offer – and far less tourists.
In 1883, the track was widened to fit horse-drawn carriages, and parts of it were still being extended until 1997, making the whole journey steeped in a rich, at-times invisible history. In the summer, snowy landscapes give way to lush forests, and you can benefit from the warmer weather with outdoor camping, wildlife walks and clear views stretching over mountains, valleys and forests.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your alpine road trip, read this guide to find out everything you need to know.
Driving Safely
You’re going to be on the road for a while with this 5 hour route, and driving through some pretty unusual and versatile terrain. So it’s vital to take out comprehensive car insurance before beginning your trip, as this will protect you in the event of a collision or if your car becomes damaged in a range of contexts during your trip. If you’re using a hire car, you may also be able to opt for specific rental cover, so that your road trip plans don’t get derailed – even if your car does.
Though the Great Alpine Road generally isn’t going to be as busy in summer as most people find themselves heading down to the coast, it’s important to keep in mind that the roadways won’t be isolated either. You’ll be meandering through beautiful valleys and between rolling hills, but that also means driving through some sharp corners and hidden bends.
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Keep an eye out for oncoming cars as well as wildlife, and pay attention to sharp drop offs where steep cliffs may be hidden. And yes, having a killer road trip soundtrack is great, but don’t let your karaoke sessions disrupt your concentration on the road.
Weather Conditions
Everyone knows that the weather in Victoria is unpredictable at the best of times, but when you’re further out of the city and in alpine conditions, the higher altitude can mean weather changes take place more frequently and at a quicker pace. It’s good to be prepared for everything, which means taking a good stock of suncream, plenty of drinking water, insect repellents, sunglasses and face coverings, as well as jumpers, thick socks, and rain jackets.
The temperature will drop more sharply in the evening once the sun goes down than might be expected, even in the summer months, so bring layers as well - and a lightweight thermal just in case. There’s nothing worse than being cold when you’re camping, and it can drop down to the single figures at night!
Prepare To Be Remote
Even though the nearest point of the great alpine road to Melbourne’s CBD is a relatively short 3.5 hours drive away, you’ll most likely be planning your road trip to spend a few days in the area to fully experience the landscape and see all the stopping points. Most travellers will decide to camp in local grounds or sleep in a campervan, which means limited amenities. There will likely be some distances without mobile or network connection, so try to plan ahead as much as you can, and don’t isolate yourself from your group.
If something goes wrong, it’s important to be self-sufficient until you can receive help, which may take a few hours. Therefore, it’s worth having hard copies of area maps, the locations of where you plan to stay, car breakdown numbers, and local and emergency numbers in case you’re not able to look these things up when you get there. Don’t assume you’ll come across a petrol station or convenience store, and always bring more than you think you’ll need - the worst case is you end up having a full boot for the duration of your trip.
The Fun Stuff
Now you’ve covered all the safety elements, you can start to plan out your itinerary and map out where you want to stop, as well as reasonable driving distances that cover all your must-dos. The Alpine National Park near Hotham Heights and Mount Buffalo National Park are must-sees, both with free admission. Taste some of the cool-climate wines, and treat yourself to some gourmet tasting experiences, with regional specialties and fresh produce you can purchase from local cafes and farmers markets along your way.
Beechworth is a well-preserved Victorian town, put on the map during the gold-rush days, and now perfect for a stroll through its ornate architecture or a visit to The Old Beechworth Gaol, which most famously had the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly as one of its inmates. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the array of mountain hiking trails, and can always go back to visit them in the winter when you’ll rediscover many of them as ski slopes. Falls Creek and Mount Hotham are favourites for mountain biking enthusiasts, and the latter can be reached via a detour to Bright, a small town famous for its colourful displays during the autumn months but is no less worth visiting during the summer.
The Great Alpine Road may not receive as much international attention as its coastal counterpart, but it’s a phenomenal roadtrack that is the perfect getaway for those wanting to take in sweeping landscapes and feel the fresh mountain air, with something to see in every season. Give the tourist drives a miss this summer in favour of something new, and enjoy the breeze in your hair now you’re all prepared and ready to go.
