Great Alpine Road
Australia
Victoria's B500 climbs over the Australian Alps from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale, the highest sealed road in Australia, through snow gum forests, Mount Hotham ski resorts, and the gold-rush valley of Harrietville.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Wangaratta
A prosperous regional city at the confluence of the Ovens and King rivers. Its November jazz festival draws players from across the country.
- Bright
Victoria's autumn capital. Elm, ash, and poplar trees turn the Ovens Valley gold and red from April through May.
- Harrietville
A gold-rush village at the foot of the final alpine climb. The Ovens River runs clear and cold through the main street.
- Mount Hotham
Victoria's highest resort at 1,861m. In summer, wildflower meadows blanket the ski runs above the snow gum treeline.
- Dinner Plain
An architecturally unified alpine village designed to nestle into the high plains landscape. Quietly elegant and unlike anywhere else.
- Omeo
A gold-rush town in a remote valley. The Historical Park and old courthouse tell the story of Alpine cattle drovers and bushrangers.
- Bruthen
A quiet riverside village where the road descends from the ranges into Gippsland's green flats, with a beloved local bakery on the main street.
- Bairnsdale
Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, Australia's largest inland waterway, and the broad delta of the Mitchell River.
Where to Eat
- Brown Brothers Milawa VineyardWinery
Renowned winery offering tastings of premium wines and gourmet local produce in a picturesque setting.
- Beechworth BakeryBakery
Historic bakery famous for its wide range of pastries, breads, and award-winning pies.
- The BankModern Australian
Upscale restaurant set in a historic bank building, serving contemporary Australian cuisine with local ingredients.
- Lulu and DidgeDiner
1950s-inspired diner offering classic comfort foods like burgers, milkshakes, and baked potatoes in a retro setting.
Things to Do
- Mount Buffalo National ParkNational Park
Explore granite formations, waterfalls, and panoramic views with numerous hiking trails and picnic spots.
- Beechworth Historic CourthouseHistoric Site
Visit the courthouse where the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly's final trial commenced in the 1800s.
- Alpine National ParkNational Park
Discover Victoria's largest national park, offering diverse landscapes, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
- St Mary's Roman Catholic ChurchLandmark
Admire the beautifully painted interior by Francesco Floreani in this historic church in Bairnsdale.
Travel advisory
Australia's highest sealed road crosses Mount Hotham and is subject to snow and ice closures from June through October. Chains must be carried and may be compulsory during winter. Check VicRoads conditions before travelling the high alpine section between Harrietville and Omeo.