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Great Alpine Road — Australia — Mountain
Australia & Pacific

Great Alpine Road

Australia

In short: Great Alpine Road is a 330 km mountain road trip in Australia, typically driven over 2–3 days, best in Nov–Apr (summit) / year-round (lower). Highlights: Wangaratta, Bright, Harrietville.

Distance
330 km
Duration
2–3 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr (summit) / year-round (lower)
IconicModerateMountainEV-friendly

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.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
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.
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Stops along the route

Wangaratta — Departure — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Departure
Wangaratta
A prosperous regional city at the confluence of the Ovens and King rivers. Its November jazz festival draws players from across the country.
Hotels
Bright — City — Great Alpine Road — Australia
City
Bright
Victoria's autumn capital. Elm, ash, and poplar trees turn the Ovens Valley gold and red from April through May.
Hotels
Harrietville — City — Great Alpine Road — Australia
City
Harrietville
A gold-rush village at the foot of the final alpine climb. The Ovens River runs clear and cold through the main street.
Hotels
Mount Hotham — City — Great Alpine Road — Australia
City
Mount Hotham
Victoria's highest resort at 1,861m. In summer, wildflower meadows blanket the ski runs above the snow gum treeline.
Hotels
Dinner Plain — City — Great Alpine Road — Australia
City
Dinner Plain
An architecturally unified alpine village designed to nestle into the high plains landscape. Quietly elegant and unlike anywhere else.
Hotels
Omeo — City — Great Alpine Road — Australia
City
Omeo
A gold-rush town in a remote valley. The Historical Park and old courthouse tell the story of Alpine cattle drovers and bushrangers.
Hotels
Bruthen — City — Great Alpine Road — Australia
City
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.
Hotels
Bairnsdale — Arrival — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Arrival
Bairnsdale
Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, Australia's largest inland waterway, and the broad delta of the Mitchell River.
Hotels

Things to Do

Mount Buffalo National Park — National Park — Great Alpine Road — Australia
National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park
Explore granite formations, waterfalls, and panoramic views with numerous hiking trails and picnic spots.
Beechworth Historic Courthouse — Historic Site — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Historic Site
Beechworth Historic Courthouse
Visit the courthouse where the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly's final trial commenced in the 1800s.
Alpine National Park — National Park — Great Alpine Road — Australia
National Park
Alpine National Park
Discover Victoria's largest national park, offering diverse landscapes, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
St Mary's Roman Catholic Church — Landmark — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Landmark
St Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Admire the beautifully painted interior by Francesco Floreani in this historic church in Bairnsdale.

Where to Eat

Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard — Winery — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Winery
Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard
Renowned winery offering tastings of premium wines and gourmet local produce in a picturesque setting.
Beechworth Bakery — Bakery — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Bakery
Beechworth Bakery
Historic bakery famous for its wide range of pastries, breads, and award-winning pies.
The Bank — Modern Australian — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Modern Australian
The Bank
Upscale restaurant set in a historic bank building, serving contemporary Australian cuisine with local ingredients.
Lulu and Didge — Diner — Great Alpine Road — Australia
Diner
Lulu and Didge
1950s-inspired diner offering classic comfort foods like burgers, milkshakes, and baked potatoes in a retro setting.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Great Alpine Road drive?

The Great Alpine Road covers 330 km from start to finish.

How long does the Great Alpine Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days on the Great Alpine Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Great Alpine Road?

The recommended season for the Great Alpine Road is Nov–Apr (summit) / year-round (lower).

Where does the Great Alpine Road start and end?

The Great Alpine Road runs from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale.

What are the main stops on the Great Alpine Road?

The Great Alpine Road passes through Wangaratta, Bright, Harrietville.

Can I drive the Great Alpine Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Great Alpine Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Great Alpine Road?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Great Alpine Road, based on its 330 km length.

Is the Great Alpine Road EV friendly?

Yes — the Great Alpine Road has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Great Alpine Road safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Great Alpine Road?

The Great Alpine Road is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.