Great Alpine Road
Australia
In short: Great Alpine Road is a 330 km mountain road trip in Australia, typically driven over 2 days, best in Nov–Apr (summit) / year-round (lower). Highlights: Wangaratta, Myrtleford and Bright, Harrietville.
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.
Make this route yours
Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.
Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.
Plan this trip
Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Wangaratta to Dinner Plain via Bright, Harrietville and Mount Hotham
Bright Canyon Walk · Mount Hotham viewpoints · Snowline Hotel
Day 2Dinner Plain to Bairnsdale via Omeo
Omeo historic precinct · Bairnsdale river walk · The Golden Age Hotel
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
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 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, Myrtleford and Bright, Harrietville.
How difficult is the Great Alpine Road to drive?
The Great Alpine Road is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
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?
Use the direct Great Alpine Road through Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville and Mount Hotham. During the declared 2026 snow season (6 June-4 October), every vehicle including AWD/4WD must carry correctly fitting diamond-pattern chains and fit them when directed; see Alpine Resorts Victoria (https://www.alpineresorts.vic.gov.au/the-resorts/wheel-chain-requirements). Check VicTraffic and Hotham live conditions before ascent, ensure the vehicle can accept chains, and obtain the current resort-entry permit when required (https://www.hotham.com.au/resort/access/resort-entry-permits/day-and-multiday-permits).
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.