Great Alpine Road is Australia's highest year-round accessible paved road

# Great Alpine Road: Australia's Most Spectacular Alpine Drive

Ready for one of the world's most breathtaking road trips? The Great Alpine Road is calling your name. This stunning 303 km (188 mi) route winds through Victoria's mountains and has earned the title of Australia's highest year-round sealed road. The official name was adopted on April 4, 1998, and it's been stealing hearts ever since.

## The Journey Unfolds

Starting in Wangaratta in northeast Victoria, you'll ease into the drive through charming farmland and vineyard-dotted valleys before hitting the charming town of Bright. The scenery continues to impress as you cruise toward Harrietville, passing through picturesque countryside at every turn.

Then things get serious. The road climbs steeply toward Mount Hotham with relentless switchbacks and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. This is where you'll feel your heart racing—it's genuinely challenging driving. After conquering Mount Hotham, it's a quick 15-minute descent to Dinner Plain, followed by more twisty, steep terrain that keeps you on your toes. You'll reach Omeo in another 5-15 minutes.

From Omeo to Bruthern, expect moderate slopes and winding roads before things finally straighten out on the run to Bairnsdale, your finishing point in East Gippsland.

## What You Need to Know

This road demands respect. The pavement is solid throughout, but it's narrow in places—just barely wide enough for two-way traffic. Those steep mountain drops? Many sections lack guardrails, so stay focused and take it slow.

The Mount Hotham section peaks at a dramatic 1,840m (6,040ft). Winter transforms this into snow country, and the road regularly closes from late autumn through early spring. If you're heading up during snow season, chains are compulsory—you can rent them one-way from either side. Between Omeo and Harrietville, caravans aren't recommended, and larger RVs need extra caution.

This is the kind of drive that rewards careful drivers with unforgettable views and genuine adventure.