When was the Alpine Way built?
Australia, oceania
123 km
1,597 m
hard
Year-round
Alpine Way is a very scenic drive in New South Wales, Australia, offering great views to the south and into the high country of the Victorian Alps. It’s said to be one of Australia’s highest and windiest roads.
When was the Alpine Way built?
Opened in the 1950s, the route is constructed on an old cattle route that stockmen used for decades to drive cattle from Corryong in Victoria and Jindabyne in New South Wales to the lush grazing lands of the Snowy Mountains high country.
Is the Alpine Way sealed?
Located on the east coast of Australia, the road—often referred to as the Kosciuszko Alpine Way—was totally paved in the 1990s.
How long is the Alpine Way?
The road is 123km (76.4 miles) long, running east-west, from Jindabyne to the New South Wales/Victorian border.
How steep is the Alpine Way?
This is a high mountain road and features steep sections, hitting a 13% maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
Is the Alpine Way open?
Set high in the Snowy Mountains region, the road tops out at 1.597m (5,239ft) above sea level by
. The road is typically open all year round, with the occasional closure in winter due to dangerous weather conditions. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter.
It is required that all two-wheel drive vehicles carry snow chains between Thredbo and Tom Groggin between June and October long weekends. It is also quite possible that snow chains may be needed to drive safely along other (preferably more dangerous) parts of Alpine Way.
Today the road remains, and much money is devoted every year to maintaining the road from its harsh environment in order to allow Australian tourists a chance to access the spectacular Snowy Mountains high country. Rockfalls can happen after rains.
How long does it take to drive the Alpine Way?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 2.5 and 4 hours. The drive features stunning views. It’s a great way to discover the spectacular mountain views. The drive winds its way across the back of rugged mountain ranges offering panoramic views as far as the eye can see.
Is the Alpine Way suitable for caravans?
The road has narrow sections and some steep gradients between Khancoban and Thredbo. It is not recommended for trucks, buses, and vehicles towing large caravans.
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Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 123 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,597 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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