Distance: 770km via Wangaratta, Bright, Omeo and Mount Beauty
This incredible route offers a wealth of sightseeing and hiking opportunities across the roof of Victoria.
Mansfield is an easy two-hour drive from Melbourne.
There’s plenty to see if you use it as a base to explore Lake Eildon and the lakeside towns. Bonnie Doon, Jamieson, Eildon, Howqua, along with nearby Yea and Alexandra are close by and worth a visit.
Make sure you visit the Stringybark Creek memorial. It's a memorial to the three policemen murdered by the Kelly Gang there in 1878.
Drive through Merrijig to Mount Buller for stunning views of the Alpine National Park and the chance to hike to Jim Craig’s Hut.
This is an authentic mountain hut constructed for the 1982 film The Man from Snowy River.
From Mansfield, head north to the beautiful King and Ovens valley wine and gourmet region. Stop off at another Kelly Gang haunt, Power’s Lookout on the way.
Stop at Wangaratta to explore the bush where the King and Ovens rivers meet. Then, head along the Great Alpine Road. This will take you to the beautiful mountain towns of Myrtleford and Bright. Set aside time to drive up to Mount Buffalo and the Mount Buffalo National Park for amazing views, the old chalet, Lake Catani and the sights of the Buffalo Plateau.
From Bright, the Great Alpine Road climbs sharply up to Harrietville and the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort.
Explore the grassy plains and snow gums at the top of the Great Dividing range and hike along the ridge to nearby Mount Feathertop.
From Hotham Heights (Australia’s second-highest town), the road traverses gorgeous Dinner Plain to the historic gold and cattle farming settlement of Omeo.
Here, you can explore the Alpine Walking Track, visit high country huts, see the historic buildings and the Oriental Claims area, fish for rainbow trout in the Mitta Mitta River and follow the Omeo Plains Settlement Drive.
Head north on the Omeo Hwy and turn off on the Bogong High Plains Road. Sections of this road are challenging but it was sealed in 2009. It's a road less travelled for alpine visitors past Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak, to Falls Creek Alpine Resort and Mount Beauty. The road is a great way to see parts of the Alpine National Park.
The Bogong High Plains Road is subject to seasonal closures. Check conditions before you leave.
From Mount Beauty, it’s a relaxed drive through rolling dairy pastures to Wodonga.
Before you go remember to:
- download the VicEmergency app and tune into the local emergency broadcasters
- keep 1.5 metres from anyone you don’t live with
- carry a fitted face mask to wear in large retail premises or if you’re in a crowd
- get tested and isolate at your accommodation if possible if you have any coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms while you’re away
- book ahead or have a plan B in case your destination is at capacity
- never leave a campfire unattended, and always extinguish them with water rather than soil
- shop local and support our Victorian businesses and producers, and
- keep up-to-date on public health information at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
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