Great Alpine Road - High Country and Gippsland

Traversing the beautiful high plains of Victoria and winding its way through some of the state's most majestic alpine peaks, this 308 kilometre touring route takes travellers through some of Victoria's most scenic areas. Travelling from Wangaratta in Victoria's north-east to Bairnsdale in the heart of Gippsland, it peaks at 1,825 metres before descending through a spectacular array of local sights to the wide open spaces of the Gippsland Lakes.

Start in Wangaratta, a historic town renowned for its hospitality and popular annual jazz festival. Known also for its fine food and wine, there are gourmet cheeses available from nearby Milawa and the famed Brown Brothers winery sells world-class muscats and fortified wines at the cellar door.

While at the northern end of the journey, take a side trip to Beechworth, a village built on the wealth of the gold rush of the 1800s. In Bright, a beautiful town on the Ovens River, there are grand deciduous trees and Simone's of Bright, one of Victoria's great restaurants.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to take this journey is the high country. In winter snow brings skiers to the downhill runs and cross-country trails of the region's resorts. In summer these areas are transformed into a favourite destination for bushwalkers, horse riders, cyclists, fishermen, campers and 4WD enthusiasts.

Continuing through Omeo, the Great Alpine Road journeys south towards Bairnsdale - East Gippsland's only city. On the banks of the Mitchell River Bairnsdale is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, where boating, fishing and windswept ocean beaches complement the gourmet producers of the area. Stop for topnotch wineries and cheese makers or to discover tiny Walhalla, one of Victoria's most historic and charming towns.

Follow the coast road to Melbourne, touching the Australian mainland's southernmost point, Wilsons Promontory National Park, with unspoiled sandy beaches and eucalypt rainforests,

For a different view of Victoria, expereince Croajingolong National Park, a recognised UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Go to Visit Victoria (The Murray) and Visit Victoria (Gippsland) for further information.