Roadtrip the Great Alpine Road, Victoria

Roadtrip the Great Alpine Road, Victoria – The Ultimate Alpine Adventure

• Total Distance: Approx. 350–400 km (depending on the route and detours).
• Total Drive Time: Around 7 to 8 hours (excluding stops and detours).
• Recommended Duration: Ideally 2-3 days to fully experience the area, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration.

Roadtrip the Great Alpine Road, Victoria and it will reward you with such beautifully diverse attractions along the way. From the majestic cliffs and lakes of Mount Buffalo National Park to charming towns with gourmet food, award-winning wineries and opportunities for great, outdoor adventure. It’s a roadtrip of a lifetime! Head to Mount Hotham for fabulous hiking or skiing, Omeo for a look into its gold rush past and Bright to mingle through markets, galleries, and access to the scenic Ovens Valley. Roadtrip the Great Alpine Road, Victoria staying in handpicked Travellarks accommodation, providing a great base in the High Country.

Day 1: Bonnie Doon to Wangaratta

• Distance: Approx. 106 km
• Route: Typically via Maroondah Highway (B300)
• Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr 18 min
• Ah the serenity at Bonnie Doon nestled in the heart of Victoria’s High Country! Horse ride, mountain bike, kayak or fish on Lake Eildon, hike scenic trails, or picnic to your heart’s content. In winter, access to Mount Buller and Mount Stirling skiing is easy. Bonnie Doon is perfect for nature lovers seeking relaxation and excitement.

Day 3: Wangaratta to Milawa

• Distance from Wangaratta to Milawa: Approx. 20 km
• Drive time: Approx. 20-25 min
• Explore Wangaratta – a vibrant town with historic buildings, great local produce, and the Wangaratta Art Gallery with contemporary Australian art exhibitions. The Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre hosts a variety of excellent cultural performances or nature lovers can head to the Warby-Ovens National Park (south of Wangaratta),  for bushwalking and a picnic beside the river. Wine lovers will love the King Valley, renowned for its range of Italian wine and cellar doors.
• Arrive in Milawa – a gourmet town renowned for its wineries, cheese factories, and food producers. Tuck into some great cheese and the popular Brown Brothers Winery.

Milawa to Myrtleford

• Distance: Approx. 36 km
• Drive time: Approx: 30 min
• Take a detour to Whitfield in the heart of the King Valley – home to numerous boutique wineries like family owned Pizzini Wines, specializing in Italian offering tastings like many wineries (some have restaurants or picnic areas)
• Just before reaching Porepunkah, Mount Buffalo National Park offers bushwalks, and lookout points with panoramic views. Nearby, Porepunkah has wine tastings at Feathertop Winery and hiking trails for all levels.
• Reach Bright at the foothills of the Victorian Alps and see its beautiful parks, gardens, riverside walks – especially colourful in Autumn. Plenty of things to do here -cafes, boutiques, local markets, or go kayaking, rafting and paragliding if you’re really adventurous.
• 30 min away is Myrtleford which pulses with cultural vitality – festivals, markets, and art exhibitions and great food and wine.
• As you leave Bright, drive through the scenic Ovens Valley surrounded by mountains and farms. You’ll pass through charming villages like Harrietville at the base of Mount HothamOne of the Great Alpine waterfalls. Photo Credit Trevor McKinnon

Day 4: Mt Hotham to Bonnie Doon and beyond

• Distance: Approx. 234 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 2 hrs and 57 min
• Mt Hotham: Depending on the season, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or skiing and snowboarding in winter. Take a scenic chair lift ride to the summit for awe-inspiring views of the high country. And if you’re up for a relaxed adventure, why not saddle up for some horse riding near Bonnie Doon? Whether you’re hitting the slopes or exploring the trails, Mount Hotham guarantees good times for everyone.If you have extra time, you could check out Omeo, rich in gold rush heritage and don’t miss the historic courthouse.
• Continue your journey back to Bright via the Alpine National Park and head back towards Bonnie Doon. It’s time to share your stories and maybe a relaxing day by the shores of Lake Eildon.

Why not extend your stay at Travellarks handpicked accommodation. If you’re up for more exploration, continue your road trip to other parts of Victoria or you could head towards Melbourne for urban exploration or another adventure, perhaps the Great Ocean Road Roadtrip for stunning coastal views.

If you think Victoria would be an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.