Picture this: a ribbon of asphalt unfurling across a landscape sculpted by ancient mountains, verdant valleys, and forests that seem to whisper tales of bygone eras. That's the Great Alpine Road, a 308-kilometre stretch of pure driving bliss that winds its way through Victoria's High Country. I recently had the chance to embark on this epic journey, and let me tell you, it's an experience that etches itself into your memory.
Setting Off from Wangaratta
My adventure began in Wangaratta, a town brimming with history and charm. After a quick pit stop to grab some local produce (you've got to try the Milawa cheese!), I hit the road, the promise of winding mountain passes and breathtaking vistas beckoning me forward.
The first leg of the journey took me through rolling farmland, where vineyards stretched out like emerald carpets and quaint little towns dotted the landscape. It wasn't long before the foothills of the Victorian Alps began to rise up, their slopes cloaked in a tapestry of green.
Brown Brothers Winery: A Toast to the Journey
A detour to the Brown Brothers Winery in Milawa was a must for me, a chance to sample some of the region's finest wines. With a glass of their signature Moscato in hand, I soaked in the views of the vineyards, the Warby Ranges providing a dramatic backdrop.
Back on the road, the scenery began to shift, the gentle slopes giving way to steeper inclines and dense forests of eucalyptus. The air grew crisper, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The road twisted and turned, each bend revealing a new panorama that seemed to outdo the last.
Mount Buffalo National Park: A Detour into the Wild
A short detour off the Great Alpine Road led me into Mount Buffalo National Park, a wonderland of granite formations, waterfalls, and panoramic views. I hiked to the summit of Mount Buffalo, the wind whipping at my hair as I gazed out over a sea of peaks stretching to the horizon.
Bright: A Picturesque Interlude
The town of Bright, nestled in a valley carved by the Ovens River, was a welcome sight. I strolled along the riverbank, the autumn colours ablaze in all their glory. The town's vibrant atmosphere was infectious, and I found myself lingering longer than I had planned, soaking in the laid-back vibe.
The Ascent to Mount Hotham
The real adventure began as I started the ascent to Mount Hotham, the highest point on the Great Alpine Road. The road snaked its way up the mountain, each hairpin turn revealing ever more breathtaking views. The air grew thinner, the temperature dropping as I climbed higher.
The landscape transformed into a subalpine wonderland, snow gums clinging to the slopes, their gnarled branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. The views from the summit were simply awe-inspiring, a 360-degree panorama of mountain ranges, valleys, and forests stretching as far as the eye could see.
Omeo: A Step Back in Time
The descent from Mount Hotham led me to Omeo, a historic town that once boomed during the gold rush era. I explored the town's charming streets, lined with heritage buildings that seemed to whisper tales of fortunes won and lost.
The Final Stretch to Bairnsdale
The final leg of my journey took me through rolling hills and verdant pastures, the landscape gradually transitioning from alpine to coastal. The town of Bairnsdale, nestled on the edge of the Gippsland Lakes, marked the end of my Great Alpine Road adventure.
As I stood on the shores of the lake, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I reflected on the incredible journey I had just undertaken. The Great Alpine Road was not just a drive but an immersion into the heart of Victoria's Country, a tapestry of natural beauty, history, and charm.
More
