Get ready for this road trip which makes its way along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road, taking you through grand mountain ranges, rich forests and sparkling waterways.
Head off from Metung in the Gippsland Lakes through Victoria’s High Country to Wangaratta.
This road trip is sure to impress for adrenaline junkies and foodies alike.
Gippsland Lakes to Bruthen
25km / 25mins
Fall in love with Australia’s largest inland waterway, the Gippsland Lakes, boasting innumerable islands and inlets to explore and scenic sunsets.
Some of Australia’s most popular waterfront villages can also be found here, including Metung, Lakes Entrance and Paynesville.
These town are filled with accommodation options and cater to those wanting to get out on the water.
There are also plenty of boat ramps, jetties, mooring facilities, bait shops and boat charters available.
The gateway to the Gippsland Lakes is Bairnsdale, and is also the centre of East Gippsland’s arts and culture scene.
It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Mitchell River National Park.
While you’re in Bruthen, be sure to check out Main Street and take in cosy cafes, art and collectable shops, you can also ride a section of the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
Bruthen to Omeo
96km / 1.5hrs
Start making your way up the big hill, heading towards Swifts Creek and Ensay, both of which are perfect places to stop.
Nestled along the banks of the Tambo River, these towns were once known for timber milling and mining, and now offer travellers an array of treats, from local wines to fresh fruit and pastries.
Make sure to check out the Great Alpine Gallery, an artist-run gallery located in Swifts Creek.
The gallery features the work of local artists and holds a number of exhibitions throughout the year.
Arrive in the old gold town of Omeo as the landscape changes into rolling green hills.
Test your mountain biking skills at Omeo’s new Pump and Skills Track, which is suitable for all abilities and has been designed to enhance rider satisfaction with continual loops to jumping berms.
For those wanting to slow things down, the Livingstone Creek Walking Track meanders from the town to the Oriental Claims Historical Area, which was once one of the worlds largest gold sluicing operations.
Omeo to Bright
108km / 2hrs
Once you’ve headed off from Omeo, Dinner Plain is next in line.
This cosy village caters to those wanting to rest and relax, or, if you have the time, check out the Dinner Plain Polo, which is held on Sunday, March 31.
Held at the award-winning Cobungra Station, see the Geebungs vs the Cuff n Collars at the longest-running polo event in Australia.
The mountain rush continues as you make your way to Mt Hotham, Victoria’s highest alpine village and a playground for the young and old, all year round.
Finish this leg at Bright, a rustic town on the Ovens River.
Enjoy peaceful walks with fresh mountain air or get muddy at one of Bright’s mountain biking tracks.
You can also check out Bright’s variety of boutique shops in the town centre, have a tasting at a local brewery and trek the number of walking tracks in the area.