Great Alpine Road - High Country and Gippsland

Winding through Victoria's beautiful high plains and past majestic alpine peaks, this 308-kilometre touring route traverses some of the state's most scenic areas.

Starting in Wangaratta in north-eastern Victoria, the Great Alpine Road peaks at 1,825 metres before descending through spectacular natural scenery, arriving at Bairnsdale in the heart of Gippsland.

Wangaratta is an historic town renowned for its hospitality, popular annual jazz festival and fine food and wine. Gourmet cheeses are on offer at nearby Milawa and the famed Brown Brothers winery sells world-class muscats and fortified wines.

Consider taking a side trip to Beechworth, a village built on the wealth of the 1850s gold rush. In Bright, a beautiful town on the Ovens River, rest beneath the shade of grand deciduous trees and treat yourself at 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 Hotham and Dinner Plain. In summer these areas become a favourite destination for bushwalkers, horse riders, cyclists, fishermen, campers and 4WD enthusiasts. Cyclists tackle the climb up Mt Buffalo, which is also a popular rock climbing and abseiling site.

Heading south, the Great Alpine Road travels through Omeo towards Bairnsdale on the banks of the Mitchell River. Bairnsdale is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, a popular destination for boating, fishing and windswept ocean beaches, as well as fresh seafood and local produce. Call in at the region's cellar doors for local wines and cheeses and visit tiny Walhalla along the way, one of Victoria's most charming towns.

Take in the scenery on a tour of the coast road to Melbourne, and call in at Wilsons Promontory National Park for unspoiled beaches and eucalypt rainforests. Or, for a different view of Victoria, experience Croajingolong National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Go to Visit Victoria (High Country) for further information.