SCENIC DRIVES
DRIVING THE HIGHEST SEALED ROAD IN AUSTRALIA
“I can’t believe we’re driving up there,” you gasp as you look at the bald alpine summits of Mount Feathertop and Mount Hotham. The others stare in disbelief.
The Great Alpine Road through Smoko curves alongside the Ovens River leading you upstream to the historic village of Harrietville, where you stop at the bakery for coffee and baked pretzels.
As you leave, the road kick upward like a wall and you realise, it’s on. You’re on your way to 1,845m elevation; a landmark known as The Cross – the highest point of any sealed road in Australia that's accessible all year.
You snake higher, hugging the steep slopes through a forest of alpine ash – the tallest flowering trees in the world – then snow gums begin to appear. The trees give way to shrubbery kept low by wild weather and you see a vast mountain range, its slopes falling into a cavernous valley hidden from sight.
“Is that a road?” someone exclaims from the backseat.
In the distance, a faint line clings to the mountainside; little car headlights inch along it. Phwaaar.
You’re crossing a narrow ridge through true alpine country now, looking down on a carpet of cloud. You feel like you're flying.
You reach Danny’s Lookout near Mount Hotham and pull in for a break. The air up here is chilly, but the sun is comfortingly warm. Mount Buffalo presides over the north horizon, while Mount Feathertop is now just a stone's throw away.
Everything is silent. Looking down at the earth, you feel like a tiny speck in the universe; the troubles that too often form the centre of your world are insignificant up here.
You drag yourself away and continue over The Cross into the ski resort of Mount Hotham, sleepy in its summertime daze. Further up the road you reach the village of Dinner Plain, an architectural wonder, where the houses are made of the same stone, timber and corrugated iron, but are each unique in their multi-dimensional shapes.
A pub lunch is calling at the Dinner Plain Hotel. In the afternoon, you take a short walk to see Carmichael Falls, and another to the Room With A View walking track, and then it’s back down the mountain as the sun sets over Mount Buffalo, the sky lit with the most brilliant shades of orange and pink you’ve ever seen.
The drive has been one of the best in your life. Can you possibly beat this experience tomorrow? You were hoping to go to a cellar door, but another in your group suggests fishing, after all, the rivers are so nice here. Which will it be?
Choose your next adventure, or scroll down for more scenic drives
SEEING IS BELIEVING
VALLEY LOOP DRIVE
This 120km loop explores sections of the Ovens Valley, Kiewa Valley and Happy Valley as well as the towns of Porepunkah, Bright and Mount Beauty. Adding to the views along the way are three stunning lookouts over the Kiewa Valley and Mount Bogong. The drive skirts close to Myrtleford, which is well worth the short detour if you want to make a day of it. The loop can be driven in either direction starting at any point. From Bright, follow the Great Alpine Road northwest to Ovens and turn right onto Happy Valley Road. At the road's end, turn right onto the Kiewa Valley Highway to Mount Beauty. To return, take Tawonga Gap Road over the pass and turn right onto the Great Alpine Road back to Bright.
MOUNT BUFFALO DRIVE
The road into Mount Buffalo National Park makes for a lovely scenic drive. It's an 85km-return trip from Bright to the top at The Horn Picnic Area. Take the Great Alpine Road to Porepunkah and turn onto Mount Buffalo Road at the roundabout and follow it to the end, returning the same way. The road climbs up to panoramic views over the Ovens Valley before heading inward over the Mount Buffalo Plateau and its granite boulders. There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, most notably Ladies Bath Falls, the old Mount Buffalo Chalet and Lookout, Lake Catani and The Horn. A walking trail leads from The Horn Picnic Area to the summit with 360° views over the Australian Alps.
PREPARE FOR ANYTHING
From snow to bushfires, floods and gale-force winds, the weather in the High Country can be fierce and change rapidly. Always check conditions before venturing out. Importantly, download the VicEmergency and the Emergency Plus apps to your phone and notify someone of your plans before you set out. Many parts of the High Country have poor or no mobile phone coverage. In winter, it is mandatory to carry snow chains into alpine areas. Snow is prevalent from June to October but can fall anytime of year in the mountains.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Our region is sensitive to human presence. We are privileged to have endangered animals such as platypus, pygmy possums and alpine dingoes surviving in our environment. Your behaviour has a direct impact on our flora and fauna. When driving or riding, stay on formed roads. Protect our wildlife and the beauty of our environment by taking all rubbish with you. Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, always extinguish it completely before leaving. Enjoy our outdoors, and remember, leave no trace.
DRIVE ITINERARY
ALPINE DISCOVERY LOOP
This two-day scenic drive loops around the tops of the Victorian Alps and down through the towns of the Ovens and Kiewa Valleys.
LOOKOUTS
THE VIEWS ARE BETTER UP HIGH
Lush green valleys and an alpine horizon as far as the eye can see. Here's where to find our greatest views.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Adventure Guides Australia
Adventure Guides Australia (AGA) has been providing outdoor adventure tours in the Victoria High Country area since 1985. Their activity locations include Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens River, King River, and Kiewa River. AGA offers a range of adventure tours such as Abseiling, Caving, Canyoning, Rock Climbing, Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking…
Portaledge Cliff Camping – Beyond The Edge
Beyond the Edge is Australia’s first and the world’s highest commercial portaledge cliff camping experience. This unique adventure experience includes a thrilling overnight stay on a portaledge suspended over a sheer 300 metre cliff face in the stunning Mount Buffalo gorge. Abseil down to your portaledge perched high on the majestic cliffs of the North…
Abseiling – Mount Buffalo and Beechworth
Looking for a great family activity or wanting to conquer your fear of heights? Or maybe you have an adventurous soul and you are up for a challenge? Adventure Guides Australia have amazing abseiling activities for all experience levels. From ten metre abseils through to 300 metres, they have an activity to suit you. What…
Bright White Water Kayaking
Enjoy the scenery of Bright by paddling down the Ovens River. This white water adventure is a good introduction into white water kayaking, using sit-on-top kayaks or two seat inflatable kayaks to paddle down the grade one and two stretch. These adventures can be run from upper Bright and through to lower Bright or to…
Mt Fainter Pack Horse Tour
Showcasing the West Kiewa, Pretty Valley and Mount Fainter, this expedition includes high plains, heritage huts, brumby country, wild rivers, stunning views and secluded camps, our renowned horses and campfire meals. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each…
Bright MTB – Mountain Bike Guiding and Instructing
The team at Bright MTB loves riding mountain bikes in Bright. Not only do they love riding, they love sharing their local knowledge of the Bright mountain bike trails. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider, Bright MTB can help orientate and guide you through the Mystic Mountain Bike Park, to point you…