Falls Creek to Mount Beauty – An Alpine Road Trip
Mount Beauty rests at the foot of Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong. A picturesque Alpine village during winter and an ideal starting point to discover Victoria’s High Country during summer, Mount Beauty makes an idyllic retreat and base of operation for exploring Victoria.
Discover rare alpine heathlands and stretch your legs on one of the picturesque riverside walks like Gorge Walk or Kiewa River Trail for an unforgettable experience. To ensure an optimal experience, leave at least 10 minutes early than planned departure.
Wangaratta
Wangaratta serves as Victoria’s northern terminus of Victoria’s Great Alpine Road and makes an excellent starting point for alpine adventures. Here you can access Hotham and Dinner Plain ski slopes; Milawa and Myrtleford wine regions; Omeo and Mount Hotham townships or further into high country to Omeo or Myrtleford wine regions – or head further afield via Victoria’s Great Dividing Range for breathtaking panoramic views along its 308km course! The Great Alpine Road boasts stunning panoramic views as it winds its way along its route across 308km of Great Dividing Range!
No matter if you are driving from Melbourne or Sydney, take the Hume Highway exit near Glenrowan and follow signs to Mount Beauty. Be cautious of windy and uphill roads here – take it slow! Plus you will pass many wineries and olive groves – why not stop for wine tasting breaks along the way?
Once in Mt Beauty, there is much to see and do. Enjoy outdoor life along the Ovens Riverbanks or sample local alpine produce at local markets. For history enthusiasts, visit St Mary’s Catholic Church as well as Francesco Floreani’s paintings collection at his museum – both worth seeing! The town is also famed for its amazing cafes and restaurants such as Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina for an indulgent dining experience or browse boutique shops in town centre for unique shopping opportunities and tasty eateries!
When visiting Wangaratta during winter, snow chains should be included as part of your vehicle (they’re legally required between King’s Birthday (12 June) and the first weekend in October). You can rent snow chains at most auto stores and service centres around Wangaratta.
As you head south from Mt Beauty on the Great Alpine Road, the Kiewa and Ovens Valleys, as well as Dederang, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright are reached. Along the way you will enjoy stunning views of Victoria High Country as you climb to Tawonga Gap Road at Germantown with two amazing lookouts – Sullivans Lookout and Tawonga Gap Lookout – pass. Indulge yourself by visiting alpine breweries such as Bright Brewery where beer paired with magnificent views await.
Milawa
The initial stretch of the Great Alpine Road is an amazing visual treat, following alongside Ovens River while passing vineyards, farms and picturesque lookouts like Danny’s Lookout for breathtaking vistas of Mount Buffalo National Park and dramatic scenery.
Highway 80 will eventually lead you to Bruthen, nestled into rolling hills and offering stunning views. A great place for strolling is during February for the annual Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival; alternatively head nearby Cassilis Historic Reserve to experience its historic township’s relics and artefacts.
Mount Feathertop Summit hike provides stunning panoramic views, while Bright to Harrietville Rail Trail provides accessible walking opportunities all year long.
The Great Alpine Road winds its way through both Kiewa and Ovens Valleys as well as Dederang, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright. Keep an eye out for alpine wildlife like kangaroos and koalas; Kiewa Valley boutique vineyards feature intensely-flavoured premium wines while Crank Handle Brewery uses pure alpine water in their superior small-batch beers.
The Great Alpine Road provides the ideal opportunity to discover Victoria’s high country, whether navigating carefully during winter months. Not only can it provide access to Victoria’s picturesque high country, but it is also home to cellar doors, top dining options and classic country towns; whether your traveling for wine, cheese or simply leisure reasons the Great Alpine Road has something special in store for everyone.
Beechworth
Beechworth, with a population of 3,900 is an old gold mining center with a long and varied history. This charming village, featuring honey granite buildings that have been declared heritage-listed, hosts several well-renowned restaurants and wineries; additionally it produces some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines such as chardonnay and shiraz.
Beechworth offers beautiful surroundings to explore by detouring from the main highway and making a short stop off at Beechworth. In summertime, the landscape becomes carpeted in silvery Alpine Ashes while Eucalyptus trees fill the air with their scent. National and State Parks as well as cascading waterfalls & picturesque picnic spots dot its landscape and add further depth of experience to an experience worth remembering!
As you travel east from Beechworth, Rutherglen should be visited if you want to experience Australia’s premier wine region. Also popular among visitors are camping, fishing and local produce like olives – check out Exploring Rutherglen for more details.
After a short drive, Dinner Plain will welcome you with its alpine resort atmosphere and cafes and restaurants to choose from for lunch. Explore its nearby lookouts such as Huggins Lookout or Bakers Gully Reservoir by foot; or head on a day hike along Razorback Track’s spectacular ridgeline path for breathtaking vistas!
Once ready to head back out on the road, head towards Omeo and Mount Buffalo National Park, taking time out to visit Murmungee Lookout and the lookouts atop Mount Stanley if time allows. Head further south toward Myrtleford for an authentic taste of Australia’s rich agriculture scene; forests and wineries dot its landscape along with fruit farms and nut farms that dot the countryside.
Mount Beauty’s drive is both beautiful and challenging, revealing breathtaking valley views all the way down. Autumn provides stunning mountain vistas draped with vibrant autumn leaves – make sure to add in extra days if possible to explore nearby towns & villages!
Falls Creek
No matter if you are travelling alone or with friends and family, this incredible Alpine Discovery Loop offers something for everyone. A day’s drive from Melbourne or less than two from Albury-Wodonga puts this trip within reach, while winter closure of the Great Alpine Road necessitates chains for your car – these can be purchased in Myrtleford or from local providers at Falls Creek summit.
Starting off your trip on the Kiewa Valley Highway will allow for a relaxing journey past picturesque alpine towns like Milawa and Myrtleford as well as charming country restaurants and bars, before reaching Bright on Ovens River filled with grand deciduous trees which look spectacular come autumn. Bright Brewery or Tomahawks offer casual beers or meals while Reed & Co offer gin flights and cocktails for an evening drink at Bright.
From Bright, travel out of the Kiewa Valley on Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road until Rosewhite before joining Great Alpine Road toward Mudgegonga. As you travel uphill through cow paddocks, wineries, olive groves and towards Mount Hotham on Australia’s highest section of sealed road with panoramic views of alpine resorts including Falls Creek.
At the top of Bogong High Plains Road, just beyond Bogong Village, Fainter Falls are well worth stopping to admire and take in their alpine heathlands. Further along you’ll reach Falls Creek where Wallace Hut – Australia’s oldest remaining Cattleman’s Hut – awaits exploration by way of walking trail.
Stay on mountain at Bogong Village or Mt Beauty or head downhill for the night in one of Falls Creek’s ski-in/ski-out cabins, offering ski in/ski out access and self-contained chalets. Or enjoy snow activities like driving your own snowmobile, touring with an Olympian guide and spending a fun hour at a snow tube park!