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Victoria’s scenic drive from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through picturesque towns and alpine landscapes

Travel Victoria’s iconic Great Alpine Road, winding from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through lush spring landscapes, vibrant towns, roaring rivers and perfect camping weather - an unforgettable journey for adventurous travellers.

By news@gippsland - 9th October 2025 - Back to News

Spring has sprung, and it's a most excellent time to hit the road and travel one of Victoria’s greatest driving routes. The Great Alpine Road stretches from East Gippsland’s dreamy Gippsland Lakes all the way to the High Country’s Wangaratta, winding through warm country towns and picturesque villages.

Journey the Great Alpine Road: Victoria's iconic spring drive through lakes, mountains and vibrant country towns

This is a spectacular time of year to drive the road, with hills carpeted in vivid green, the Mitta Mitta River thundering with freshly melted snow, and warmer weather ripe for camping. Here are some of the reasons that you should book a spring getaway along the Great Alpine Road - fair warning, this road is for the adventurous traveller.

Omeo's Mountain Bike Park now offers 114km of trails, with routes for all skill levels, stunning forest scenery, ideal spring conditions, and rich goldmining history to explore between rides

Shred the Omeo trails

The entire Omeo Mountain Bike Park is now complete, with 114km of tracks to explore. Break out the bike and ride your way along state-of-the-art mountain trails, including the brilliantly named ‘Bangers and thrash’ and ‘Geddy up’.

Choose your own adventure from easy, intermediate, difficult and extremely difficult paths. This is the best time of year to hit the trails - after the winter chill and before summer heats up. Explore the mountainous terrain, riding down paths lined with mossy ferns and towering trees. In between cycling the trails, don’t forget to dive into the goldmining history of Omeo while you’re there.

Experience white water rafting on the snowmelt-swollen Mitta Mitta River with Rafting Australia, choosing one- or two-day adventures for all skill levels

Feel the rush

If you have never tried white water rafting, then here’s the place to give it a go. The Mitta Mitta River is bursting at the banks in spring due to the snow melt, so it’s time to take the plunge. Rafting Australia offers one- or two-day adventures, so you can pick your own difficulty level. Join a group of fellow adventurers and raft your way down this beautiful river.

October marks prime fly-fishing season along the Mitta Mitta and Tambo Rivers, with gear hire available and countless alpine riverbends perfect for a full day of fishing

Let it fly

If you’re a keen fisher, or want to try your hand, then October is when fly-fishing season really kicks off. Head to the northern end of the Great Alpine Road to the Mitta Mitta River, or south to the Tambo River near the charming town of Swifts Creek for a picture-perfect place to fish.

There are plenty of places to hire some gear or bring your own line. In alpine country there are countless riverbends to spend the day, fishing to your heart’s content.

Discover the high country on horseback with Weiland Adventures, offering custom day rides or overnight expeditions through alpine landscapes and fragrant bushland

Horsing around

Explore the high country by horse-back, weaving through alpine landscapes or fragrant bushland. The good folk at Weiland Adventures can put together a custom itinerary for you, from day trail rides to overnight expeditions.

Spring is ideal for camping along the Great Alpine Road, with dry ground, mild sun, fresh flowers, alpine air, and fragrant Australian bush surrounds

High-country camping

Experienced campers know that the best time of year to set up your site is in the springtime. The ground is dryer, the sun isn’t too bright yet, and you are surrounded by fresh leaves and flowers. Find the perfect spot along the Great Alpine Road - among the wildflowers, breathing in alpine air or surrounded by fragrant Australian bush.

The Great Alpine Road offers year-round beauty with gentle options: rainforest walks, river dips, local galleries, winery tastings, high-country drives, and summer beach stays nearby

Alpine adventure, anytime

If you can’t take time off this spring, don’t worry - the Great Alpine Road is spectacular all year round. And if you’re not feeling too adventurous, there are much gentler options to enjoy the drive:

• Stroll the Fairy Dell Walking Track in Bruthen and keep an eye out for gnomes and pixies amongst the rainforest, or swing by Ramrod Swimming Hole for a picnic or a dip in the Tambo River
• Visit Swifts Creek and take the 1km Poet's Walk past the winding river or pop into the Great Alpine Gallery in Swifts Creek for exhibitions and wares by local artists
• Stride into Ensay Winery's rammed earth cellar door for a tasting of cool climate wines from the Tambo River Valley
• Drive to Mt Hotham and the surrounding high country via East Gippsland for a winding route with breathtaking mountain views

If you’re visiting in summer, round out your alpine experience with a beach stay in Lakes Entrance, Paynesville or Metung.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Bass Coast secures long-term protection for distinctive landscapes and Western Port Woodlands
  Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South.