The Ultimate Victorian High Country & Great Alpine Road Itinerary
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A Lake Hume to Omeo road trip is one of the most scenic drives in Victoria, taking you through the heart of the Victorian High Country along sections of the iconic Great Alpine Road.
From lakeside camping and cycling trails at Lake Hume to alpine towns like Bright, mountain peaks around Mount Hotham, and the historic gold rush town of Omeo, this road trip combines mountain scenery, scenic drives, lookouts, cycling trails, and hidden gems all in one unforgettable route.
To make planning easy, we’ve included a free interactive map so you can follow the route, save your favourite stops, and customise your own alpine adventure. We booked many of our stays through the G'day Parks app, which we highly recommend — they have great prices and over 330 parks across Australia.
Below are our must-stop locations and experiences on this unforgettable Victorian High Country road trip!
Lake Hume to Omeo - Road Trip Guide
Route: Lake Hume → Myrtleford → Bright → Mount Hotham → Omeo
Distance: ~400 – 600km depending on detours
Recommended Duration: 5 –10 days
Best for: Alpine scenery, motrohome travel, hiking, cycling, mountain drives & lakeside escapes
Closest Airports: Albury Airport / Melbourne Airport
Best Time to Visit Victoria’s Alpine Region
The Victorian High Country is beautiful year-round, with each season offering something completely different.
🍂 Autumn (March – May): Bright’s famous autumn colours transform the town into shades of orange and gold.
❄️ Winter (June – August): Snow season brings alpine scenery, cosy stays, and skiing — just be prepared for chains and changing conditions.
🌸 Spring (September – November): When we visited! Expect crisp mornings, sunshine, waterfalls, and even the chance of snow.
☀️ Summer (December – February): Perfect for hiking, cycling, lakes, and escaping the heat in the mountains.
Victorian High Country Tips:
Before heading into Victoria’s alpine region, there are a few things worth knowing:
Weather changes FAST in alpine areas
Pack warm layers even in summer
Download offline maps before mountain drives
Fuel stations can be limited in remote areas
Check road conditions during winter and storm season; snow chains are often required!
The Great Alpine Road is fully sealed and suitable for most vehicles, including campervans and motorhomes
Our Jayco Destiny Motorhome handled the drive well, but some climbs are steep and winding, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Lake Hume – Scenic Lookouts, Cycling & Lakeside Camping
Hume Dam, Lake Hume, Victoria
Located around 3 hours from Melbourne and just 15 minutes from Albury-Wodonga, Lake Hume quickly became one of our favourite stops of the entire trip.
The scenery here is incredible, with huge open water views surrounded by rolling hills and mountain backdrops — and if you love outdoor adventures, this is definitely your kind of place.
Where to Stay in Lake Hume
We stayed right on the water at Discovery Parks - Lake Hume, which made the perfect base for exploring the region.
Best Things to See & Do
There’s so much to do around Lake Hume, especially if you love outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and exploring smaller country towns.
One of the best ways to experience the area is by cycling or walking across the Hume Dam Wall, which offers incredible panoramic views over the lake and surrounding countryside. Nearby, Kookaburra Point Lookout is another must-stop for sweeping views across the water, particularly around sunrise or sunset.
For cycling enthusiasts, the High Country Rail Trail is easily one of the best things to do around Lake Hume! One of the most popular sections runs from Ebden to Tallangatta, following the lake shoreline with beautiful scenery the entire way. There are plenty of picnic areas and scenic stops along the route, and Tallangatta Bakery is the perfect place to stop for coffee or lunch mid-ride.
If you have extra time, drive north to Morgan’s Lookout in Walla Walla, a historic bushranger hideout turned scenic lookout, now known for its sweeping 360-degree views across farmland, rolling hills, and mountain ranges stretching toward the Victorian High Country.
Other great things to do around Lake Hume include:
Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake
Fishing and boating
Lakeside camping and picnic spots
Scenic drives through Bethanga and surrounding countryside
Sunset views from Kurrajong Gap Lookout in Bethanga
Myrtleford - Gateway to the Alps
Reform Hill Lookout, Myrtleford, Victoria
From Lake Hume, it’s around a 115km drive (1 hour 20 minutes) to Myrtleford, a peaceful alpine town surrounded by vineyards, mountain scenery, and rolling countryside. Known for its rich farming history, relaxed country atmosphere, and access to the Victorian High Country, Myrtleford makes the perfect gateway stop before continuing deeper into the alpine region.
Where to Stay in Myrtleford
We stayed at Myrtleford Holiday Park, which made a cosy and convenient base for exploring the area. The location is ideal for walking into town while still feeling peaceful and surrounded by nature.
Cafés & Food in Myrtleford
Myrtleford has a fantastic food scene for a small alpine town, heavily influenced by the region’s Italian heritage and local produce.
One of our favourite café stops was Cafe Fez, a colourful Moroccan-inspired café known for great coffee, fresh brunch dishes, and a really unique atmosphere.
Another local favourite is Bastoni Pizzeria, famous for woodfired pizzas and homemade Italian-inspired food — a nod to the town’s strong Italian history dating back to post-war migration in the region.
You’ll also find plenty of bakeries, wineries, pubs, and farm-gate produce throughout the wider Alpine Valleys area.
Best Things to See & Do in Myrtleford
One of the best things to do in Myrtleford is the walk to Reform Hill Lookout, a short hike through old gold-mining trails with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys, farmland, and mountains. The area has deep ties to Victoria’s gold rush history, and you’ll still find reminders of the town’s mining past throughout the walk.
While wandering through town, keep an eye out for the Myrtleford Mosaic Trail, a collection of colourful mosaic artworks scattered throughout the streets. The mosaics were created by local artists and community groups to celebrate the town’s multicultural history, farming roots, and connection to the surrounding landscape.
The peaceful Ovens River also runs through town and is perfect for:
Riverside walks
Picnic spots
Swimming during summer
Cycling sections of the nearby Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
If you have extra time, Myrtleford also makes a great base for exploring nearby wineries, farm gates, and the wider Alpine Valleys region.Bright - Heart of the Great Alpine Road.
Bright & Mt Buffalo National Park – Alpine Views, Waterfalls & Mountain Adventures
Just 30km south of Myrtleford (around 30 minutes), Bright is one of the most popular towns in Victoria’s alpine region — and honestly, it completely lives up to the hype. Easily one of our favourite towns and were already planning the trip back! Surrounded by mountain peaks, rivers, cycling trails, and national parks, Bright is the perfect base for exploring Victoria’s High Country, especially Mount Buffalo National Park.
Town Centre, Bright
Where to Stay in Bright
Bright has plenty of accommodation options, from boutique stays and cosy cabins to caravan parks and campgrounds if you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome.
Because Bright is such a popular destination year-round — especially during autumn and snow season — we’d definitely recommend booking accommodation in advance.
Exploring Bright
Bright is one of those alpine towns that’s just genuinely nice to slow down and wander through.
The town centre is packed with:
Boutique stores
Bakeries and cafés
Local breweries
Riverside walking paths
Small galleries and artisan shops
One of the best things to do is simply walk beside the Ovens River, which flows right through the middle of town and gives Bright such a peaceful atmosphere.
The riverside walking tracks are beautiful year-round, but especially during autumn when the trees turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold — easily one of the prettiest autumn destinations in Australia.
Cafés & Food in Bright
Bright has an incredible food scene for such a small town, with heaps of great cafés and bakeries throughout the area.
A few must-visit spots include:
Gum Tree Pies — THE BEST! Famous for homemade pies and pastries
Bright Brewery
Sixpence Coffee
Alpine Hotel Bright
Local bakeries and brunch cafés throughout town
If you enjoy craft beer, Bright is also known for its breweries and relaxed pub atmosphere after a day exploring the mountains.
Best things to Do in Bright
If you’re feeling active, there’s plenty to do around town:
Walk the scenic Canyon Walk beside the river
Cycle sections of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
Swim in the river during summer
Explore nearby wineries and farm gates
Bright is also one of the main gateways into Victoria’s alpine region, making it the perfect place to base yourself for day trips into the mountains.
Exploring Mt Buffalo National Park
Located around 32km from Bright (45 minutes), Mount Buffalo National Park is one of the most incredible places to visit in Victoria’s High Country. The drive itself is stunning, winding through alpine forest, granite cliffs, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain scenery.
As you begin climbing into the park, the first major stops are Lady Bath Falls and Eurobin Falls, two beautiful waterfalls surrounded by lush forest and walking trails. Both are easily accessible and especially impressive after rain or during spring when water flow is strongest.
Ladies Bath Fall, Mt Buffalo National Park, Victoria
Further into the park, visitors can explore:
The historic Mt Buffalo Chalet
The Glass Skywalk Lookout with sweeping alpine views
Mackey’s Lookout
The Cathedral rock formations
The Gorge Day Visitor Area
One of the most popular hikes in Mt Buffalo National Park is The Horn, the park’s highest point, known for its dramatic granite landscape and panoramic summit views. Road access can occasionally close during winter or snow periods, so it’s worth checking conditions before visiting. (We got snowed out and couldn’t visit unfortately!)
During warmer months, Mt Buffalo National Park is also popular for:
Hiking trails
Scenic drives
Picnic areas
Waterfalls and swimming holes
Wildlife spotting
💡 Mt Buffalo Tips: Weather conditions can change quickly in alpine areas, so pack warm layers, check road conditions before visiting, and start early for the best lighting and quieter lookouts.
Mount Hotham – Alpine Peaks & Scenic Mountain Drives
Leaving Bright, it’s around a 1 hour 45 minute drive to Mount Hotham, and honestly, this section of the Great Alpine Road is one of the most spectacular drives in Australia.
As you climb higher into the alpine region, the views open up over deep valleys, ridgelines, and endless mountain scenery.
What to Do Around Mt Hotham
One of the best stops along the drive is Danny’s Lookout, sitting at around 1,700m elevation with unreal panoramic views across the Australian Alps.
We even experienced snow in November, which honestly felt surreal.
In Hotham Village, stop at The General for food, coffee, and mountain views before continuing on.
Nearby Dinner Plain is also worth visiting for its alpine village feel, walking tracks, and cosy cafés.
💡 Mt Hotham Tips
Weather changes rapidly
Pack sunscreen AND warm layers
Fuel and food options are limited outside ski season
Check road conditions before travelling in winter
Omeo - Alpine History and High Country Charm
From Mount Hotham, it’s around an 80km drive (1 hour) down into Omeo, a historic gold rush town surrounded by rolling alpine scenery and winding mountain roads. The drive into Omeo is stunning, with dramatic High Country views the entire way and plenty of scenic pull-over spots along the descent.
Where to Stay in Omeo
We stayed at Omeo Caravan & Tourist Park, a peaceful creekside stay within walking distance to town. Omeo has a mix of caravan parks, country pubs, cabins, and small motels, making it a great overnight stop while exploring Victoria’s High Country.
Cafés & Food in Omeo
Despite being a small alpine town, Omeo has some great local cafés and classic country pub meals. For dinner, we highly recommend Golden Age Hotel, a historic country pub serving hearty meals perfect after a long day exploring the mountains.
You’ll also find a handful of local cafés, bakeries, and pubs throughout town, many located inside heritage buildings from Omeo’s gold rush era.
Best Things to Do in Omeo
One of the biggest highlights in Omeo is the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails (OMB) network, featuring more than 100km of trails winding through alpine landscapes, forest, and historic mining areas. Even if you’re not riding, the scenery alone makes this stop worthwhile.
Spend some time wandering through Omeo itself, where you’ll find:
Historic gold rush buildings
Scenic riverside spots
Heritage streetscapes
Small cafés and country pubs
Omeo is one of Victoria’s oldest gold mining towns, and you can still feel the town’s history throughout the main streets and surrounding hills. Nearby, there are also plenty of scenic drives, river crossings, walking trails, and lookouts throughout the wider High Country region, making Omeo a great base for outdoor adventures and slower country-style travel.
Omeo Mountain Bike Park; Omeo
Hannah & Sam
Australia Travel Creators & Jayco RV Correspondents
Hi, we’re Hannah & Sam! Australian travel content creators and bloggers sharing road trips, destination guides, and real travel experiences across Australia.
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