Leg 1: Wangaratta to Bright

76kms / 47 miles, 1hour

Villages of the Great Alpine Road

The Great Alpine Road starts (or ends) at Wangaratta, an historic town known for its hospitality and popular jazz festival.

Discover fine wine and local produce in the valleys along the northern leg of the Great Alpine Road. At Milawa call in at the famed Brown Brothers cellar door and sample great produce at Milawa Mustards and the Cheese Factory, along with the five-star Lindenwarrah Country House Hotel. Nearby Rutherglen is one of the oldest and most renowned winegrowing regions in Australia, famous for its muscats and fortifieds.

Take a detour to Beechworth, a village built on the wealth of the gold rush of the 1800s. Explore the historic honey granite buildings, including the courthouse where bushranger Ned Kelly’s final trial commenced. It is also home to the famed Beechworth Bakery and highly regarded restaurants, including The Bank.

Mount Buffalo National Park is a great place for a gentle walk to see waterfalls, granite formations and lookouts with great views of the Alps. Or try something more vigorous such as horse and bike riding, rock climbing and, in winter, cross-country or downhill skiing.

This leg ends at Bright, a beautiful town on the Ovens River, filled with grand deciduous trees that are breathtaking in autumn. Bright is also home to Simone’s, one of the best restaurants in the state, and magnificent Italian villa-style accommodation at Villa Gusto.

Rutherglen wine region

This historic wine region is famous for muscats and fortifieds, and is well known for its annual Winery Walkabout event.

Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Cycle through the peaceful Ovens River Valley, enjoying stunning views of the rugged mountain landscape.

Walking and cycling

Explore an extensive network of tracks and trails that criss cross the high country.

Golden Heritage Drive

From Wangaratta, take the B500 to Tarrawingee, the C315 to Beechworth and Wooragee, the C352 to Yackandandah, then the C527 to Myrtleford.
Stop at Tarrawingee's historic buildings, including St Peter's church, the Plough Inn and Carinya House.
Wander around Beechworth, the beautifully reserved goldfields town, with more than 30 National Trust-classified buildings. Walk the tree lined streets of Yackandandah with its stately Victorian architecture.

Gourmet Food and Wine Drive

From Wangaratta, take the C521 to Oxley and turn left to the Milawa and Oxley at the heart of the famed Milawa Gourmet Region, where you can taste fine wines at cellar doors, including the renowned Mediterranean styles of the nearby King Valley.
Sample outstanding local produce, experience the hospitality of award-winning country hotels and fine dining restaurants, and pull over at farm gates to stock up on local asparagus and walnut.
Head back to Wangaratta or on to Myrtleford and beyond.

Mt Buffalo Drive

At Porepunkah take the C535 to Mt Buffalo and fantastic views of the High Country and the Alps. In winter, hire cross country or downhill skis. In summer try a new adventure activity such as micro lighting, paragliding and hang gliding, for which the area is famous.