Any advice on this road. Travelling from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta in a 28' motorhome. Bit concerned about going over Mt Hotham, is it too steep a climb.
Thanks for your help
Bas
The only concern is going in reverse from Harrietville about 10 km out of town towards Mt Hotham its tight curves uphill. Going your way isnt much concern really just go slow.
Even in November snow can arrive so keep abreast of conditions as chains mught legally need to be carried. You might also consider the route via Mt Beauty that was sealed a few years ago.
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Be nice... if I wanted my school teacher here I would have invited him...
hi ya Bas, you will be fine, full 12+m tourist busses do it all winter, snow included. Use a low gear on descent after Mt Blowhard (there will be signs) to save your brakes. Mt Beauty route would not be as easy as the Alpine road, IMHO.
-- Edited by Bagmaker on Saturday 4th of November 2017 09:17:10 AM
There may still be "not suitable for caravans and trailer" signs along the way. These are a hangover from the days when the road was less developed and the majority of the surface was gravel. I think they have been left there to discourage the unconfident or incompetent drivers. If you are not one of those then go for it. Just take the advice above regarding slowing down and using your gears to preserve your brakes. I also recommend using your gear selector to keep your engine revs up on the ascents as well, that prevents engine labouring and reduces heating particularly if you have a mechanical fan or an auto gearbox.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
There may still be "not suitable for caravans and trailer" signs along the way. These are a hangover from the days when the road was less developed and the majority of the surface was gravel. I think they have been left there to discourage the unconfident or incompetent drivers. If you are not one of those then go for it. Just take the advice above regarding slowing down and using your gears to preserve your brakes. I also recommend using your gear selector to keep your engine revs up on the ascents as well, that prevents engine labouring and reduces heating particularly if you have a mechanical fan or an auto gearbox.
Some of what you say is correct but some is crap. As bagmaker say 12m+ coaches travel the road both ways all year. I travel the Great Alpine Road regually & have not seen a not suitable for caravans and trailer sign for many many many years.
-- Edited by jimboz on Saturday 4th of November 2017 11:23:21 PM
-- Edited by jimboz on Saturday 4th of November 2017 11:24:57 PM
There may still be "not suitable for caravans and trailer" signs along the way. These are a hangover from the days when the road was less developed and the majority of the surface was gravel. I think they have been left there to discourage the unconfident or incompetent drivers. If you are not one of those then go for it. Just take the advice above regarding slowing down and using your gears to preserve your brakes. I also recommend using your gear selector to keep your engine revs up on the ascents as well, that prevents engine labouring and reduces heating particularly if you have a mechanical fan or an auto gearbox.
Some of what you say is correct but some is crap. As bagmaker say 12m+ coaches travel the road both ways all year. I travel the Great Alpine Road regually & have not seen a not suitable for caravans and trailer sign for many many many years.
I did say "There may still be not suitable for caravans and trailer, signs." I did not say "there is" so why the over reaction. The one at the Harrietville end was still there 4 years ago when I last travelled that way. There are still people mentioning ad querying these signs.
I first travelled that road last century when there was still a lot of gravel road and the bitumen section down to Harrietville had some narrower sections. The signs were at both ends. Large vehicles and large trailers were negotiating the road safely. I think the crap is all in your reply.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
I did say "There may still be not suitable for caravans and trailer, signs." I did not say "there is" so why the over reaction. The one at the Harrietville end was still there 4 years ago when I last travelled that way. There are still people mentioning ad querying these signs.
Why not post up to date info not something from 4 years ago, the op wants to travel now...
-- Edited by jimboz on Monday 6th of November 2017 10:32:46 AM
-- Edited by jimboz on Monday 6th of November 2017 10:33:30 AM
Just travelled it Harrietville to Omeo on the weekend (Cup weekend 2017), all good, a smattering of snow at the top, none on the road.
Allow extra time at the Ovens Valley (Harrietville) end due to the gradients and curves but no problem should be had by a van and car combo.
Thanks Bagmaker, I came over yesterday & as you say no problem. We are towing a 20ft Coromal, a bit of fog in the later afternoon (got home here at 7pm). We tell everyone to treat every corner as if there is a truck coming towards you,& all will be fine. Jim
We travelled the Bruthen to Wangaratta route in March 2017 and we had a really good run. It was our first time with a caravan (16') and slow and steady is the best way to go. There are a few "hairy" spots, but nothing that a sensible driver cannot cope with. There are plenty of pull-ins to let faster traffic pass, and some lovely towns to stop off for a stretch of the legs. I was very apprehensive to begin with (being the primary driver - because I consider myself a better driver than my husband Toot-toot) but once you are there, you just soldier on. Heading to Merimbula last month, though, we did opt to go via Tumut, Cooma, etc (which was also a pretty good road). Happy and safe travels!
