We are planning a trip up the Great Alpine Road from Bairnsdale to Albury during the summer with a 18' caravan & Pajero and would appreciate any comments/cautions from anyone who has done the trip before. From what I have read all looks OK but thought I would check with the experts first!
The road is sealed all the way, but narrow and winding, so keep your speed down and stay well on your own side of the road and you will be OK. Remember that you are crossing the Great Dividing Range, so there is a bit if climbing involved, followed by the inevitable descent. Nothing too steep, but when going downhill, don't rely solely on your brakes to control the speed - USE YOUR GEARS.
Use the SEARCH facility of the forum to find previous threads regarding towing a caravan along the GAR. It been discussed (argued about) many times before.
I have done it in a 4WD many times and towing my (25' tip to tail) caravan once, unless forced by flood or fire I shall not tow the caravan along it again.
Much of the road is fine but two long sections both to the south and north of Omeo are very narrow and winding with a rock face on one side and a steep drop on the other if a vehicle, especially a truck, is coming the other way things can become exciting very quickly. Avoid the road on the weekend when it's packed with temporary Australians riding motorcycles like the were on a Grand Prix.
I've never driven it at night but that may be a good time as you would be able to see the lights of approaching vehicles around the bend?
Bairnsdale to Albury via GAR = 314km whereas via Yea = 614km or about double the distance so it does provide a tempting saving.
Keep in mind you will climb to about 1400m north of Omeo so ensure your vehicle is up to it.
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I have done it in a 4WD many times and towing my (25' tip to tail) caravan once, unless forced by flood or fire I shall not tow the caravan along it again.
Much of the road is fine but two long sections both to the south and north of Omeo are very narrow and winding with a rock face on one side and a steep drop on the other if a vehicle, especially a truck, is coming the other way things can become exciting very quickly. Avoid the road on the weekend when it's packed with temporary Australians riding motorcycles like the were on a Grand Prix.
I've never driven it at night but that may be a good time as you would be able to see the lights of approaching vehicles around the bend?
Bairnsdale to Albury via GAR = 314km whereas via Yea = 614km or about double the distance so it does provide a tempting saving.
Keep in mind you will climb to about 1400m north of Omeo so ensure your vehicle is up to it.
Hi Mike,We are going over in late Nov.to all the usual places,might see you there.
PT and I (who have met in real life) disagree on the GAR but perhaps he has more steel in his spine than do I :)
Late November: not sure PT, I suspect I'll spend November and December in western Victoria and perhaps head to Gippsland in late January for a couple of months - time will tell.
Go well both of you :)
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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Thanks everyone for your comments. Will get the brakes re-done and transmission serviced and go for it when the weather forecast is for no wind and fine weather.
Thanks again.
Cheers, Jack
Did it once in the rain at night towing one and a half tonne camper trailer - met an oncoming novice driver - I had to back up with the drop on my left side so the other vehicle (large sedan) could get past - I now never go Omeo Hgw.
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At least you'll be on the inside coming from the south. Some horrendous drops with no guard rail. We did it in our 4x4 in 2019, wouldn't take our 17ft caravan over there. I may be conservative but at least I'm still alive. We copped a speeding semi-trailer coming head on. Bloody hell!
I have done it a couple of times. Once with at camper trailer on the back and once towing a 16 ft van. Both times in good weather and free camped along the way. Took it steady and did not have any heart stopping moments. I am always mindful of holding faster travellers up and did find it difficult to pull over and let those faster folk overtake.
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Iza
Semi-permanent state of being Recreationally Outraged as a defence against boredom during lockdown.
We are planning a trip up the Great Alpine Road from Bairnsdale to Albury during the summer with a 18' caravan & Pajero and would appreciate any comments/cautions from anyone who has done the trip before. From what I have read all looks OK but thought I would check with the experts first!
Thanks!
You can get a good idea of the road if you copy and paste this video.
The Omeo Hwy is a different animal to the Great Alpine Road (GAR). At some stage, I plan on travelling from the Bruthen end to Wodonga - south to north - with my 20'6" van. I will go via the length of the GAR and leave the Omeo Hwy alone. From memory, there certainly are some narrow, gnarly bits on that road, particularly if towing a largish van. (as stated, narrow sections with rock face on on side & sheer drops on the other) I will happily go via Hotham & Bright etc. Either way, make sure your transmission is up to the task of handling some longish steady climbs (and descents). Having said all that, it sure is a beautiful part of the country and well worth the effort IMHO. Dave
