Whilst the Omeo Highway is a beautiful drive I do not agree with Plain Truth's assertion (in another thread) that it is "not a hard drive" - I suggest it is.
The section from Bairnsdale to Omeo is not too bad except for 20km or so of narrow winding road with rock face on one side and a drop on the other. Ensure you hug the left hand side of the road as semi trailers use this road and need both sides if they come into a bend too quickly. When towing a caravan the yellow speed advisory signs at each bend are an excellent guide.
The section from Omeo to the junction with the Bogong High Plains Road is a bitch. Frankly I'd call it dangerous.
It is very narrow and very winding and, just for fun, even has a large overhanging rock (called "Ouch") which should be avoided if you are keen on retaining your caravan roof. In addition it rises to an elevation of 1350m so you'll need both an engine and gearbox in good condition - especially as, at 1350m, an engine is naturally about 13% down on power.
I have towed my 2.7T, 25' van from Bairnsdale to Omeo many times and don't consider that a problem but I avoid the section north of Omeo if at all possible. If you do decide to use the road I suggest starting that northern section around 11am - most trucks are off the road at this time - and avoiding weekend like the plague, lots of temporary Australians testing their motorcycle prowess then.
Leaving Anglers Rest about 5 Km up the Rd,is the Bundara Day Area.You can drive down with a van and turn around.
It is at the confluence of the Mitta Mitta and Bundara river. A nice picnic area with drop toilets and fireplaces.It is still in the National Park.
A lot of Rafters set of from here,if I was younger I might tackle it,but with some of the names of the obstacles it sounds daunting.
Some them are - The lump & Grind;Funeral Home;Graveyard; Purgatory;Dislocation, sounds like fun?
Next on to Jokers Flat
-- Edited by Plain Truth on Sunday 17th of November 2019 07:26:41 PM
Whilst the Omeo Highway is a beautiful drive I do not agree with Plain Truth's assertion (in another thread) that it is "not a hard drive" - I suggest it is.
The section from Bairnsdale to Omeo is not too bad except for 20km or so of narrow winding road with rock face on one side and a drop on the other. Ensure you hug the left hand side of the road as semi trailers use this road and need both sides if they come into a bend too quickly. When towing a caravan the yellow speed advisory signs at each bend are an excellent guide.
The section from Omeo to the junction with the Bogong High Plains Road is a bitch. Frankly I'd call it dangerous.
It is very narrow and very winding and, just for fun, even has a large overhanging rock (called "Ouch") which should be avoided if you are keen on retaining your caravan roof. In addition it rises to an elevation of 1350m so you'll need both an engine and gearbox in good condition - especially as, at 1350m, an engine is naturally about 13% down on power.
I have towed my 2.7T, 25' van from Bairnsdale to Omeo many times and don't consider that a problem but I avoid the section north of Omeo if at all possible. If you do decide to use the road I suggest starting that northern section around 11am - most trucks are off the road at this time - and avoiding weekend like the plague, lots of temporary Australians testing their motorcycle prowess then.