Am thinking about travelling the Great Alpine Road early feb, have heard conflicting reports on the suitability of this road for large vans. Some say not a problem others say no way.
Has anybody done this road ,any advice appreciated.

Gary thats a damn good question, I have as yet not done that one but was intending to do it when we get the motorhome, hopefully we can take that big mongrel up there, otherwise it will be in little blue,  I have contacted the VIC.  tourism association and am awaiting their answer, I hear from a couple of freinds that it is one of the greats

-- Edited by dave06 at 21:43, 2008-09-08

O.K. got a reply and it states, I have to write it by hand as one cant read the attachment, and I quote, "during the snow season, caravans and motorcycles are not permitted to travel this route, due to heavy snow and ice on the road and the immenent dangers. The snow season runs from the queens birthday weekend in june each year until the end of september each year. There is often still snow falls before and after this period, so it is best to check at an information centre on the day of travel or by ringing vic roads on 131170 for road closures and information.

If you feel confident to tow your van on a mountain road, please keep in mind that it is narrow (difficult for other vehicles to pass), it also has numerous bends and is quite steep from the bright side, there can be high winds at times and the weather conditions can change rapidly.
Hope that helps


-- Edited by dave06 at 11:59, 2008-09-09

Hi Gary Having driven it a couple of years ago without a van I would have said the size of your rig in the photo would be pretty hairy around some of the windy bits. I'm not sure if anyone knows/thinks which way to traverse the road would be the easiest. Mike

Bugga!!!!!, you got me thinking about it now, head through the mighty murray to wangerratta great alpine road to bairnsdale home through bendigo and ballarat then the great ocean road, what a trip, damn, might do that myself in the next year or so

dave06 wrote:

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Bugga!!!!!, you got me thinking about it now, head through the mighty murray to wangerratta great alpine road to bairnsdale home through bendigo and ballarat then the great ocean road, what a trip, damn, might do that myself in the next year or so

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Bugga is right, just talked to my mate, he went along there last year on his trike towing a camper trailer. Reckons the only stretch of road that would be iffy for me is between Bright and Mt Hotham. We were going to do trip as dave mentioned except head up the east coast instead of heading home. Guess I might have to re think my route, damn!! Going to Mannum this weekend so will take maps with me contemplate my options sitting alongside the Murray enjoying a red or two.

Mannum, now there's a place that brings it all back great camping spots along the river in the 80's spent many a weekend there with the wife and kids good redfin country. Do they still have the vehicular ferry across the river

I've towed a van along this route and it is definatley for clockwork cars i.e. very windy. Slow going, spectacular scenery, now used by articulated trucks in warmer months. I will venture along this way again, take my time, smell the flowers, take more pictures and enjoy the trip.
If you are a confident driver this is a fantastic drive, steep and very tight curves in some places but try it. There are some nice spots as I recall to pull over and put on the billy, or stop for the night even....

well if semi's can go along there I dont see any problem with a van there Gary, I just spoke to the dragon and I think we will take our motorhome along there when we retire, dont forget the free camp opposite the c/park at Mannum, same view, no cost, we stayed 2 days and could have stayed another 2, easy walking distance to the ferry and town

Spoke to the tourist information centres at Bright and Bairnsdale re towing a large van along this road. Their advice was take it easy, drive to the conditions and shouldn't have any problems.

Dave, staying at the free camping sites you mentioned, coming in off the Kooranda road end.

no worries gary you will be approaching mannum from the east, the first thing you will see when getting close is a row of trees on your right, the campsite is well signposted and will be on your right, about half a click back from the ferry, take the second entrance, the first is exit only,  you will pass a small building on your left upon entering the free camp, this contains male and female showers and toilets, as well as drinking water, you have a large area to play with so dont be afraid of going in to park, sit the van and vehicle for a while and take a walk to find the best camp, a good one for vans is about 2/3rds the way through on your right under a stable old gum (plenty of them in here) it may seem close to traffic but it all goes quiet by 9.30, you are on river time now. if you miss the camp, continue on to mannum over the ferry, as you exit the ferry ramp you will see a large carpark on your left, (right in front of a big old paddlesteamer), go in there and you will have plenty of room to turn around, good time to park and grab your supplies and a coffee and bun from the bakery, anyway let us know what you thought of the place, and make sure you feed the little fellers that come around your camp. if you wish to take a drive, head up to waikerie, upon entering the town watch for the small sign on your left it points to a small homemade chocolate shop, a little further is a bakery grab some grub and come back to the recreation grounds where they tie the river princess up, have lunch on the lawns or tables (large grassed area with toilets) and enjoy your choccys and pasties and coffee whilst watching the river go by, fantastic

     G,day
      I almost live on the Great ALPINE RD    I live in Myrtleford. The foothills to the alps.
    As stated the road over mt hotham is closed to caravans through the snow season. I travel this road often, its at times not for the timid as traffic and winds are a problem.   But to travel the GAR from wangaratta to the coast is a delight. At Myrtleford take BUFFALO RIVER turn off worth a drive [2 caravan parks at m/ford] then back onto the GAR. till u come to  PORPUNKAH or move on a few clicks till u reach BRIGHT, ample parks there [great off shoot drives], then on and up to HARRIETVILLE loverly park there. The moment u leave Harrietville its all up hill to the top of the mountain,  magic sites then down the other side  which is still hilly but not as steep as the BRIGHT side. 

 I am a type away if i can help with anything     well worth the trip

PS FEB. IS ARROUND THE HOTTEST TIME IN THE NORTH EAST OF VIC.

thanks for that info Dave, have put it in my "to do" list