Me, I avoid it with the aluminium teepee on the back of the Collie. It's a bit hairy in a couple of places with very tight turns and drops. A couple that you even see the back of your van as you navigate the bend. I have done it in the Collie and another car a few times over the years. Some don't seem to let it bother them though.
Keep Safe out there.
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can any one tell me what is the Alpine highway like to drive , will be in a MUX 2017 pulling a 17' 6" single axle caravan
Some people say stay off it, others say great adventure ,
Or is it a take your time and enjoy
We will be stopping in bright for a couple of nights
heading off First week in Dec
I've towed on it many times with a trike and camper and JBA and home built 15ft caravan. See pics. Yes, near Harrietville , Mt Hotham side it has hairpin bends but apart from that it is ok in the warmer months. Any hint of snow forget it. I enjoy that trip.
The Alpine Way runs through Khancoban to Thredbo and then Jindabyne, have done that road in both directions towing a tandem pop top (2 tonne) behind a Pajero, take it easy and crawl down the slopes using gbox down into 1st and light braking, don't overdo the brakes, there is a great rest area at Tom Groggin just about smack in the middle at the bottom of long downward run.
It is tight in some places just be ready to crawl past others going the opposite to you.
The Great Alpine Road is a major road and it runs from Bright up to Hotham then across to Omeo and down to Bruthen and should present no problems for you, the run up to Hotham is steep and windy but quite OK.
I have driven both roads both ways in my 7 mtr motorhome. If you drive carefully both are interesting drives. Would not like to drive in cold winter conditions. The Alpine Way is usually closed in winter.
As said above, there is the Alpine Way in NSW and the Great Alpine Road in Victoria. I have driven both, although not towing my caravan. However I would have no hesitation in driving either road with my van.
Both roads are sealed all the way. The Great Alpine Road has a couple of tight hairpin bends, but if you take it easy, you should have no problems. There are steep grades both ways, but your MUX should do it easily. Just remember to change down in the gears going downhill - let the engine control the rig with occasional dabs of the brakes as required. Keep the brakes for emergency stops eg an approaching vehicle or some wildlife.
The Alpine Way (NSW) is not officially recommended for caravans, but people do tow safely if you dont rush. Be aware that the National Sparks and Wildfire NSW charge a daily usage fee of unless you go straight through and dont stop. The fee is something like $18 per day except in winter, when it is about $30. You can get a free pass at Khancoban shopping centre or at the NP gate near Thredbo - free, but you have a time limit of 4 hours?? Travelling this road from Khancoban to Jindabyne involves a very steep climb from Tom Groggin for about 20 km. If your cooling system is healthy, you will have no problems. Some hairpin bends on the climb too, but you will have good visibility approaching them. There are other steep ups and downs as well, but the one near Tom Groggin is the worst.
As with any steep downhill section of road, use the gears and keep the brakes for emergencies. Also, if there is snow or ice on the road, be very very careful.
I drove that road about 5yrs ago with a 22ft van and, whilst it is more than a bit hairy bend wise we found the scariest moments were when we met one of the numerous log trucks. Those guys took no prisoners, they travel that road every day so they are well acquainted with it. With barely enough room to pass we always seemed to meet them on a bloody bend! (Murphy's Law).
I have been driving heavy vehicles for 60yrs and never had a prang (lucky) but there is no way I would take a van on that road. I don't scare easily, but that trip gave me goose bumps big time.
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Have driven it in an HQ station wagon, a 7 metre Nissan Civilian bus & ridden motorcycles over there many times. Going up from Harrietville needs concentration just like any twisty mountain road, but it is a part of Australia unlike any other & not to be missed. Take it slow & steady & it'll be good.
Here's another youtube video to add to what PT posted.
I drove that road about 5yrs ago with a 22ft van and, whilst it is more than a bit hairy bend wise we found the scariest moments were when we met one of the numerous log trucks. Those guys took no prisoners, they travel that road every day so they are well acquainted with it. With barely enough room to pass we always seemed to meet them on a bloody bend! (Murphy's Law).
I have been driving heavy vehicles for 60yrs and never had a prang (lucky) but there is no way I would take a van on that road. I don't scare easily, but that trip gave me goose bumps big time.
Sorry to say this,but your avatar suits you.60 yrs driving heavy vehicles and you wouldn't take a van over that that road.
I am pushing 82 still going over the top
So many people scarring people from enjoying some the great things in life.
Cowboy 7307, you mentioned you'd be staying in Bright for a couple of nights which indicates you'll be on the Great Alpine highway. I must be a little biased because I really enjoy that rive down through Omeo, Bruthen etc. I drive a Dmax towing an Austrack Telegraph X. camper trailer. Never had a problem, and now that the upgraded Dargo rd is open, I'll use that as well for a change of scenery.
I hope you can change your partners mind because it is quite safe and straight forward.
Safe travels.
Not a trip to do in inclement weather. Yes it is a scenic trip but you won't get to see it driving. I'd avoid it.
Very succinctly put Possum. Gawping at the scenery whilst driving that road is definately not beneficial to ones health. Having driven it once why would you want to see it again??
PT, I appreciate your contribution to my comments re the Alpine Way. To each his own I guess, but, after careful consideration I fail to see what my avatar has to do with the subject, anyone who knows me would certainly not apply head in the sand to me anymore than I would apply " risk taker" to you.
Takes all sorts to make a world.
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Those who wish to reap the blessings of freedom must, as men, endure the fatigue of defending it.
