After a few days of grey skies and chilly coastal winds, I decided I’d had my fill of the “cool” weather. It was time for a change of scenery, so I pointed the RedSands camper toward the mountains of Victoria.
I skirted around the edge of Melbourne and headed into the Yarra Ranges National Park, winding my way through narrow mountain passes and charming little villages. Eventually, I hit Wangaratta, the official gateway to the Great Alpine Road.
Think of this route as the mountain equivalent to the Great Ocean Road. It’s a stunning tourist drive that cuts right through the heart of the Australian Alps. While the route itself has been used since the early days of colonization, it wasn’t actually fully paved or given its “Great Alpine” title until 1998. It’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the coast, but every bit as spectacular.
My destination for the day was Bright, and the drive there was pure therapy. The road snakes through rolling farmland, lush vineyards, and deep valleys before opening up into the town itself. Founded in 1860 during the gold rush, Bright is now the ultimate base camp for exploring the majestic scenery of the Alps. It’s absolutely teeming with native birdlife, and the vibe here is so peaceful.
I spent the afternoon stretching my legs on the trails along Morses Creek and the Ovens River. They have these beautiful walking paths that follow the water—perfect for a quick stroll or a long hike to soak in the mountain air. It feels worlds away from the penguins and the ocean, and I’m loving every minute of it.
Next up: Pushing higher into the peaks!
