Great Alpine Road Victoria

If its the Alpine way you are talking about which goes through Thredbo , across Dead Horse gap and down to Tom Groggin and then to Kancoban , then there are signs at each end saying not suitable for caravans.

There are at least 2 hairpins that are very tight and up to 5 or so that are tight between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. From there on its not too bad and opens out into a normal road after Kancoban. However there is a stretch of cutting after Geehi walls which is quite narrow .

There is quite a bit of traffic especially on weekends with motorcycles,4WD and the like.
Anything is possible but wise or considerate to other motorists is another matter. Also the Alpine way is one of the steepest continuous down hill stretches in Australia as it goes from AFAIK the highest paved road point in OZ to the Murray in about 20Ks.

My suggestion would be to go to Cooma from Bega up Brown Mountain, which will be pretty much of a challenge to the cooling system anyway, then cut across to Tumut, as this is largely an open road with wide lanes and few hairpins, then down to the Hume.
Regards Philip A

Hi Rob,
The "Great Alpine Road" in fact goes from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta Via Mt Hotham. It does not pass through Tallangatta. Tallangatta is easily accessible by turning off at Myrtleford. It is a great drive & much easier than the "Alpine Way" You should no hassle towing. In fact it is a fairly busy road as it is the main access from Albury/ Wodonga to the Gippsland Lakes. Google Great Alpine Road for lots of info & map.
Cheers
Allan.

The Omeo Hway runs from Omeo to near Tallangatta on the Murray Valley Hway if that's the one you mean. There are lots of narrow stretches and tight bends in the southern section. With care and courtesy you could do it.

If you watch the TV series "What's Up Down Under", a group of caravans, most of them huge juggernauts, recently travelled the Great Alpine Road from Omeo to Bright. I am sure at least one of the towing vehicles was a Ranger or Mazda BT50. Even if not, they have adequate power, size and weight to be able to comfortably tow your van - provided that the driver doesn't do stupid things.

The Great Alpine Road is sealed all the way and although very winding and slow, is quite and acceptable road to tow a van on. You are talking of going from Omeo to Tallangatta. That is the Ovens Highway. It is unsealed for a significant part of the way, and winding, but trucjks use this road, so why not a caravan rig as well? Again, I would travel this road if I had to, but do it with care and keep to your own side of the road.

Hullo Rob
Like you, we avoid driving in Melbourne if at all possible and certainly when towing the van.
For a completely different option and if you don't necessarily want to see the Vic High Country, we use the ferry between Queenscliff and Sorrento. If you catch one of the first two services in the morning, the van is only $11. And you won't be the only ones with vans - quite popular.
While there is a bit of traffic on the Mornington Peninsula roads, it bypasses most of metropolitan Melbourne.
Cheers
Andrew

Don't be so quick to avoid Melbourne. It's very easy to get through.

East to West - Monash Freeway and Westgate freeway - no turns required.
West to East - reverse the above
North down to east - Tullamarine Freeway, exit onto Monash.
North down to west - Western ring road off the Tullamarine freeway and onto the Westgate to Geelong.

Just avoid 7:30am to 10:00am and 4pm till 7pm and you're all good !