Discover Why the Great Alpine Road is Australia’s Most Underrated Road Trip (and Why Winter is the Best Time to Do It)

The Great Alpine Road isn’t always the first road trip people talk about.

And that’s exactly why it should be.

While iconic routes like the Great Ocean Road draw visitors for their famous coastal views, those looking for a quieter, and immersive journey with jaw-dropping scenery, often find something truly special along the Great Alpine Road.

If you’re searching for a road trip that feels less like a checklist and more like a true adventure, the Great Alpine Road delivers.

And in winter, it transforms into something else entirely.

Read on to why we think the Great Alpine Road might just be the most underrated road trip in Australia…

The Hidden Gem of Australian Road Trips

Stretching across Victoria from the alpine peaks to the coast, the Great Alpine Road is one of Victoria’s most diverse and rewarding journeys.

This isn’t just a scenic drive.

It’s a constant shift in landscape, energy, and experience.

One moment, you’re winding through snow-covered alpine terrain near Mount Hotham.
The next, you’re descending into lush valleys, before arriving at the calm, glassy waters of the Gippsland Lakes.

Most road trips build toward one highlight.

This one keeps delivering, every step of the way.

Winter is When the Great Alpine Road Comes Alive

Winter is peak season in the Victorian Alps, with visitors heading to the mountains for skiing and snowboarding. Alpine villages buzz with energy, snow-covered landscapes stretch in every direction, and the region feels vibrant and alive.

But here’s where the Great Alpine Road becomes even more special.

While the alpine areas are busy, very few travelers continue the journey down toward Gippsland. As you leave the snow behind, the pace shifts. The crowds thin. The scenery opens up. And you’ll often find yourself enjoying peaceful lakes, coastal towns, and wildlife encounters in relative quiet.

Picture this:

• Fresh snow underfoot in the Victorian Alps
• Bustling ski villages surrounded by white-dusted peaks
• Golden sunsets casting light across snow gums

Then, within a day, you transition to a completely different experience:

• Calm waterways
• Wildlife-rich wetlands
• Relaxed coastal energy

That contrast of snow to sea in a single journey is what makes this road so unique.

More Than Just a Drive

The best road trips aren’t measured in distance.

They’re measured in moments.

The Great Alpine Road invites you to slow down and experience each destination properly.

Towns like Bright and Omeo aren’t just quick stops along the way.
They’re part of the story places to enjoy local food, breathe in fresh mountain air, and disconnect from the pace of everyday life.

This isn’t about rushing from one viewpoint to the next.
It’s about being present for the journey.

Space, Contrast, and Something Real

One of the highlights of the Great Alpine Road is the contrast it offers:

• Lively alpine villages in peak winter season
• Then peaceful lakes and coastal landscapes just hours away

It’s this balance that makes the experience feel immersive, personal, and memorable.

You get the energy of winter adventure, followed by the calm of nature and open space.

Why Winter is the Best Time to Go

Winter might not be the most obvious choice for a road trip, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

You’ll experience the Victorian Alps at their most vibrant, then continue into quieter regions where you can fully relax and take it all in. Everything becomes more dynamic, more varied, and more memorable.

This isn’t just travelling.
It’s experiencing Australia in a way most people never do.

Multi-Day Adventures to Experience It Fully

WAM offers two unforgettable multi-day adventures that showcase the Great Alpine Road in winter:

1. Alpine & Lakes Adventure – 5 Days

• Ski, snowboard, and snowshoe at Mount Hotham
• Explore the Great Alpine Road from the Alps to Gippsland Lakes
• Kayak, wildlife spot, and relax in Gippsland
• Stay in cozy alpine chalets and boutique lakeside cottages
• Small group, all accommodation most meals and transport included

2. Snow to Surf Adventure – 5 Days

• The world’s first “Snow to Surf” tour
• Ski or snowboard Mount Hotham
• Road trip along the iconic Great Alpine Road
• Surf along the Gippsland coastline with lessons and gear included
• Bathe in the Metung Hot Springs
• Small group, all accommodation, most meals, and transport included

Both trips are designed for beginners and experienced adventurers, offering a perfect mix of adrenaline, relaxation, and scenic exploration.

Ready for an Unforgettable Winter Road Trip?

If you’re looking for a winter journey that blends adventure, contrast, and relaxation, the Great Alpine Road delivers on every level.

Whether you choose the Alpine & Lakes Adventure or the Snow to Surf Adventure, WAM ensures:

• Small group experiences (max 9 guests)
• Carefully curated activities from alpine slopes to Gippsland lakes and coastline
• Accommodation, most meals, and transport included
• Guides with extensive local knowledge and sustainability practices

July, August and September trip dates are open for bookings. Click here to find out more and secure your spot.