News Spring road trip sorted: Great Alpine Road

The entire Omeo Mountain Bike Park is now complete, with 114km of tracks to explore. Break out the bike and ride your way along state-of-the-art mountain trails, including the brilliantly named ‘Bangers and thrash’ and ‘Geddy up’. Choose your own adventure from easy, intermediate, difficult and extremely difficult paths. This is the best time of year to hit the trails – after the winter chill and before summer heats up. Explore the mountainous terrain, riding down paths lined with mossy ferns and towering trees. In between cycling the trails, don’t forget to dive into the goldmining history of Omeo while you’re there.

If you have never tried white water rafting, then here’s the place to give it a go. The Mitta Mitta River is bursting the banks in spring due to the snow melt, so it’s time to take the plunge. Rafting Australia offers one- or two-day adventures, so you can pick your own difficulty level. Join a group of fellow adventurers and raft your way down this beautiful river.

If you’re a keen fisher, or want to try your hand, then October is when fly-fishing season really kicks off. Head to the northern end of the Great Alpine Road to the Mitta Mitta River, or south to the Tambo River near the charming town of Swifts Creek for a picture-perfect place to fish. There are plenty of places to hire some gear or bring your own line. In alpine country there are countless riverbends to spend the day, fishing to your heart’s content.

Explore the high country by horse-back, weaving through alpine landscapes or fragrant bushland. The good folk at Wieland Adventures can put together a custom itinerary for you, from day trailrides to overnight expeditions.

Experienced campers know that the best time of year to set up your site is in the springtime. The ground is dryer, the sun isn’t too bright yet, and you are surrounded by fresh leaves and flowers. Find the perfect spot along the Great Alpine Road – among the wildflowers, breathing in alpine air or surrounded by fragrant Australian bush.

If you can’t take time off this spring, don’t worry – the Great Alpine Road is spectacular all year round. And if you’re not feeling too adventurous, there are much gentler options to enjoy the drive:

• Stroll the Fairy Dell Walking Track in Bruthen and keep an eye out for gnomes and pixies amongst the rainforest, or swing by Ramrod Swimming Hole for a picnic or a dip in the Tambo River.
• Visit Swifts Creek and take the 1km Poet's Walk past the winding river or pop into the Great Alpine Gallery in Swifts Creek for exhibitions and wares by local artists.
• Stride into Ensay Winery's rammed earth cellar door for a tasting of cool climate wines from the Tambo River Valley.
• Drive to Mt Hotham and the surrounding high country via East Gippsland for a winding route with breathtaking mountain views.
• If you’re visiting in summer, round out your alpine experience with a beach stay in Lakes Entrance, Paynesville or Metung.