With two of Australia’s most iconic drives only a small distance from Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road and The Great Alpine Road are two scenic experiences you should embark on this summer.
The Great Alpine Road
The Great Alpine road, as it has been known since 1998 when the final piece of road was finished and crossed through the Victorian snow fields of Mt Hotham and Dinner Plaines. Stretching for more than 300km between the towns of Wangaratta and Bairnsdale in Victoria’s South East.
The track from Wangaratta to Bright is generally flat consisting of farming land and vineyards which are worth stopping and could be a trip of their own. Driving into Bright you immediately get the feeling your beginning to wind up in to the snow fields with Ski Shops and Chain Hire everywhere.
It is compulsory to have chains when driving between Harrietville at the base of Mt Hotham to Omeo in the south during the ski season. This is between the months of June and October. It’s not a serious drive but it certainly demands the attention of the driver at all times. Always check the weather before you begin as its unpredictable and suspect to heavy snowfalls and ice.
Mt Hotham is one of Victoria’s premier ski fields and The Great Alpine road is as breathtaking as the surrounding mountain peaks of Hotham including Mt Feathertop, Mt Buffalo, Mt Beauty and Fall Creek. A little more than a day trip from Melbourne it would be best to spend the weekend in this region before returning via the coast route.
Only 15 minutes away from Hotham is Dinner Plain, a quint ski village used as accommodation. However, in winter there is a small chair lift that operates during decent falls. Beyond that, the road gradually descends to Omeo before flattening out through the South East to Bairnsdale.
When choosing the right tyre for a trip along The Great Alpine Road, take into consideration of the time of year you plan on leaving. Winter tyres and All-Season would be the best tyre during Peak Ski Season. However, summer temps are generally cool and dry. Ideal tread patterns for this drive would be the Bridgestone Ecopia and Turanza range of tyres.
The Great Ocean Road
This iconic stretch of coast road in Australia’s south has long been a favourite among motorists and driving enthusiasts. Beginning in Torquay, the road covers 243km of stunning ocean and farmland views before finishing in the small Victorian town of Allansford.
Built by and dedicated to returning soldiers of World War 1, it’s the world’s largest war memorial. Finished in 1932, it took 13 years to carve through tonnes of rock high above the ocean below. The road gives access to prominent landmarks including the 12 Apostles and the London Bridge rock formation that unfortunately collapsed, leaving two tourists stranded on the outer piece.
Consisting of two famous coastlines. The Surf Coast that stretches between Torquay and Cape Otway. Home to some of the best surf beaches in the state and one of the most recognised around the world. Bells Beach is the home of the Rip Curl Pro, the longest running surf competition in the world. It’s also the birth place of two of the industry’s biggest brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver.
West of Cape Otway is Shipwreck Coast and the rugged shores of the South West. It’s hard to imagine wrecking along this coastline and looking up the ominous cliffs above you. 638 have feared to of been lost along Shipwreck Coast with only around 240 of them being discovered. Over 50 ships have been commemorated in a shipwreck trail beginning in Port Fairy.
The Great Ocean road is sealed for the entire length and any good touring tyre is ideal to take it on. Beware of traffic including large tourist buses which have caused significant damage over the years. Works have been undergoing for the last decade to bring the road back up to scratch but still requires the driver’s full attention and to remain vigilant of pot-holes, gravel and fallen rocks.
With low road noise and the ultimate in ride comfort, the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus is the ideal tyre for long drive hauls or the much need day trip to escape the busy city life.
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