Hi All

Riding a friend's road bike back from Melbourne to Queensland early March. I have a week or so to do that and wanted to do a day or two going from Melbourne to the Snowy Mountains and doing a loop there before going further north. As it is a friend's bike I don't want to do any dirt just tar.

I am considering part of this this loop to Omeo before making my way to say Adaminaby:

https://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-roads/australia/victoria/ride/high-country-grand-tour-melbourne-bright-orbost

Is it affected by bushfires at the moment? Google Maps keeps trying to redirect me a longer way around from Myrtleford to Omeo or is it a dirt road? I t looks like it might take a good 9 hours so maybe that's a little to long.

From Omeo I can't see a clear route to go through Mitta Mitta to Adaminaby without it taking way too long. Advice on a route of around 5 - 6 hours would be appreciated.

Any advice on cheap and cheerful accommodation along the way would also be appreciated.

Hi Scratchy,

Caveat; I don't ride that far North and East of Melbourne so my knowledge is limited. However...

Yep, some of those areas to the South-East and East are fire affected. Only a couple of days ago I was talking to a cop that was being sent to Bairnsdale to assist. The Lakes Entrance, Orbost area was very affected, I wouldn't recommend going that way just yet. The Bright area was also affected. Be prepared to come across some closed roads and detours.

Try looking at https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

That should provide you with more up-to-date information.

I rode from Brisbane to Melbourne back in 1996. One thing I do recall is how strong the wind gusts were South of Sydney. I think down through the Goulburn area. Aulbry-Wodonga was pea-soup fog in the morning up until after lunch. The West of Cunningham's Gap was so cold I began to wonder what I got myself into. However, I was travelling during July.

I hope this helps and it all goes well for you.

Cheers,
Mark

Thanks for the advice. Will look up blockages closer to the date.