Alternate route, Melb. to Sydney - I would suggest the following:

Day 1
Melbourne - Traralgon - Bairnsdale via Pacific Hwy then
Omeo - Mt Hotham - (Bright) Tawonga - (Mt Beauty) via Great Alpine Rd then
Tallangatta - Corryong via Kiewa Valley Hwy and Murray Valley Hwy with possible overnight at Corryong then
Day 2
Corryong - Khancoban - Tom Groggun - Thredbo - Jindabyne - Cooma via the Alpine Way then
Canberra - Goulburn - Sydney via Monaro Hwy, Federal Hwy and Hume Hwy.

Alternatively could return from Cooma via Numeralla, Braidwood and Goulburn (slower though).

There are a few interesting places/things to stop off and look at along this route and making it a three or even four day trip, if time permitted, would be far more enjoyable and relaxing. I could suggest interesting things to look at along the way if required.

Re fire affected area, quite a bit of the route would have been affected by the recent bush fires but not sure to what extent. All the roads along the proposed route/s would be open though as they are major tourist roads which the locals keep open to encourage tourism and business to return to the area/s. One advantage after the fires is that many views have been opened up to reveal what was otherwise hidden behind thick scrub.


I am flexable on a meeting date, happy to fit in with your timetable. Maybe a canyon on the 30th if your interested? If you were interested in a canyon we can easily select one that would be appropreate for your abilities. As long as you can swim 50m in a wetsuit and walk up a hill for an hour at the end you should make it to your 32nd birthday.

Rod.