Alfisti Autumn Tour 2023

(aka the Post Alfesta Tour)

Monday April 1^st to Friday April 5^th

Lakes Entrance to Lake Burley Griffin

A joint AROCA Victoria & Alpine Alfisti Tour

Call for Expressions of Interest: if you would like to be kept informed of this event, email events@AlfaClubVic.org.au include: your name(s), contact details & AROCA Division.

The Tour is open to AROCA members only, but from any Division - whether you are attending Alfesta or not. 

Post Alfesta Tours have become a staple item as an activity following Alfestas. 

With Alfesta 2024 being convened by AROCA Victoria in Lakes Entrance in Gippsland over Easter and Auto Italia (Canberra) being held the following weekend; an Alfisti Tour that links the two is likely to be popular with many Alfisti departing Alfesta and especially those heading back north to ACT, NSW & Queensland.

The Lakes Entrance location for Alfesta is well placed as the commencement point for an Alfisti Tour that runs through the Victorian Alps to the Riverina and then on through the Snowy Mountains to the Nation's Capital in time to attend Auto Italia, the nation's largest annual Italian automotive display.

Alfisti Tours are not rigid, in that participants are free to only do part of the Tour if that suits them best. If you need to head home after the run through the Victorian Alps, an early departure point might be Albury. Alternatively, if you have things to do in Melbourne after Alfesta, join the Tour in Albury for the run through the Snowy Mountains. It's up to you, and you dont need to be an Alfesta attendee to join the Tour, but we do insist that you register to attend the Tour.

The cost for the Tour will be nominal, but that means that accommodation, meals and fuel are each participant's responsibility. Meal venues will be recommended, but not enforced.

The proposed Tour itinerary/route is as follows:

Monday 1^st April: Lakes Entrance to Bright
Into the mountains and over the top!
AM: After a mid morning start, we drive through Omeo for lunch on Mt Hotham;
PM: Drive from Mt Hotham via Harrietville to Bright. This leg can be both exciting and demanding. It heads over the highest parts of Victoria along windy and narrow, well maintained roads, and the scenery is fabulous!

Tuesday 2^nd April: Bright to Albury
AM: From Bright, head back east through Tawonga Gap, towards Mt Beauty. Then follow the Kiewa River Valley northish then turn west along Happy Valley Road back to Myrtleford. From there we'll head via Stanley to Beechworth for lunch.

After lunch you might want to spend some time exploring historic Beechworth or head for Rutherglen to check out a few of the region's iconic wineries. Either way, you will need to find your way to Albury that evening for the second overnight stop.

Wednesday 3^rd April: Albury to Tumut
AM: Follow the mighty Murray via Tintaldra & Tooma to Tumbarumba for lunch.
PM: Drive via Batlow, of apple fame, to Tumut. Or take a detour and visit the historic Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins along the way. Overnight is in Tumut.

Thursday 4^th April: Tumut to Jindabyne
AM: Follow the Snowy Mountains Highway – the coolest road in the country – via Talbingo, Kiandra and Adaminaby to Jindabyne. While in Adaminaby, it is mandatory to take a selfie with the Big Trout. Then we will visit the Snowy Scheme Museum which has large and impressive exhibits from the Snowy Mountains Hydro project. From there the Tour heads to Jindabyne for the final overnight stop.

Friday 5th April: Jindabyne to Canberra
AM: The early risers have the option to head out to Charlotte Pass to take in the wonders of the Snowy Mountains scenery and Mt Kosciuszko in particular. It's about two hours for the return trip, but the road and scenery are fabulous.

The rest may opt for a sleep and late breaky, or go for a wander around town or by the lake. Whichever you choose, we'll all meet for a late morning tea before departing for Dalgety for an early lunch.
PM: After lunch we'll head for Cooma where the Cooma Car Club hosts a magnificent museum dedicated to classic cars and memorabilia. From Cooma, we head for Canberra, an hour and a bit away.

Saturday 6^th April: Tour free day! Shopping &/or prep the chariot for Auto Italia

Sunday 7^th April: Auto Italia @ Queanbeyan Park
NB: Tickets for Auto Italia must be purchased directly from the Auto Italia web site.