One of Australia’s biggest and most

iconic car rallies, the Alpine Rally has been based in Lakes Entrance since 2003 and consistently draws competitors from across the country — and beyond. First held in 1921, the event is now a major tourism drawcard, pumping millions into the local economy every second year.

Securing a place on the starting list is tough, but so is snapping up a bed in and around Lakes Entrance, with accommodation typically booking out well in advance.

Event director Troy Bennett said keeping the rally in East Gippsland was non-negotiable.

“When I took over the “Alpine” late last year, there was talk of moving it elsewhere — but that was never on the table for me,” he said.

“You’ve got fantastic infrastructure, unbelievable forest roads, huge community support and a backdrop you simply can’t beat. You couldn’t run it anywhere else.”

Former East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr John White, said the region was the perfect fit.

“From our winding forest tracks to our spectacular coastline, East Gippsland is made for the Alpine Rally,” he said.

“It showcases our region, drives significant economic activity, and gives locals front-row access to world-class motorsport.”

The action begins with a ceremonial start on the Lakes Entrance foreshore this Friday, November 28, before cars hit the forests that afternoon. Competition moves to Orbost on Saturday and Nowa Nowa on Sunday, wrapping up with a finish back on the foreshore from 3pm.

ROAD CLOSURES

The event is fully sanctioned by Motorsport Australia, approved by DEECA and the East Gippsland Shire, and for the safety of the public, the following roads will be closed:

Friday, November 28

Stage 1 – 10.21am – 6.30pm: Starts on Old Orbost Rd at junction with Bruce Rd, West Boundary Rd, Cunningham Rd, Bruce Rd, Gray Tk, West Boundary Rd, finish at junction with Wards Rd.

Stage 2 – 10.45am – 6.45pm: Starts on Reformatory Rd, 500m from Bruthen Buchan Rd. Reformatory Rd to Kenny Rd, Kenny Rd to the finish near Bruthen Buchan Rd.

Stage 3 – 11.20am – 7.15pm: Start on Berkley Square Rd near Lakes Colquhoun Rd, Blackfellows Rd. Wylds Rd, finish on South Boundary Rd, near Lakes Colquhoun junction.

Saturday, November 29

Stage 4 – 6am – 2.30pm: Starts on Old Colquhoun Rd, near junction with Lakes Colquhoun. Uses Old Colquhoun Rd to finish on Long Hill Tk.

Stage 5 – 6.30am – 2.30pm: Starts on Seven Mile Rd, uses Hospital Creek Rd, Mottle Range Rd, Mahogany Rd, Hartland River Rd, Carl Smith Rd to finish on Carl Smith Rd, near Partellis Crossing Rd.

Stage 6 – 9am – 5.30pm: Starts on Rocky River Tk, near Bonang Rd, Uses Rocky River Tk, Rocky River Rd, Murrungowar Rd, Glen Arte Rd, Puggaree Rd, Bendoc Ridge Rd, Towzer Creek Tk, and finishes on Dyers Creek Rd.

Stage 7 – 1pm – 8pm: Starts on Patrol Tk, follows all the way to Sydenham Inlet Rd

Stage 8 – 1pm – 8.30pm: Starts on Old Coast Rd, uses Ghost Camp Rd, Dinah Divide Tk, and finishes on Poddy Creek Rd.

Stage 9 – 2pm – 9.30pm: Start on Coulsons Rd, uses Storers Tk, Breakneck Tk, and finishes on South Boundary Rd.

Sunday, November 30

Stage 10 – 6am – 2pm: Start on Ostlers Rd, uses Pettmans Rd, Old Colquhoun Rd, to finish on Long Hill Tk.

Stage 11 – 6.30am – 2.30pm: Starts on Harris Creek Rd, uses Five Mile Rd, Nowa Nowa Buchan Rd, Three Mile Rd, Five Mile Rd, Lemon Hill Rd, Seven Mile Rd, and Canni Rd, finishing at the junction of Racecourse Rd.

Stage 12 – 7am – 4pm: Starts on Holloways Rd, uses Molly Plains Rd, Kenny Rd, Old Omeo Rd, Spanker Rd, Holloways Kenny Rd, Moonlight Rd, Watershed Rd, Dead Horse Creek Tk, Old Mill Rd, Six Mile Rd, and finishes on Reformatory Rd.

Stage 13 – 10am – 6pm: Starts on Lambournes Break, uses Prices Break, Siberia Crossing Rd, finishing at the junction with Lakes Colquhoun Rd.

Stage 14 – 10.30am – 6pm: Starts on Bruce Rd, near Ward Rd junction, uses Ford Rd, and Uncles Rd, finishing at the rear of the Forestec complex.

There are locations available to the public to spectate for free each day during the event. For further information go to the Alpine Rally website or Facebook page (Alpine Rally of East Gippsland).