The forests of East Gippsland will once again come to life with the sights and sounds of 100 classic rally cars, as the 2025 Alpine Rally of East Gippsland returns to the region.
Based in the stunning tourist hamlet of Lakes Entrance since 2003, the event is one of the largest competitive car rallies in Australia and attracts competitors from every corner of the country, and even some from overseas.
With a history dating back to 1921, the rally is one of the region’s biggest events and injects several million dollars into the local economy.
While entry places are highly sought after, so is accommodation in the Lakes Entrance area and surrounds for the week of the event.
2025 event director, Troy Bennett, was quick to explain his reasoning for keeping the event based in Lakes Entrance.
“When I took over the direction of the Alpine late last year, there was some talk of relocating the rally to another region. However, keeping the event in East Gippsland was an absolute must for me,” Bennett said.
“You have fantastic infrastructure, amazing forest roads for our competitors to enjoy, brilliant support from the local community, and all set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakes.
“You couldn’t run it anywhere else.”
East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr John White, is thrilled to welcome the rally back to the region.
“With everything from winding forest tracks to our stunning coastline, East Gippsland is the perfect home for the Alpine Rally,” he said.
“This event not only showcases the very best of our region but also delivers a welcome boost to our local economy, with visitors enjoying our cafes, staying in local accommodation and exploring our towns.
“We hope many will get a taste of what makes East Gippsland special and be inspired to return. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for locals to experience world-class motorsport up close, right on our doorstep.”
The 2025 Alpine Rally of East Gippsland kicks off with a ceremonial start at the Foreshore Reserve in Lakes Entrance on the morning of Friday, November 28, before competitors head out into the forests around Lakes Entrance that afternoon.
Competition continues in the Orbost region on Saturday, November 29, and around Nowa Nowa on Sunday, November 30, before a ceremonial finish back at the Lakes Entrance foreshore from around 3pm.
For further information, or if you’d like to volunteer as an official, and see all of the rally action up close, visit the Alpine Rally website.
