THE last day of the recent Labour Day long weekend saw townships throughout the Alpine area turn into scenes of gridlock, as countless visitors planned an afternoon return trip along the Great Alpine Road.

Vans, mini-buses and cars of every size, many adorned with bicycles and luggage affixed to roof racks, made slow progress on Monday afternoon, as recent guests prepared to return to work on Tuesday morning.

"Overall, the Alpine Cluster has been extremely busy over the the long weekend," Acting Senior Sergeant, Romina McEwan of Bright police said.

"There's was a huge amount of traffic leaving the area on Monday, allowing all emergency services to take a well-earned rest prior to the busy Easter period later next month."

With events such as the Peaks Challenge in Mount Beauty, the Brighter Days Festival in Bright and a special one-off Summer Series performance in Myrtleford, visitors to the area were certainly spoiled for choice for ways to enjoy their Labour Day long weekend.

Myrtleford's Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Jim Van Geet, said local businesses were well prepared ahead of the massive increase in visitation.

"We were all prepared for our recent guests, as this is a holiday weekend which occurs every year," Mr Van Geet said.

"Our visitors appreciate what Myrtleford has to offer.

"Those that weren't able to make it to our Saturday night Summer Series performance in the Piazza, missed out on a great night.

"We had a three-hour performance from 'Minnie and the Moonrakers' and over 250 people came into town to enjoy it.

"We were very fortunate; the weather was perfect, it was a fantastic event and a great weekend."