ABOUT BRIGHT
The riverside town of Bright, located in the foothills of the Australian Alps, is renowned for its picture-perfect tree-lined streets, mountain views, local food and wine, boutique stores, markets, and outdoor adventures such as hiking, cycling and paragliding. All this, within close proximity to Victoria's alpine ski resorts, has firmly established Bright as one of Australia's most popular tourists destinations.
THE TOWN
Bright has changed dramatically since the gold mining days of the mid-1800s, when thousands seeking their fortune survived in shanties along our creeks and rivers. Now, reclaimed by nature, you can see remnants of this distant past as you walk the scenic trails surrounding the town. These days, Bright is a much loved escape full of vibrant eateries, boutique stores and markets, craft brews and local wine, set to a backdrop of mountain views where endless adventures await. With a wide-range of accommodation, and just over three hours from Melbourne along one of Australia's most scenic drives – the Great Alpine Road – you'll soon discover that one trip to Bright & Surrounds isn't enough.
THE SURROUNDS
Bright may be the popular place you know by name, but it's only a small part of the stunning region of Bright & Surrounds – an area of fertile valleys carved between alpine mountains by three rivers: the Ovens, Kiewa and Buckland. Cross the hills to Mount Beauty for dramatic views of Victoria's highest mountain; escape to the tranquility of Harrietville at the foot of Mount Feathertop; discover hidden mosaics in Myrtleford or drive Australia's highest sealed road to the alpine village of Dinner Plain. Get ready to pull up a chair at one of our region's country pubs, breweries and wineries, enjoy a bushwalk or go for a swim in our lakes and rivers, and get to know the places that make up our beautiful Surrounds.
EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Lucy Jane Ceramics Studio
Lucy Jane Ceramics is a contemporary ceramic studio located in Myrtleford, in Victoria’s High Country. Lucy works primarily on the potter’s wheel, producing a diverse range of ceramics including elegant tableware, as well as lighting and bespoke interior pieces. She’s…
Hometown
A locals favourite, Hometown is a New York inspired neighbourhood wood-fired pizza spot. Here you will find proper pizza, share plates and an extensive drinks list. Hometown is the sister restaurant of Tomahawks.
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting is a specialty retail shop perfectly situated at the top end of Ireland Street, right in the heart of Bright’s main shopping precinct. Step inside and discover an ever-evolving collection of high-quality cotton fabrics. The shop…
Michelini Wines
Michelini Wines on the Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford is your ideal destination to spend long spring and summer days enjoying relaxed alfresco outdoor seating with a glass of highly awarded Pinot Grigio, Arneis or Vermentino under the vine-covered pergola, enjoying…
Gapsted Estate
Gapsted Estate is a family-owned winery and prominent North East Victorian destination, renowned for award-winning emerging varietal wines and restaurant serving delicious cuisine produced from fresh local produce, all set against the backdrop of vineyards overlooking the striking Alpine Valleys.…
Bang Toy Shop
Bang Toy Shop is a vibrant independent toy store located in the heart of Bright, Victoria, specialising in educational, creative and imaginative play for children of all ages. Carefully curated with a focus on quality, learning and fun, BANG Toy…
Big Muster Distilling Co.
Australia’s highest moonshine distillery. Hidden up in the backlots of Dinner Plain Alpine Village, Big Muster Distilling Co. offers bespoke moonshines including Swindlers Gold, their baked apple moonshine, with ingredients totally sourced from Alpine, including apples from the famous Nightingales…
Making Spirits Bright
Making Spirits Bright is a magical year-round Christmas shopping experience in regional Victoria, offering visitors an immersive festive experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Step inside and discover beautifully curated themed Christmas trees, enchanting village displays, collectible ornaments, and ever-changing…
Hotel High Plains
Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Hotham Alpine Resort and Hotham Airport, Hotel High Plains is your premier, year round host, in the spectacular and unique Alpine Village of Dinner Plain. Their in-house Cobungra Bar and Stone’s Throw Restaurant provide…
OUR STORY
THE THINGS THAT HAVE SHAPED US
Delve into our past to discover how the towns of Bright & Surrounds came to be here among the rugged mountain ranges of the Australian Alps.
HISTORIC HUTS
DISCOVER OUR HIGH COUNTRY HUTS
Dotted throughout the wild Australian Alps are historic huts with a story to tell. Here’s how you can find them.