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
Wandiligong Nut Festival
Now a two day event, held across the Saturday and Sunday, Wandiligong Nut Festival celebrates the local growers, the end of harvest and the fabulous varieties of nuts and other fresh produce available in this cool climate region during Autumn. Nestled among heritage trees and gums with Morses Creek flowing close by, you’ll find them…
Picnic Tunes, Autumn Vibes at Ringer Reef
Enjoy a perfect afternoon of live music, hand crafted wines and unbeatable views at Ringer Reef. This Autumn, Ringer Reef is showcasing the talents of Victorian musicians, the perfect accompaniment to the best that the High Country has to offer!
Wandiligong Nut Festival
The big weekend in the littlest valley! Wandiligong Nut Festival celebrates the local growers, the end of harvest and the fabulous varieties of nuts and other fresh produce available in this cool climate region during Autumn. The only nut festival of its kind in Australia. Nestled among heritage trees and gums with Morses Creek flowing…
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.
The Star Hotel
Welcome to the Star Hotel, located in central Bright, they offer a great place to enjoy a drink with friends, a good hearty pub meal with plenty of entertainment provided by Fox Sports on all televisions. As well as full TAB facilities, a gaming room and great background music provided by Nightlife. They offer family…
Myrtleford Bush Market
A family-friendly annual Bush Market with endless stalls – fresh produce, art crafts, clothing, candles giftware, outdoor furniture and gardening equipment, plants, socks and jocks, clothing accessories, hats, sunglasses, live entertainment, food court and great coffee. Local artist provide entertainment in a casual environment and free balloon creations for the little ones. Offering lots of…
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.