OFF ROADING
4WD & DIRT BIKING ROUTES
MOUNT POREPUNKAH
This easy route stays close to Bright but packs a punch. Starting in town, turn into Star Road and then Toorak Road and Mount Porepunkah Road via Quinns Gap. Follow the signs to Mount Porepunkah where you will be rewarded with excellent views from the summit across Mount Buffalo and the Victorian Alps. Continue north on Mount Porepunkah Road to return to Bright via One Mile Creek Road and the Great Alpine Road via Porepunkah.
BLUE RAG RANGE
This difficult alpine track is one of the most spectacular in the High Country. Drive south from Harrietville on the Great Alpine Road and turn right onto the Dargo High Plains Road. Blue Rag Range Track will be on your right as you head towards Dargo. The track ends at Trig Point. Return the way you came in. This remote track reaches over 1,600m elevation and is closed in winter, but be aware that snow may fall anytime of year without warning. The track has a few very steep rocky sections. Two vehicles with experienced drivers are recommended.
CLEARSPOT LOOKOUT
Another easy route that stays close to Bright, but soars to fantastic heights. Start on Bakers Gully Road, continue on Clear Spot Road and then Demon Ridge Road, following the signs to Clearspot Lookout for expansive views of Morses Valley, Mount Buffalo and the Great Dividing Range. Return via Clearspot Road, turning left onto Demon Ridge track and return to Bright via Wandiligong Road. This 36km loop will take just over an hour.
MOUNT MURRAY
At 1,634m high, Mount Murray lookout in the Alpine National Park overlooks the remote Selwyn Creek and the Blue Rag Range. To get there, drive down Buckland Valley Road and follow Buckland River Road past Beveridge Station. Take the next left onto Mount Murray North Track and follow it to Twin Jeeps Track and turn left. Turn onto Mount Murray Track South, which will take you to the lookout. Drive back along the Twins Road to Mount Saint Bernard on the Great Alpine Road and back to Bright. A medium-level 4WD loop in scenic country.
GET ON THE OFF ROAD
STONEY TOPS
An enjoyable 4WD route that peaks near the summit of Mount Feathertop. From Bright, drive south on the Great Alpine Road. Turn onto Old Harrietville Road, then Snowy Creek Road, which turns into Dungey Track as you enter the state forest. Turn onto Stoney Tops Track and follow to the lookout. If you feel adventurous, it's a 4hr return hike to Mount Feathertop. This drive is easy until the last section of track which is over large rocks along a narrow ridgeline. This section is closed in winter due to snow.
GOLDIES SPUR
Goldies Spur Track is an easy scenic route that runs along the power line easement and south boundary of Mount Buffalo National Park. The drive has great views of The Horn and the Back Wall. To get there, drive along Buckland Valley Road and turn right on Goldies Spur Road. Follow the track over the gap to Buffalo River Valley, exiting via the SEC Access Track to Buffalo River Road. The Lake Buffalo recreation area is nearby. Return the way you came, or via Buffalo River Road and Myrtleford on the Great Alpine Road.
THE PLANTATIONS
Many gravel roads in Bright & Surrounds pass through private regenerative pine plantations owned by HVP Plantations. HVP permits entry to their workplace at your own risk after having read and accepted the conditions of their free online Human Powered Pass. As working forests, you are never permitted to enter an area that has been closed for forestry operations. Operations may occur anytime of year. Please look after our forests and stay on formed roads only. Thank you for your cooperation.
NATIONAL PARKS
The spectacular and rare alpine High Country of eastern Victoria provides a backdrop of endless views while 4WD touring and dirt biking. These areas are protected as Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park. The Alpine National Park in particular provides a plethora of stunning tracks. While some are easy, many are difficult, remote and recommended for experienced tourers only. For track conditions, contact Parks Victoria before you go. These alpine tracks close in winter due to snow cover and harsh conditions.
PREPARE FOR ANYTHING
From snow to bushfires, floods and gale-force winds, the weather in the High Country can be fierce and change rapidly. Always check conditions before venturing out, ensure your equipment is working and carry adequate food, water and warm clothing. Importantly, download the VicEmergency and the Emergency Plus apps to your phone.
Notify someone of your plans before you set out. Many parts of the High Country have poor or no mobile phone coverage. Emergency beacons and satellite devices are recommended for your safety.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Our region is sensitive to human presence. We are privileged to have endangered animals such as platypus, pygmy possums and alpine dingoes surviving in our environment. Your behaviour has a direct impact on our flora and fauna. When driving or riding, stay on formed roads and don't cut new lines. Protect our wildlife and the beauty of our environment by taking all rubbish with you.
Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, always extinguish it completely before you leave. Enjoy our outdoors, and remember, leave no trace.
EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Australian Cycle Tours – Victoria
Australian Cycle Tours specialise in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia, including the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and the Great Victorian Rail Trail. They are the people…
Junior MTB Skills Session
Help your Junior Shredder take their riding to the next level with a private, 1:1 skills session. They’ll have a coach all to themselves for these two-hour sessions so they can set the agenda, get personalised feedback, and get the…
Abseil Beechworth
Hanging around or simply passing through Beechworth and after an activity to do? Abseiling in the Beechworth Gorge is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. Being close to town allows for easy access with minimal walking required…
Mt Buffalo Rock Climbing
Join Bright Adventure Company and discover the premier climbing locations around Mt Buffalo. Learn the art of granite climbing whilst being taught the necessary rope skills to keep each other safe. This family-friendly experience is sure to spark the climbing…
Bright Guided eMTB Ride of Clear Spot Lookout
This experience is catered for those riders looking for a scenic eMTB experience without having to pull out the map and spend time figuring out where to ride. Using our local trail knowledge, the guide will take you to Clear…
Adventure Guides Australia
Adventure Guides Australia (AGA) has been providing outdoor adventure tours in the Victoria High Country area since 1985. Their activity locations include Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens River, King River, and Kiewa River. AGA offers…
MTB Skills Session (1:1 or Group)
Take your riding to the next level with a private MTB skills session. You’ll have a highly-qualified coach all to yourself for these three hour sessions so you’ll get personalised feedback, and get the most out of your time on…
Bright White Water Kayaking
Enjoy the scenery of Bright by paddling down the Ovens River. This white water adventure is a good introduction into white water kayaking, using sit-on-top kayaks or two seat inflatable kayaks to paddle down the grade one and two stretch.…
Pioneering the High Plains – Bogong Horseback Adventures
Step back into another time with a celebration of Australian heritage. Ride the High Plains on a journey to the Mittagundi Bush Dance and Pioneer Festival before climbing onto Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain. Pioneering the High Plains expedition takes…
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.
SWIMMING HOLES
COOL OFF THE NATURAL WAY
Take a dip in the river or cool off at a lake. Our natural swimming spots are the ideal way to spend a hot summer's day.
