HOW TO GET TO BRIGHT
Surrounded by the rugged mountain ranges of the Great Dividing Range, a trip to Bright will feel worlds away. But you won't need a SpaceX flight to get here. Here are a few ways to find us.
BY CAR
Bright is under an hour drive, or 75km, from Wangaratta along the Great Alpine Road, one of the most scenic drives in the country. The Great Alpine Road starts in Wangaratta and runs 300km to Bairnsdale, passing through the towns of Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville, Dinner Plain and Omeo. You can approach Bright from either direction. The road reaches an elevation of 1,825 metres at The Cross at Mount Hotham, making it the highest sealed road in the country.
FROM MELBOURNE
The fastest way is to travel north-east along the M31 Hume Freeway and take the Snow Road east through Milawa to join the Great Alpine Road at Gapsted, following it south until you reach Bright. The average drive time from Melbourne along this route is 3.5 hours.
If approaching from Bairnsdale, pay close attention to the weather; the alpine peaks are covered in snow during winter and early spring, with snowfalls possible anytime of year. Snow chains must be carried during the snow season.
FROM SYDNEY
Leave Sydney via the M5 Mororway, joining the M31 Hume Motorway, which becomes the M31 Hume Highway past Berrima. Continue south, exiting at Wodonga on the B400 and turning south along the scenic Yackandanda-Wodonga Road.
Join the Great Alpine Road at Myrtleford and continue south to Bright.
The drive is roughly seven hours, although please allow more time for rest stops and meal breaks.
BY PUBLIC BUS
The public V/Line service runs daily buses between Bright and Wangaratta Railway Station, with most services quickly connecting with a train service to or from Melbourne. Wait times for services to and from Sydney may be longer. A public bus service during the school term runs from Myrtleford to Albury-Wodonga each morning and Albury-Wodonga to Myrtleford each afternoon.
The Alps Bus Link, operated by Dyson, runs three days a week and offers affordable services from Bright to Omeo via Harrietville, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain. Please note: summer and winter timetables vary.
To find the right service for you, please use the Public Transport Victoria Journey Planner.
BY PRIVATE COACH
Alpine Spirit Coaches and Snowdog Transport run charter services all year throughout the region, including snow services in winter.
During winter, coach services operated by HothamBus and FallsBus run from Adelaide, Albury, Melbourne and Sydney to Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, including stops at Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville.
BY PLANE
Albury Airport is a 1.5 hour drive from Bright and facilitates daily flights from commercial airliners Qantas and Regional Express (REX).
The airport is serviced by four vehicle hire companies – Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Hertz.
Taxis and transfer services are available, including transfers to Mount Hotham and Falls Creek during the ski season.
Please note: public buses do not stop at the airport.
BY PRIVATE FLIGHT
There are three small airfields in the region that cater to private planes, helicopters and charter flights.
These are:
Taxis are available to transport visitors to nearby townships. For Porepunkah, phone 0423 015 152 or for Mount Beauty, phone 0409 573 909.
WE'RE WAITING FOR YOU
WAYS TO GET AROUND THE SURROUNDS
Sure, you can drive your own car, but if you want to make the most of the award-winning wines, craft beer and gin that our region has to offer, or have someone drive you to the snow, you might prefer to take a taxi, bus or charter service. We've also got plenty of hire bikes for making the most of the shared paths throughout our region. Here are a few services to get you around Bright & Surrounds.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Hedonistic Hiking’s Hiking the Victorian Alps
This tour starts and ends in the charming Victorian High Country town of Bright and explores the magnificent mountain scenery surrounding the ski villages of Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain. Experienced guides Jackie and Mick Parsons are with the group every step of the way, looking after all creature comforts and sharing their knowledge…
Myrtleford White Water Kayaking
Viewing the picturesque scenery of the Ovens River from Myrtleford on top of a sit on top kayak. They supply experienced local guides for paddling down the Ovens river in the grade two rapids along with all the activity specific gear that is needed. This experience is provided by Adventure Guides Australia
Indigenous Art Sites
Interested in indigenous history? looking into the art work and listening to the stories around the art work and the area? Come along to the guided tours to learn more about the indigenous culture in the Beechworth and Mount Pilot area. This experience is provided by Adventure Guides Australia
Alpine Valleys Wine Region
On this tour of the Alpine Valleys you can tailor your visit to include four or five of the regions finest wineries and cellar doors. Pick up from your accommodation in the morning is around 10:00am and drop off around 5:00 – 5:30pm. Experience a range of the boutique wineries that surround Rutherglen including: Touring…
Hedonistic Hiking’s Sunset Dinners on Mount Buffalo
Hedonistic Hiking offers a series of Sunset Dinners on Mount Buffalo, on selected evenings during the summer months. Close to Bright in north east Victoria, this beautiful granite mountain is home to a number of unique plants and wildlife and gives shelter to lyrebirds, wombats and possums amongst many other species. The highest point on…
Gold Panning – Beechworth and Bright
Strike gold with Adventure Guides Australia. Available in Beechworth and in Bright, this activity is great for the whole family and is a spectacular way to escape the heat. Step back in time to the gold rush era where early settlers flocked to the region in search of their fortune. You will be instructed on…
Cornering Masterclass
Unlock the secrets to confident and efficient cornering. Dial in your cornering skills, boost your confidence on the trails, and find your flow with our Cornering Masterclass. The Masterclass will be coached by PMBIA Level 2 instructor Ash Gray – an experienced mountain bike coach with a long riding, racing and coaching history. Whether you’re…
Portaledge Cliff Camping – Beyond The Edge
Beyond the Edge is Australia’s first and the world’s highest commercial portaledge cliff camping experience. This unique adventure experience includes a thrilling overnight stay on a portaledge suspended over a sheer 300 metre cliff face in the stunning Mount Buffalo gorge. Abseil down to your portaledge perched high on the majestic cliffs of the North…
Traverse Hotham
Traverse Hotham specialises in the journey, immersion in nature, understanding the alpine environment and exploring at a human pace – discover trails less travelled and a whole other world out there! Learn to cross country ski and go free-range. No crowds, no lifts, no passes. XC skiing is your key to exploring at your own…