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
Reed and Co. Distillery
A craft distillery, bar and restaurant, Reed and Co. Distillery was established in 2016 by hatted-chefs-turned-distillers Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed in Bright, Victoria. Reed and Co. is inspired by the beautiful natural landscape of their home in Victoria’s High…
Tomahawks
Think L.A food truck inspired share plates and quality cocktails in the beautiful township of Bright. Tomahawks is an American style bar/diner earns it’s place as the buzz of Bright.
Gather and Harvest
Gather and Harvest hand crafts a range of luxury candles, soaps, lip balms, bath bombs and diffusers in its studio in the pristine Victorian High Country. Gather and Harvest’s soy candles are poured into recycled glass bottles, that have been…
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.
Pepperberry – Hara House
Introducing Pepperberry, a culinary experience nestled within the captivating Hara House in Bright, Victoria. With a five-star menu showcasing local produce and native Australian ingredients, complemented by a curated selection of premium local wines, Pepperberry restaurant offers an exquisite dining…
Bowerbird Bright
Bowerbird Bright is a carefully curated gifts and homewares store with a distinctly alpine feel. Nestled in the picturesque town of Bright between some of Victoria’s most spectacular mountains, the store offers visitors and locals alike a range of products…
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…
Quaff Wine Bar
Situated right in the heart of Mount Beauty, Quaff Wine Bar is all about the fantastic local wines that make this area special. They’re here to keep it simple – showcasing awesome wines and creating a laid-back hangout for both…
Nightingale Bros Alpine Produce
Nightingale Bros have been growing and selling apples since 1954. The orchards are renowned for growing fresh crisp apples which are full of flavor. They grow all the favorites like Pink Lady, Royal Gala and Granny Smith, as well as…
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.