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
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…
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…
Ringer Reef Winery
A gold specimen found in the late 1800s by men ringbarking the property, led to the opening and naming of the mine, Ringer Reef. A century on, the Ringer Reef vineyard was established by Annie and Bruce Holm in 1998.…
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…
Billy Button Cellar Door Bright
The Billy Button name belongs to the native yellow flowers that colour the mountain tops of the Alpine Valleys. Known for the classic wine styles, but also consistently pushing the boundaries with tiny parcels of alternative varietals, Billy Button dares…
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.
North East Wine – Bar and Bottle Shop
Right in the centre of Bright, North East Wine celebrates the best of the region and has proudly taken home the Silver award for New Tourism Business at the 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards. This boutique bar and bottle shop champions…
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…
Bright Twilight Tastings
Savor the culinary wonders crafted by Bright and Surrounds talented chefs, featuring an array of locally sourced ingredients bursting with freshness and flavour. From artisanal cheeses to gourmet delights, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Embark on a journey through…
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.