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
Rocky Valley Cafe
Enjoy a coffee, breakfast or lunch in the unique garden setting. There is no better place to relax after a long ride or while having your bike serviced. They offer a full cooked breakfast and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, with a shorter menu on Monday and Tuesday. They are open seven days a week.…
Elm Dining
Welcome to Elm Dining, home to a special dining experience in Bright, Victoria. At Elm Dining, you are made welcome and treated like one of the family. Channeling the inspiration of Head Chef Brendon Chadwick, the Elm Dining kitchen offers a ‘made with love’ seasonal menu where the best produce of the region is the…
The Yard Bright
The Yard Bright is built for fun. You will feel the buzzing vibe from the moment you step inside. Offering a cheekily curated selection of faves and Australian botanical cocktails, as well as a great range of TexMex style share plates or quick bites, The Yard Bright will ensure that you leave feeling upbeat, relaxed,…
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. It is now a vibrant and evolving family-run vineyard, winery and cellar door. On this…
Michelini Wines
Michelini Wines on the Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford is your ideal destination to spend long Spring and Summer days enjoying relaxed alfresco outdoor seating with a glass of highly awarded Pinot Grigio, Arneis or Vermentino under the vine-covered pergola, enjoying an antipasto platter with traditional Italian fare. In cooler weather stay for espresso coffee and…
Alpine Helicopters
Based at Jindabyne Airport in the Snowy Mountains. Scenic Helicopter flights. Flights are available all year round. Soar high above it all and see the untouched places of Kosciuszko National Park from the sky. Take a flight and land for lunch at an award-winning winery or brewery. See the mighty Hydro Electric Scheme. From spectacular…
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.