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
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…
Bright Brewery BierFest
Bright Brewery is bringing the best of Bavaria to the High Country. Come along to Bierfest, a day of steins, sunshine, and seriously good vibes. Kick back in the October sunshine as their paddock is transformed into a mini Munich…
Feathertop Winery
Feathertop Private Estate is a family-owned winery, private estate and luxury accommodation destination nestled beneath Mount Buffalo in Victoria’s beautiful Alpine Valleys. Surrounded by vineyards, gardens and sweeping mountain views, it brings together wine, considered hospitality, beautiful places to stay…
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…
Crank Handle Brewery
Crank Handle Brewery is located in Tawonga South (Mount Beauty) and situated at the base of Mt Bogong in the beautiful Kiewa valley in North East Victoria. Crank Handle Brewery serve a range of traditional, brewed onsite hand crafted beers…
Bright Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Bright, with the stunning Victorian Alps as its backdrop, Bright Brewery is a proudly independent craft brewery, bar, restaurant, and bike hub – where great beer meets the great outdoors. Driven by the values of…
Gapsted Estate
Gapsted Estate is a family-owned winery and prominent North East Victorian destination, renowned for award-winning emerging varietal wines and restaurant serving delicious cuisine produced from fresh local produce, all set against the backdrop of vineyards overlooking the striking Alpine Valleys.…
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…
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.