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…
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…
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…
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…
Making Spirits Bright
Making Spirits Bright is a magical year-round Christmas shopping experience in regional Victoria, offering visitors an immersive festive experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Step inside and discover beautifully curated themed Christmas trees, enchanting village displays, collectible ornaments, and ever-changing…
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…
Myrtleford Show
The Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show is a family fun event that is a true agricultural show with lots to see and do. The show is all about having fun and getting to see all the attractions.…
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.