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
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.…
Bang Toy Shop
Bang Toy Shop is a vibrant independent toy store located in the heart of Bright, Victoria, specialising in educational, creative and imaginative play for children of all ages. Carefully curated with a focus on quality, learning and fun, BANG Toy…
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…
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.…
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.