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
Mountain Monk Brewers
Nestled into the base of Mount Bogong, lies the picturesque township of Mount Beauty. In 2017, after being closed for two years, Mount Beauty’s local watering hole reopened its doors as West Peak Hotel. They wanted to create something more…
Be Someone’s Rock
At Be Someone’s Rock you will discover a sanctuary of magic and calm. A beautiful selection of fabulous crystals, silver jewellery, tarot and oracle decks, and spiritual treasures are on offer. You can also book a psychic reading, or enjoy…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Gather and Harvest
Gather and Harvest hand crafts a range of luxury candles, soaps, lip balms, bath bombs and diffusers in its studio in the pristine Victorian High Country. Gather and Harvest’s soy candles are poured into recycled glass bottles, that have been…
Mount Beauty Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby 2026
Get ready for one of the High Country’s biggest and most entertaining days of the year. Mount Beauty Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby is back for 2026 – bigger, longer and with even more happening throughout the day. Held in conjunction…
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…
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.