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
Bright Rotary Gala Day Market and Parade
The Bright Rotary Gala Day Market is a part of the Bright Autumn Festival Gala Day activities. The market has loads of stalls, food vendors and live music and has a wonderful atmosphere as hundreds of visitors come to town for the market and the ensuing parade. The parade kicks off after the markets and…
Rail Trail Cafe
Located six kilometres from Bright on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, they are a Mexican inspired licensed cafe. Tasty options include local favourites such as the free-range chicken wrap, big beef and bacon barbecue cheeseburger, breakfast burrito and chicken quesadilla. Or take a look at Jesse’s Delicious Specials Board. They use free-range eggs, superb…
Be Someone’s Rock
Be Someone’s Rock is your one-stop destination for beautiful crystals, books, oracle cards and crystal jewellery. They also offer an exciting array of classes and courses. You can have a Psychic Reading, enjoy a sonic journey of relaxation and connection with a Sound Healing, or improve your well-being with a Reiki session. These are just…
Punkah Pantry
Punkah Pantry doubles as a licenced café and provedore in the heart of Porepunkah – across the road from the Ovens River and Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Experience the newly renovated store, with a vibrant storefront that opens up to a light-filled space with plenty of seating for the whole family. After a swim…
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.