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
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…
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.…
The Star Hotel
Welcome to the Star Hotel, located in central Bright, they offer a great place to enjoy a drink with friends, a good hearty pub meal with plenty of entertainment provided by Fox Sports on all televisions. As well as full…
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…
Bowerbird Bright
Bowerbird Bright is a carefully curated gifts and homewares store with a distinctly alpine feel. Nestled in the picturesque town of Bright between some of Victoria’s most spectacular mountains, the store offers visitors and locals alike a range of products…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.