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…
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…
Red Ramia Trading
Red Ramia Trading is an enormous globe-trotter’s emporium from fishing floats and hand painted tiles to larger than life gorillas. There is certainly more to see than the front entrance suggests. Take a trip through Japan, Morocco and India as…
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…
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…
Lucy Jane Ceramics Studio
Lucy Jane Ceramics is a contemporary ceramic studio located in Myrtleford, in Victoria’s High Country. Lucy works primarily on the potter’s wheel, producing a diverse range of ceramics including elegant tableware, as well as lighting and bespoke interior pieces. She’s…
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…
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…
Feathertop Winery
Feathertop Private Estate is a family-owned winery, private estate and luxury accommodation destination nestled beneath Mount Buffalo in Victoria’s beautiful Alpine Valleys. Surrounded by vineyards, gardens and sweeping mountain views, it brings together wine, considered hospitality, beautiful places to stay…
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.