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 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…
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…
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…
Making Spirits Bright
Making Spirits Bright is a magical year-round Christmas shopping experience in regional Victoria, offering visitors an immersive festive experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Step inside and discover beautifully curated themed Christmas trees, enchanting village displays, collectible ornaments, and ever-changing…
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.