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
Myrtleford Farmers Market
The Myrtleford Farmers Market is held on the fourth Saturday of each month from at the Piazza, in the heart of Myrtleford in Victoria’s High Country. The market is accredited by the Victorian Farmers Market Association, meaning customers are guaranteed access to quality, freshly harvested produce whilst supporting local farmers and directly putting money back…
Gapsted Estate
Gapsted Estate is a family-owned winery and prominent North East Victorian tourist 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. Embark on a journey of discovery with our portfolio of award-winning emerging and classic…
Beechworth Bakery Bright
Surrounded by mountains and located on the Ovens River, beautiful Bright offers a huge selection of experiences all year round: adventure, cycling, food and wine, fishing, swimming, camping, you name it. There is always a good excuse to visit, no matter what your interest. Bright is a starting point for the Murray to Mountains Rail…
Bogong Horseback Adventures
Bogong Horseback Adventures has been running award-winning tours since 1986. With licensed access to the Alpine National Park and Mount Bogong, the riding landscape is truly spectacular. Based at our property Spring Spur, Bogong Horseback Adventures travel from rich mountain valleys to the vast Bogong High Plains and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mount Bogong. The award-winning…
Hedonistic Hiking
Hedonistic Hiking is a small company operated by experienced guides Jackie and Mick Parsons. For over 15 years they have been offering all-inclusive luxury gourmet guided walking holidays in Victoria and Europe. In Australia the scheduled tours explore the Victorian High Country, the Grampians, the Goldfields Track and the Great Ocean Walk. The tour groups…
Myrtleford Cycle Centre
Located on the marvellous Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in North East Victoria, Myrtleford Cycle Centre is a family-owned and operated, full-service bicycle shop. Stop by for professional repairs, parts and accessories, hire bikes, cycle tours and more. The hire bike fleet comprises a large selection of comfortable regular pedal or electric bikes, perfect for…
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.