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
Alpine Hotel Bright
Set in the heart of the Alpine Shire in Bright, the Alpine Hotel has been established since 1852. This family-orientated pub serves great food from local producers, is locally owned and prides itself on its customer service. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and bistro, beer garden, children’s area and gourmet pizzas. Accommodation offers deluxe, family…
Food Wine Friends
Food Wine Friends is a family owned and operated cafe located in Bright, Victoria. The warm and cosy little cafe that always feels like home, with tables for groups of all sizes as well as comfy couches that a perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee on a winters day. The menu has all the…
The Riverdeck Kitchen
The Riverdeck Kitchen is the perfect place to relax in Bright. Great coffee, fabulous food, local and regional wines and friendly service, all in one of Bright’s most picturesque locations. Located by the Ovens River and overlooking beautiful Howitt Park, the Riverdeck is fully licensed and has free Wi-Fi. Open for breakfast (all day) and…
Sixpence Coffee Roasters
Nestled within the foothills of the Australian Alps in spectacular Bright, Sixpence Coffee is a family owned and run small batch roastery. with a team of motivated professionals striving for excellence in all things coffee! The team are passionate about bringing quality coffee to North East Victoria, and this is reflected in everything they do.…
Coffee Chakra
Coffee Chakra is a cafe and micro coffee roasters located in the picturesque town of Myrtleford in the Alpine Valley. The owners and staff pride themselves on offering quick efficient service, delicious food made totally on premises and coffee specially roasted for the cafe. The cafe opens for breakfast and lunch all day and the…
Cafe Fez Myrtleford
Café Fez presents a unique atmosphere – a treasure trove of twinkling Moroccan lanterns, silver teapots and colourful woven cushions. Featuring a traditional menu of Middle-Eastern favourites, an astonishing drinks menu carrying an array of teas, a great line-up of local wines and beer, and a quixotic array of cocktails, this chilled-out little gem is…
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.