ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
Experience the wonders of the Alpine National Park in a TrailRider chair, relax with a craft beer tasting, or discover hidden mosaic art. There are plenty of accessible things to do in Bright & Surrounds for those with limited mobility. Here are some places to stay, eat and drink that are wheelchair-friendly, have ramps for people with walkers, or are fitted out with disability aids.
TOP 5 ACCESSIBLE THINGS TO DO
1. Glass-bottomed lookout, Mount Buffalo
Ramp access will lead you to a glass-bottomed lookout jutting over the edge of Mount Buffalo Gorge with spectacular views of the Ovens and Buckland Valleys and the Australian Alps. The Gorge has two accessible parking bays and ramp access to a disabled toilet.
2. Enjoy a craft beer tasting
Order a tasting paddle of craft beers at Bright Brewery with lunch or dinner. Accessible parking and toilets are located nearby at Howitt Park from where there is ramp access to the brewery.
3. Search for hidden mosaics
At least 80 mosaics are hidden along Myrtleford's scenic Mosaic Trail. The shared path along the Ovens River is flat and sealed for easy access. Accessible parking and toilet are located at the Rotary Park entrance to the trail on Myrtle Street.
4. See Victoria's highest mountain
Go for a scenic drive to Mount Beauty and stop at the Tawonga Gap and Sullivans lookouts for picture-perfect views of Victoria's highest mountain, Mount Bogong. Both lookouts have large unmarked parking areas and flat access to the viewing area.
5. Visit an apple orchard
Drive through the heritage-listed landscape of Wandiligong to the Nightingale Bros Apple Orchard and Farm Gate Store where you'll find a small cafe, fresh produce, apple cider, local sauces and preserves, and apple pies. The store has large parking spaces and flat access.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
RECHARGE YOUR SCOOTER
Don't get stranded on a big day out. Recharge your mobility scooter at the following locations:
› Outside the Bright Visitor Information Centre
› Inside Council's Bright Office
› Inside the Bright Sports Centre
› Outside the Mount Beauty Library
› On the deck at the Rose Garden Cafe at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre
› On the deck at the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre
Some accessible cafes and restaurants are also happy to help. Have a chat to them today.
PARKING & FACILITIES
Accessible parking spaces are available at all established car parks in Bright, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty, Harrietville and Dinner Plain, including near essential services such as supermarkets and medical services. Disabled parking and toilets can also be found at:
› Howitt Park, Bright
› Pioneer Park, Harrietville
› Jubilee Park, Myrtleford
› Hollands Street, Mount Beauty
› Riverside Park, Porepunkah
› Tawonga Tennis Courts, Tawonga
› Scrubbers End, Dinner Plain
ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR
A motorised TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is available to use free from YMCA Howmans Gap Alpine Centre at Falls Creek enabling visitors of all ages with mobility limitations to explore the Alpine National Park. Please book in advance at [email protected] or by calling 03 5758 3223. Accessible accommodation is also available.
POOL HOIST
The Bright Sports Centre has a 17m heated indoor swimming pool with a hoist to assist people with a disability to get in and out of the pool. The centre also has accessible parking, ramps and accessible change rooms. Please contact the Bright Sports Centre to arrange to use the hoist.
ACCESSIBLE TOURS
Outdoor Advantage is a tour operator that specialises in providing accessible experiences throughout the Victorian Alps. Enjoy activities such as bushwalking, kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching, photography and fishing with the assistance you need to make it happen.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Didn't find the information you were looking for? Touch base with a local at a Visitor Information Centre in Bright, Mount Beauty or Myrtleford and they will be able to help you find the services or facilities you need. The centres have an up-to-date list of disabled and wheelchair-friendly accommodation.
ACCESSIBLE PLACES TO STAY
The Bonnie Ray
Modern mobility friendly Home – in Porepunkah. This gem is a masterpiece of style and design, using high vaulted ceilings, natural light and the best of modern appliances to create the ultimate living space. Located in a quiet street but only a short stroll from the bustling hub of Porepunkah, this stunning creation is in…
Buffalo Bed and Bike – Self contained and Accessible Accommodation
Buffalo Bed and Bike is ideal self-contained accommodation for families, small groups and wheelchair users wanting to cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, hike in the Mount Buffalo National Park, kayak along the Ovens River or just relax and chill out with great views. There are the attractions of nearby Bright as well as…
Tewksbury Lodge
Tewksbury Lodge offers guests the unique experience of an authentic Canadian style log cabin, constructed using traditional hand crafting techniques from 30 tons of real logs. Located just six minutes drive from Bright, the Lodge is set amidst two acres of secluded gardens with Ovens River frontage and views to Mt Buffalo. The Murray to…
ACCESSIBLE PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Feathertop Winery
Come and discover your new favourite drop at Feathertop Winery, a hidden gem nestled in Victoria’s stunning Alpine Valleys wine region. For over 30 years, this family-owned vineyard has lovingly hand-planted and nurtured 22 diverse varietals-producing wines that truly capture the unique character of the cool-climate terroir. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Buffalo,…
Alpine Hotel Bright
Nestled in the heart of the charming township of Bright, The Alpine Hotel has been a beloved landmark since 1852. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ambiance of their historic Bistro 1868. As one of the most sought-after places to eat in Bright, their seasonal bistro menu showcases an excellent range and selection of local…
Rocky Valley Cafe
Enjoy a coffee, breakfast or lunch in the unique garden setting. There is no better place to relax after a long ride or while having your bike serviced. Offering something special everyday, you’ll find their everyday classics on Monday and Tuesday, full lunch menu from Wednesday to Sunday and cooked breakfasts Friday to Sunday. Open…