HOW TO GET TO BRIGHT
Surrounded by the rugged mountain ranges of the Great Dividing Range, a trip to Bright will feel worlds away. But you won't need a SpaceX flight to get here. Here are a few ways to find us.
BY CAR
Bright is under an hour drive, or 75km, from Wangaratta along the Great Alpine Road, one of the most scenic drives in the country. The Great Alpine Road starts in Wangaratta and runs 300km to Bairnsdale, passing through the towns of Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville, Dinner Plain and Omeo. You can approach Bright from either direction. The road reaches an elevation of 1,825 metres at The Cross at Mount Hotham, making it the highest sealed road in the country.
FROM MELBOURNE
The fastest way is to travel north-east along the M31 Hume Freeway and take the Snow Road east through Milawa to join the Great Alpine Road at Gapsted, following it south until you reach Bright. The average drive time from Melbourne along this route is 3.5 hours.
If approaching from Bairnsdale, pay close attention to the weather; the alpine peaks are covered in snow during winter and early spring, with snowfalls possible anytime of year. Snow chains must be carried during the snow season.
FROM SYDNEY
Leave Sydney via the M5 Mororway, joining the M31 Hume Motorway, which becomes the M31 Hume Highway past Berrima. Continue south, exiting at Wodonga on the B400 and turning south along the scenic Yackandanda-Wodonga Road.
Join the Great Alpine Road at Myrtleford and continue south to Bright.
The drive is roughly seven hours, although please allow more time for rest stops and meal breaks.
BY PUBLIC BUS
The public V/Line service runs daily buses between Bright and Wangaratta Railway Station, with most services quickly connecting with a train service to or from Melbourne. Wait times for services to and from Sydney may be longer. A public bus service during the school term runs from Myrtleford to Albury-Wodonga each morning and Albury-Wodonga to Myrtleford each afternoon.
The Alps Bus Link, operated by Dyson, runs three days a week and offers affordable services from Bright to Omeo via Harrietville, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain. Please note: summer and winter timetables vary.
To find the right service for you, please use the Public Transport Victoria Journey Planner.
BY PRIVATE COACH
Alpine Spirit Coaches and Snowdog Transport run charter services all year throughout the region, including snow services in winter.
During winter, coach services operated by HothamBus and FallsBus run from Adelaide, Albury, Melbourne and Sydney to Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, including stops at Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville.
BY PLANE
Albury Airport is a 1.5 hour drive from Bright and facilitates daily flights from commercial airliners Qantas and Regional Express (REX).
The airport is serviced by four vehicle hire companies – Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Hertz.
Taxis and transfer services are available, including transfers to Mount Hotham and Falls Creek during the ski season.
Please note: public buses do not stop at the airport.
BY PRIVATE FLIGHT
There are three small airfields in the region that cater to private planes, helicopters and charter flights.
These are:
Taxis are available to transport visitors to nearby townships. For Porepunkah, phone 0423 015 152 or for Mount Beauty, phone 0409 573 909.
WE'RE WAITING FOR YOU
WAYS TO GET AROUND THE SURROUNDS
Sure, you can drive your own car, but if you want to make the most of the award-winning wines, craft beer and gin that our region has to offer, or have someone drive you to the snow, you might prefer to take a taxi, bus or charter service. We've also got plenty of hire bikes for making the most of the shared paths throughout our region. Here are a few services to get you around Bright & Surrounds.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Alpine Helicopters
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Ovens River Family Kayaking
This is a perfect way to see the Ovens River if you’d prefer a more relaxed trip. The tour runs for approximately three hours and we will paddle near Myrtleford taking in some great scenery with a couple of smaller rapids near the end. If the rapids look too wild it’s easy to portage around.…
Mt Buffalo Underground River Caving
This experience is great for everyone ages 10 and up, who have a moderate fitness level and who are ready for a challenge. We’ll start by gearing up with equipment to make you more comfortable, then take a short, scenic walk from the gorge carpark to the entrance of the underground river. You will be…
Bright Adventure Company
Bright Adventure Company is an adventure tour operator based in Bright delivering tours throughout Victoria’s stunning High Country. With a focus on delivering safe, exciting and memorable experiences to all customers. Offering rock climbing, abseiling, cliff picnics, whitewater kayaking, hire and guided mountain bike tours to all levels of ability.
Easter Pack Horse Adventure
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Bright White Water Kayaking
Enjoy the scenery of Bright by paddling down the Ovens River. This white water adventure is a good introduction into white water kayaking, using sit-on-top kayaks or two seat inflatable kayaks to paddle down the grade one and two stretch. These adventures can be run from upper Bright and through to lower Bright or to…
Cross Country Ski – Half Day Lesson and Tour (three hours)
You will learn the same skills as for the ski lesson (above) and then practice these skills out on the trails. Your ski instructor will provide coaching and tuition throughout the tour, which will help you improve your ski technique. Best for: Beginners and families, recommended minimum age seven. This experience is provided by Mount…
Australia Day Long Weekend – Bogong Horseback Adventures
Join Bogong Horseback Adventures three day Packhorse expedition and experience a truly Australian experience. Get a little saddle grease on your trouser seat this Australia day weekend. Travelling back in time leaving the 21st century behind as you ride into the belly of the clouds to the ‘mountain dreaming place’ the High country. Packhorses carrying…