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
Cross Country Ski – Lesson Only (1.5 hours)
You will learn how to move on skis (parallel stride), how to travel uphill, downhill, and how to turn. You’ll also learn how to stop (important) and how to get back up when you fall over – as we all do on occasion. Best for: Beginners and families, suitable for younger kids, as long as…
Hedonistic Hiking’s Hiking the Victorian Alps
This tour starts and ends in the charming Victorian High Country town of Bright and explores the magnificent mountain scenery surrounding the ski villages of Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain. Experienced guides Jackie and Mick Parsons are with the group every step of the way, looking after all creature comforts and sharing their knowledge…
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…
Guided Ride of Mystic Park, Bright
Want to ride Mystic like a local? They are incredibly lucky to call Mystic Park – one of Australia’s premier mountain bike parks – their backyard, and they know it like the back of their hands. Hit Hero and Shred Kelly but then head out and find some other hidden gems in Mystic’s 70 kilometres…
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.
Kayaking – Adventure Guides Australia
If you are wanting to keep cool in summer then this activity is for you. Adventure Guides Australia have various kayaking options available to suit your needs. Activities include guided white water kayaking experiences on the Ovens River in Bright and flat water kayaking on Lake Catani on Mount Buffalo, Lake Sambell in Beechworth or…
RideCraft MTB Skills Coaching
Based in the beautiful mountain bike Mecca of Bright, Victoria, with majestic Mystic Mountain Bike Park right on their doorstep, RideCraft MTB is a local family-owned and operated business, offering private and group mountain bike coaching and guided rides for riders of all levels. Their coaches are highly qualified under the globally-recognised Professional Mountain Bike…
Mt Fainter Pack Horse Tour
Showcasing the West Kiewa, Pretty Valley and Mount Fainter, this expedition includes high plains, heritage huts, brumby country, wild rivers, stunning views and secluded camps, our renowned horses and campfire meals. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each…
Cliff Picnics
A truly unique experience on Mt Buffalo. Come dine with Bright Adventure Company on your private ledge suspended 300 metre above the valley floor. Enjoy local produce lovingly prepared whilst revelling in the majestic views from Mt Buffalo. Bright Adventure Company offer sunrise, lunch or dinner cliff picnic options available throughout the year and have…