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
Harrietville Bush Market
Explore the friendly Harrietville Bush Market this January in the cool shade of Tavare Park in Harrietville, on the banks of the Ovens River. This iconic market has something for everyone. Wander through stalls of artisan wares, clothing, jewellery, local produce and preserves, plants and secondhand books. Local food and drink vendors, coffee and home-cooked…
Bright Rotary Twilight Market
Bring your family and friends along to the annual, open-air Bright Rotary Twilight Markets, located under the shady trees at Howitt Park, Bright. With a range of stallholders, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly event. Yummy local food vendors will be there to tempt you, along with fresh produce, ethically made skincare and…
Bright Twilight Markets
Enjoy a perfect summer evening on the banks of the Ovens River at the Bright Twilight Markets. Held in the grounds of Bright Brewery, the Bright Twilight Markets will be held on three festive evenings. Come and discover locally-made products from producers and crafts-people from Bright, Mt Beauty and Myrtleford, offering a unique array of…
Nourish Wholefoods
Nourish Wholefoods offers organic, healthy and packaging free wholefood and snack alternatives for locals and visitors to the area. Shop wide variety of specialist items not found at supermarkets in the greater Alpine, that have become a staple retailer for cyclists, trail runners, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts in the Mount Beauty area.
Cherry Walk Café
Cherry Walk Café is a licensed café located in the heart of Bright, serving coffee, milkshakes, fresh juices homemade cakes, breakfast and lunch. They also stock a range of locally made jams and preserves. They cater for gluten-free and vegan options. Furry friends are welcome out the front. They will accommodate bus tours for meals…
Journey Bright
Relax, decompress and enjoy the haven that has been created for you at Journey Bright. Time stops when you enter, engaging all your senses by providing a welcoming respite from your own busy journey. Stylish ladies clothing and accessories, beautiful home wares, interesting gifts, advice, tips and a smile are guaranteed in this sanctuary.
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.