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
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 Bogong Pack Horse Tour
Highest of High Country, featuring spectacular climbs and descents across the top of Victoria. Wild rivers, stunning views, secluded camps and diverse landscapes. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto…
Labour Day Long Weekend Escape – Bogong Horseback Adventures
Join Bogong Horseback Adventures three day Packhorse Adventure and experience a truly Australian experience. Get a little saddle grease on your trouser seat this Labour day long weekend. Travelling the High country with Packhorses provides a balance between our living heritage and modern adventures. This tour takes in Mount Fainter and Bogong Jacks Hideout. Its…
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…
Daily Trail Rides
Bogong Horseback Adventures offer day rides in the heart of the High Country. Taking you to the mountain valleys of North East Victoria abound with colourful bird life, majestic views, lush pastures and a delightful climate. Experience horse riding the beautiful tracks of the Alpine National Park through tall mountain forests, fern gullies and river…
New Years Eve Pack Horse Adventure
Welcome the New Year with an unforgettable experience. This Mount Bogong expedition features great landscapes, bush camps, spectacular riding terrain, great horses and local food and wine. Journey onto the High Country via East Kiewa and Timms Spur taking in the stunning views across to Mount Bogong before descending down Track 107 into the heritage…
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.