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
Ginger Baker Cafe – Wine and Food
Positioned alongside the gorgeous Ovens River, Ginger Baker Cafe enjoys a prime location set amongst a backdrop that includes natural waterfalls, towering elm trees, and a surprisingly eclectic exterior. Open for breakfast and lunch, the café offers a variety of fabulous food dishes sourced from local vendors throughout Bright and surrounds. If you are craving…
Reed & Co. Distillery
Bright craft distillery, Reed & Co Distillery was established in 2016 by chefs turned distillers Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed. It all began at the helm of their former hatted restaurant Tani. Reed & Co was founded as a result of inspiration from the botanicals of the natural landscape in Victoria’s high country, and seeking…
Alpine Hotel Bright
Set in the heart of the Alpine Shire within the township of Bright, the Alpine Hotel has been established since 1852. This family-orientated hotel serves great food from local producers, is locally owned and prides itself on its customer service and warm hospitality. Facilities include two restaurants, bar and bistro, beer garden, café style breakfast…
Food Wine Friends
Food Wine Friends is a family owned and operated cafe located in Bright, Victoria. The warm and cosy little cafe that always feels like home, with tables for groups of all sizes as well as comfy couches that a perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee on a winters day. The menu has all the…
The Riverdeck Kitchen
The Riverdeck Kitchen is the perfect place to relax in Bright. Great coffee, fabulous food, local wines and craft beer and friendly service, all in one of Bright’s most picturesque locations. Located by the Ovens River, the pet friendly deck overlooks beautiful Howitt Park. The Riverdeck is fully licensed and has free Wi-Fi. Open for…
Coffee Chakra
Coffee Chakra are micro coffee roasters located in the picturesque town of Myrtleford in the Alpine Valley. The owners and staff pride themselves on offering quick efficient service, delicious house made sweets, chai and specialty coffee roasted for the espresso bar. They supply their specialty coffee to numerous other cafes and food stores around Northeast…
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.