ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
Experience the wonders of the Alpine National Park in a TrailRider chair, relax with a craft beer tasting, or discover hidden mosaic art. There are plenty of accessible things to do in Bright & Surrounds for those with limited mobility. Here are some places to stay, eat and drink that are wheelchair-friendly, have ramps for people with walkers, or are fitted out with disability aids.
TOP 5 ACCESSIBLE THINGS TO DO
1. Glass-bottomed lookout, Mount Buffalo
Ramp access will lead you to a glass-bottomed lookout jutting over the edge of Mount Buffalo Gorge with spectacular views of the Ovens and Buckland Valleys and the Australian Alps. The Gorge has two accessible parking bays and ramp access to a disabled toilet.
2. Enjoy a craft beer tasting
Order a tasting paddle of craft beers at Bright Brewery with lunch or dinner. Accessible parking and toilets are located nearby at Howitt Park from where there is ramp access to the brewery.
3. Search for hidden mosaics
At least 80 mosaics are hidden along Myrtleford's scenic Mosaic Trail. The shared path along the Ovens River is flat and sealed for easy access. Accessible parking and toilet are located at the Rotary Park entrance to the trail on Myrtle Street.
4. See Victoria's highest mountain
Go for a scenic drive to Mount Beauty and stop at the Tawonga Gap and Sullivans lookouts for picture-perfect views of Victoria's highest mountain, Mount Bogong. Both lookouts have large unmarked parking areas and flat access to the viewing area.
5. Visit an apple orchard
Drive through the heritage-listed landscape of Wandiligong to the Nightingale Bros Apple Orchard and Farm Gate Store where you'll find a small cafe, fresh produce, apple cider, local sauces and preserves, and apple pies. The store has large parking spaces and flat access.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
RECHARGE YOUR SCOOTER
Don't get stranded on a big day out. Recharge your mobility scooter at the following locations:
› Outside the Bright Visitor Information Centre
› Inside Council's Bright Office
› Inside the Bright Sports Centre
› Outside the Mount Beauty Library
› On the deck at the Rose Garden Cafe at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre
› On the deck at the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre
Some accessible cafes and restaurants are also happy to help. Have a chat to them today.
PARKING & FACILITIES
Accessible parking spaces are available at all established car parks in Bright, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty, Harrietville and Dinner Plain, including near essential services such as supermarkets and medical services. Disabled parking and toilets can also be found at:
› Howitt Park, Bright
› Pioneer Park, Harrietville
› Jubilee Park, Myrtleford
› Hollands Street, Mount Beauty
› Riverside Park, Porepunkah
› Tawonga Tennis Courts, Tawonga
› Scrubbers End, Dinner Plain
ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR
A motorised TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is available to use free from YMCA Howmans Gap Alpine Centre at Falls Creek enabling visitors of all ages with mobility limitations to explore the Alpine National Park. Please book in advance at [email protected] or by calling 03 5758 3223. Accessible accommodation is also available.
POOL HOIST
The Bright Sports Centre has a 17m heated indoor swimming pool with a hoist to assist people with a disability to get in and out of the pool. The centre also has accessible parking, ramps and accessible change rooms. Please contact the Bright Sports Centre to arrange to use the hoist.
MORE ACCESSIBLE THINGS TO DO
Taylors Gap to Myrtleford – M2M
Park your car at Taylors Gap and hit the Murray To Mountains Rail Trail towards Gapsted, but not before looking east to the magnificent view of the Victorian Alps. Abundant with natural beauty, this stretch of the Trail is as ardently Australian as it is agricultural, with gum trees, rows of local vines and fertile…
Bright to Porepunkah 6km
Jump on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Bright to Porepunkah to soak in views of Mount Buffalo. Only six kilometres, this leg of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is very child friendly with cafes and playgrounds along the way. Riding over the bridge across the Ovens River is an unexpected highlight. Make…
ACCESSIBLE TOURS
Outdoor Advantage is a tour operator that specialises in providing accessible experiences throughout the Victorian Alps. Enjoy activities such as bushwalking, kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching, photography and fishing with the assistance you need to make it happen.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Didn't find the information you were looking for? Touch base with a local at a Visitor Information Centre in Bright, Mount Beauty or Myrtleford and they will be able to help you find the services or facilities you need. The centres have an up-to-date list of disabled and wheelchair-friendly accommodation.
ACCESSIBLE PLACES TO STAY
Hara House
A classic re-imagined. A hotel experience like no other. Welcome to Hara House, Bright’s only boutique hotel. Picture the perfect stay behind your eyes, season with mid-century luxe finishings, add a massage before dinner, a sun-lounger by the pool and an icy cocktail in hand – all of this and more awaits you at Hara…
Couples on the Park
This two bedroom, two bathroom beautifully appointed home is set back off the main road in the heart of Bright and perfectly designed for couples looking for a relaxing and luxurious getaway. This property boasts two master bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms Bedroom one contains a queen size bed, wall mounted television, ducted heating…
Bright Colonial Motel
The Bright Colonial Motel is a freshly-renovated luxury motel, updated with quality new furnishings, enticing modern facilities and elegant décor all served to you with the meticulous attention and warm hospitality you would expect from a young family-owned business. Ideally suited for couples, cyclists, mature travellers and groups, Bright Colonial Motel offers contemporary studio accommodation…
ACCESSIBLE PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Gapsted Estate
Gapsted Estate is a family-owned winery and prominent North East Victorian destination, renowned for award-winning emerging varietal wines and restaurant serving delicious cuisine produced from fresh local produce, all set against the backdrop of vineyards overlooking the striking Alpine Valleys. Embark on a journey of discovery with our portfolio of award-winning emerging and classic varieties…
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…
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…