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
Myrtleford to Porepunkah 24km
This gobsmackingly beautiful leg of the Rail Trail meanders alongside the Ovens River past vineyards, hops producers, orchards and groves. Hop from cellar door to farm gate to providore, before reaching your destination in Porepunkah where you can rest and relax by the Ovens River. If you’re up for an extra 6 kilometres (what’s another…
Bright to Wandiligong 5.5km
Take a gentle trundle to the heritage village of Wandiligong on this family-friendly addition to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. This easy 11 kilometre return ride follows Morse’s Creek alongside farmland and over bridges. Watch paragliders float to the ground as you pass the landing paddock. Finish at Wandi Pub for a hearty lunch…
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
Tasman Holiday Parks – South Bright
Picture-perfect in every season, Bright is a small and vibrant resort town in the heart of Victoria’s glorious Alpine country. Just over three hours’ drive from Melbourne, and seven hours from Sydney, this premium South Bright holiday park offers hours of family fun. Relax in one of their pools, drink in the scenic beauty of…
Bright Holidays
Bright Holidays is a locally owned and operated booking service for holiday homes. They offer a range of properties from quaint country retreats for two, to gorgeous sprawling family homes for large groups and everything in between. Their properties are privately owned by people who love the beautiful region and have decided to secure their…
ACCESSIBLE PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Cafe Fez Myrtleford
Café Fez presents a unique atmosphere – a treasure trove of twinkling Moroccan lanterns, silver teapots and colourful woven cushions. Featuring a traditional menu of Middle-Eastern favourites, an astonishing drinks menu carrying an array of teas, a great line-up of local wines and beer, and a quixotic array of cocktails, this chilled-out little gem is…
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…
Rocky Valley Cafe
Enjoy a coffee, breakfast or lunch in the unique garden setting. There is no better place to relax after a long ride or while having your bike serviced. They offer a full cooked breakfast and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, with a shorter menu on Monday and Tuesday. They are open seven days a week.…