While the Victorian High Country is famous for its world-class snowfields, there is so much more to this beautiful area than just skiing and snowboarding. An easy 3-hour drive from Melbourne, Bright and the surrounding Alpine High Country is the ideal destination for a fun-filled family holiday or a luxurious romantic getaway at any time of the year. You will be spoilt for choice with places to stay in Bright, and Alpine Valley Getaways can help with the perfect Bright accommodation house for you to base yourself while you explore this picturesque piece of Victoria. Whether you want to visit award-winning wineries, sip a craft ale at a boutique brewery, devour delicious gourmet delights or hike through breathtaking bushland, read on for the some of the must-do’s you should consider when planning to visit the region.
For Lovers of the Outdoors
If you’re a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie or you just love getting back to nature, the High Country is an absolute paradise for outdoor activities.
Walking
Home to some of the state’s most scenic walking tracks, the Victorian High Country is a truly specular place to pull on your walking shoes. The pleasant Bright to Wandiligong walk is a six kilometre meander through stunning flat countryside filled with eucalypts and historical remnants. Arriving in Wandiligong you will find a quaint village and the popular Wandi pub – perfect to refuel for the walk back to Bright. For something a little more challenging for the avid bushwalkers, the hills of Mt Buffalo, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek offer some of the best and most beautiful hiking trails to suit any pace and timeframe.
Cycling
Often regarded as the cycling capital of Australia, the High Country boasts hundreds of kilometres of sealed, flat rail trails to suit cyclists of all speeds and abilities and if mountain biking is your preference, Falls Creek and Mt Beauty, offer skills on tracks for all mountain biking enthusiasts.
Closer to town, Mystic Bike Park is a community-run facility that caters to riders of all abilities which includes over 50 kilometres of tracks and trails. Whether you hit the roads or the mountains, you will be sure to cycle through some of the most beautiful scenery Victoria has to offer.
Hosting some of Australia’s major cycling and MTB events, including the Audax Alpine Classic, Scody 3 Peaks Challenge and the Tour of Bright for road cycling and the Ignition MTB Event & McKayos Snow Dirt Road Enduro for the crazy downhillers– Bright is truly the mecca of this sport.
Water Sports
With the Ovens River at the heart of the High Country, there is no shortage of water-based activities for those who like to get wet. In spring the snowmelt from the nearby mountains turns the river into a raging torrent, perfect for white-water kayaking. In summer, the river drops by several metres transforming into a lazy current that is perfect for swimming, splashing and paddle boarding.
Extreme Sports
There really is something for everyone to see and do in Bright and the thrill seekers don’t miss out either. With paragliding, hand gliding, rock climbing & abseiling all available, the list of adventures goes on and on.
For The Foodies
If food and wine is your thing, indulge in some of the best beer, wine and produce you’ll find anywhere in Australia.
Breweries
The High Country is home to several craft breweries that produce award-winning ales. In Autumn, the High Country Hops Festival celebrates the completion of the hops harvest and brings together local beers, food, music and entertainment. If you don’t make the festival, plan a trip along the High Country Brewery Trail, as this will guide you through several of the best craft breweries in the region.
On the banks of the Ovens River in the heart of Bright, you will find the ever-popular Bright Brewery. A proudly independent craft brewery, bar and restaurant, they are known for brewing beers that reflect the bold and wild local environment. A central hub that is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy.
Fancy a variety of breweries? Well, you’re in the right area…..in less than an hour you can be in Beechworth sampling ales from Bridge Road Brewers and Billison’s Brewery. If that’s not enough, you can stop over on the way back to Bright in Myrtleford at The Old Factory and have one last brew.
Wineries
One of the country’s most exciting wine regions, the High County is home to some of Australia’s finest winemakers. Mix up sampling excellent chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon with walks along incredible trails through the Alpine Valleys or venture a little further to taste warm-climate wines of Rutherglen or cool-climate varietals in the King Valley and Beechworth.
Eateries
There’s no shortage of eating establishments in Bright and the surrounding region, and most have a focus on local produce and high-quality ingredients. For a casual brunch or a fancy dinner,
Bright has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars that serve up tasty and delicious fare in a relaxed and cosy setting.
Places to Stay in Bright and Surrounds
If you are planning a romantic getaway, girl’s trip or an easy vacation the whole family will enjoy, there are a plethora of accommodation options in the Alpine High Country. From luxurious Bright cottages to laid-back Porepunkah accommodation, no matter what your style and budget you will be sure to find the perfect place to rest your head after a long day exploring the region.
If you are looking for somewhere special to stay, you should consider booking a premier property from Alpine Valley Getaways. Our range of luxurious holiday homes in Bright, Porepunkah, Wandiligong and Harrietville are ready and waiting for you to settle in and spoil yourself for a weekend (or a week) away. Book online or get in touch with our team by calling (03) 5759 2555 or 0408 874 437 today.