Picturesque Bright is a small town close to the Victorian Alps with a population of less than 3000 people. Bright is located about 3 hours and 45 minutes northeast of Melbourne along the Great Alpine Road, which winds through mountains, valleys and forests, and past rivers, vineyards and farms, making getting there a joy in itself. Bordering Mount Buffalo National Park, Bright offers a cozy getaway to majestic Alpine scenery with a variety of birds and other animals.

Many wildflowers, large and small trees, undergrowth and even ferns can be seen within close proximity to each other. Dragonflies, harmless native bees, and species of birds like willy wagtail, kookaburra, magpie, and cockatoo, are among the local winged creatures that create a soothing background noise throughout the area. There are many small reptiles native to the area, some dangerous. And while the small town locals are widely considered to be charming and approachable, it is recommended that you avoid close encounters with the snakes and goannas, which are known to be less friendly, to say the least.

With a history that dates back to the early 19th century, Bright has a rich cultural heritage and many street names and locations within the town can be traced to present day residents. The nearby Buckland River also played a role in the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s and 60s, during which time the Australian population nearly tripled. History buffs may enjoy the Bright Historical Society’s extensive records of the region’s past.

Although trains no longer run from the township, the Bright Railway Station has been preserved as a local history museum. Through the towns of Myrtleford, Beechworth, and Wangaratta, cyclists can still travel the 95km Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail and experience the same route that former train passengers would have traveled.

Outdoors-lovers of all ages come to Bright to get in touch with nature and enjoy the tasty local food and wine. Activities range from bushwalking, fishing and cycling, to paragliding and hang gliding, caving, and abseiling, for the more adventurous visitors. In fact, the town hosts frequent Paragliding festivals and competition.

Bright’s pleasant climate is a major attraction. The population swells during the summer months, especially right after Christmas, when Bright becomes a popular vacation spot for families, who enjoy the consistently warm, sunny days and comfortable overnight temperatures.

But the town is most crowded in autumn, when it is full of tourists who stop by for the Bright Autumn Festival (April 25 to May 6) to see the leaves of the town’s lush green European trees painted bright orange, red, yellow, copper, and gold by the changing seasons.

Bright accommodation includes luxury bed and breakfast cottages and retreats, as well as apartment hotels. There is also a range of more economical motel and hostel options, as well as plenty of campsites to choose from.