Green valleys, rivers and lakes, alpine woods: Bright, Victoria, has it all. Come for water or land sports. Tour from above for spectacular views and a test of your nerve. Enjoy good food and a comfortable bed.
Water sport enthusiasts enjoy many choices along the Ovens and Buckland Rivers, plus Lake Buffalo. Bring your own vessel along, such as a canoe or kayak, or book a tour with instruction on how to navigate river rapids. Troll for trout along the lake or try your hand at water skiing.
Some people just cannot stand the motion of a boat while others are terrified of water. For them, there are plenty of options on land. Explore the former path of gold diggers along Diggings Walk, join a tour to learn about Bright history, or pan for gold. You could find a bit, though nothing to get excited about. The gold rush was over long ago and is chronicled by local exhibits. Visit Bright Museum and other spots to learn how a fever for gold impacted this place and its people.
If you came with your own bike, all you might want is a map of cycle trails and the name of a good place for accessories and service. Visitors can also rent bikes suitable for all ages. There will be one for your independent rider, child tandems plus infant trailers to attach to an adult bike. Choose something for mountain or road then consult the map for the best route to take for your ability and how far you want to go.
Take to the sky in a microlight and know what it really means to be above it all. Alternatively, hang gliding and paragliding make popular choices for flight, especially from Mystic Hill. Viewers might catch sight of their colourful array during competition season, or even make themselves part of the human rainbow.
Thrills are one thing, but sometimes small wonders are enough. Parks and forests like Buckland Valley State Forest, Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park offer opportunities to get close to Australian soil at your own pace. Then again, Mount Buffalo also boasts its share of adrenaline junkies. Abseiling and climbing are often enjoyed and even taught here. Join a class or just watch one if getting close to nature is a bit slow for your liking.
A break in this town sounds busy: visitors will need to refuel. Thankfully, eateries of many styles wait to fill your empty stomach, serving Iberian, Australian, Asian and other foods. Stop by a cafe, bakery, winery or brewery for a meal or snack; a drink or a treat.
Should a glass of wine make you sleepy, fall into bed at Ovens Valley Motor Inn. Here guests enjoy the added satisfaction of supporting green initiatives, as every effort is made here to be environmentally neutral. In spite of this fact, guests still enjoy the luxury of a pool and spa. Bright Motor Inn sits within walking distance of eating and shopping opportunities. Bring your family for a convenient break here, or choose from the Bright cottages, self-catering, bed and breakfast and other numerous possible places to stay.