Bright War Memorial

Bright Vic 3741 (Pop 2 500)

Pic: by AYArktos

Bright is a beautiful High Country town 327 km n-e of Melbourne. It is situated in the Ovens Valley and on the Ovens River at the edge of the Snowy Mountains. The many deciduous trees are particularly attractive in autumn and the nearby ski resorts of Mt Hotham, Mt Buffalo & Falls Creek are further drawcards. Early settlement began in 1850s with gold discoveries and the town was named after a British politician of the day, John Bright. Timber eventually replaced goldmining and today tourism is Bright’s main source of income. Bright markets 2^nd Sat each month. Bright Blues Festival (Mar), Autumn Festival (Apr/May), Alpine Spring Festival (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Bright & District Historical Museum, cnr Gavan & Anderson Sts housed in the town’s old railway station with many interesting historic displays and photographs. Old Tobacco Sheds, Great Alpine Rd serve as unique makeshift museums. Bright Art Gallery & Cultural Centre, Mountbatten Ave community gallery with interesting displays and handicrafts.

Nearby:
Wandiligong (6 km south) pretty National Trust-listed goldmining village with many well preserved historic buildings. There is a huge hedge maze and 2 km of walkways amidst the manicured gardens. Mount Buffalo NP (10 km n-w) 31 000 ha park popular in winter with skiers and summer with bushwalkers and campers. Lake Catani is ideal for canoeing, rock-climbing and hang-gliding. Tower Hill Lookout (4 km n-w). Harrietville (20 km s-e) remarkable former goldmining hamlet featuring an open air museum, swing bridge and good recreational facilities.

Accommodation:
Bright has 15 motels, one hotel, holiday cabins/apartments/cottages, 8 B&Bs and half a dozen caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 119 Gacan St. Tel (03) 5755 2275 or 1800 500 117.