Local Area

Discover the Enchanting Surroundings of Bright

Hilltop at Bright provides not only a luxurious retreat but also serves as a gateway to a myriad of enchanting experiences in the local area and beyond. While the chalet itself is a haven of tranquility, the vibrant town of Bright and the surrounding alpine wonders beckon to be explored.

Bright Village

Nestled at the foothills of the Victorian Alps, Bright is a charming town known for its tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and welcoming community. Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll through the town’s vibrant center, where you’ll find an array of boutique shops offering local crafts, art, and unique souvenirs. Bright is also renowned for its culinary scene, boasting cafes, restaurants, and breweries that celebrate local produce. During the warmer months, the Ovens River invites visitors to enjoy water activities such as kayaking or simply relax by its banks. The Bright Splash Park is a family-friendly spot, providing hours of entertainment for children.

Alpine Wineries

Just a short drive from Hilltop, explore the Alpine Valleys Wine Region, a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. Discover boutique wineries producing cool-climate wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Indulge in tastings of premium wines surrounded by stunning vineyard landscapes. Engage with local winemakers and gain insights into the artistry behind each bottle.

Mount Hotham

For those seeking adventure, a scenic drive to Mount Hotham promises breathtaking views and an array of outdoor activities. In the winter, Mount Hotham transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting snow sports enthusiasts from far and wide. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a novice looking for a snow-filled adventure, Mount Hotham offers a diverse range of slopes for all levels..

During the warmer months, the alpine landscape reveals hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and opportunities for scenic drives. The alpine flora and fauna create a picturesque backdrop for exploration, with unique plant and animal life waiting to be discovered.

Mount Buffalo National Park

A short drive from Bright, Mount Buffalo National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Explore hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, where you can marvel at the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The park is home to striking granite formations, serene waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Popular activities include rock climbing, abseiling, hiking and picnicking in the midst of nature.

Local Events

Bright comes alive throughout the year with various events and festivals. From the Bright Autumn Festival celebrating the town’s stunning autumn colors to the Bright Iconic Rod Run showcasing classic cars against the backdrop of the Victorian Alps, there’s always something happening in this vibrant community.

Captivating Moments at Hilltop

Hilltop at Bright not only offers a luxurious retreat but also serves as a strategic base to explore the diverse attractions and activities that make Bright, Mount Hotham, and the surrounding areas truly remarkable. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the local area promises an unforgettable experience for every guest.

Explore what

beautiful Bright

and the surrounding region has to offer

FOOD & DINING IN BRIGHT

BILLY BUTTON CELLAR DOOR

Billy Button Cellar Door serves excellent platters the feature a great range of imported and local cheese and deli items. Buy some and enjoy at home. Taste Billy Button award winning wines made by wine maker Jo Marsh.

TOMAHAWKS

A firm favourite for locals it has a casual vibe, serving small plates and burgers. The food is quite sophisticated and well-priced and the cocktails would rival any Melbourne CBD establishment!

GINGER BAKER

A lovely café with a great courtyard out the back overlooking the Ovens river in summer and cosy open wood heaters in the cooler months. Hearty breakfast/ brunch and share options for lunch or dinner.

REED AND CO DISTILLERY  

Sixpence coffee is served during the day, later in the day you can sample gins in a relaxed bar setting. In the evening the smoke and coal oven is fired up and fabulous share plates of food are served.

ELM DINING

Located in an historic building. Elm provides fine dining, either as a la carte or set menu dining.

MAUVES

A great atmosphere if you are looking for cocktails and Asian inspired bites to eat as well as more substantial meals

SIR LOINS

Great for a hearty chargrilled steak in a moody underground space.

CAFÉS IN BRIGHT

SIXPENCE COFFEE 

Coffee bar. Only open Mon-Fri.

FOOD, WINE & FRIENDS 

Another café with good coffee, (it also stocks Milawa bread if you get there early), cheese, preserves and wine and great brunch menu. They also have a range of take away meals.

WILD THYME

If you are looking for great vegetarian and vegan offerings along with great coffee Wild Thyme, located in Bright is for you.

RAIL TRAIL CAFÉ 

Located directly on the rail trail in Porepunkah, this café is well known to locals for their breakfast burritos, good coffee and generous serves for breakfast and lunch. An easy ride on the rail trail from Bright and back.

BLACKBIRD CAFE

Busy café centrally located. Breakfast served until 2.00pm. Hearty lunch options. Open Thursday to Monday 8.00am-3.00pm

CLEAN BOWLED

Healthy bowls, smoothies, tea and coffee. Great for a healthy takeaway breakfast or lunch. They’re open 7 days a week 7.30am-3.00pm.

BEER & WINE IN BRIGHT

Hotels & Breweries

BRIGHT BREWERY

Well known to tourists and locals alike, the brewery has a good (pub style) menu, a range of their own crafted beer on tap and is located along the river overlooking the park. Live music on Sundays.

THE WANDI PUB 

An award winning hotel. It has a pleasant beer garden, a good selection of local wines and beers. Great food and interesting daily specials, Wandilgong is a gorgeous and hidden valley. A lovely cycle or even a walk from Bright. Come and hear live music on Sunday afternoons and some weekend evenings.

THE HAPPY VALLEY HOTEL 

Located in Ovens is a pub that has great food. The menu consists of more traditional pub style options and popular with locals.  

THE SNOWLINE HOTEL 

A favourite with locals and has good meals. The deck is a very pleasant spot for a drink and meal!

WINERIES IN BRIGHT

RINGER REEF WINERY 

Located just the other side of Porepunkah on the (bike) rail trail. You can buy a lunch platter (available in the warmer months) or do a wine tasting  – fabulous outlook and a lovely spot for a picnic and destination for a bike ride.

BILLY BUTTON WINES

Located in Bright has a large range of interesting varietals.

THE PEAKS

Cute store located in the Ireland street. Manufacturer of handmade Artesian cheeses at their micro cheese factory. Pop in for some cheese tastings and take home some yummy produce.

GAPSTED WINERY

Located further afield, just the other side of Myrtleford, on the Great Alpine Way provides free tastings of a large selection of wines and a wonderful seasonal lunch menu.

Wine Tours

A TASTE OF… WINE TOURS

Located in Bright, Bill provides expert knowledge of the area and wines. Visit wineries in the Ovens Valley, King Valley, Beechworth area or Rutherglen. Half day and Full Day wine tours operate.
www.atasteofwinerytours.com

BIKE RIDING IN BRIGHT

BRIGHT ELECTRIC BIKES

Complete bike hire in Bright. Large range of bikes for hire. Option to hire for half or full day rides.

MURRAY TO MOUNTAIN RAIL TRAIL

 Enjoy stunning views and an easy 30km of riding along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail leaving Bright enjoying views of Mount Buffalo as you cycle down to Myrtleford.
www.murraytomountains.com.au

3 PEAKS CHALLENGE

The 3 Peaks Challenge is one of the world’s toughest and most picturesque cycling challenges of the Victorian Alps.
www.3peakschallenge.com.au

AUDAX ALPINE CLASSIC

Every January The Audax Alpine Classic offers a range of cycling climbing and distance challenges, from the shorter courses with about 1200 metres of climbing to the original Classic 200 with well over 3000 metres. Finally there’s the longest of them all, the 320 kilometre ULTIMATE which includes four of the ‘7 Peaks’ climbs in one day!
Usually held January Long Weekend
www.alpineclassic.com.au

BRIGHT RAIL TRAIL

A sealed, gentle gradient trail suitable for all ages and levels of fitness that’s built over the disused railway line from Bright to Wangaratta, including a scenic Bright to Porepunkah.