About Bright:

 

 

Bright - A Short History

The original inhabitants of Northeast Victoria journeyed on foot to their summer "vacation" on the high plains where they took great delight in the local summer delicacy, the edible Bogong Moth. When settlers moved into this area after the exploration of Hume and Hovell in 1824, much of the land was cleared of trees, sheep and cattle grazed in the valleys, and the local aborigines were killed or pushed out of the area. Mutton and particularly beef became the local fare and horse and buggy the means of transport.

Gold fever brought in the next wave of visitors from other Australian Goldfields. Alluvial gold washed out of the river gravel was taken first to Buckland Valley with many other finds along the Oven River to Harrietville and it's tributaries.

The New railway line to Bright in 1890 opened up the area further.

The first pine plantation came to the area during the First World War to utilise these dredge tailing and to combat the spread of the weed St John's Wort. After both World Wars immigrants came to Ovens Valley and brought with them the skills in many areas particularly tobacco growing, this industry still flourishes today.

The early pioneers lined the streets with elms, chestnuts, poplars and scarlet oaks painting Bright in vivid colours during Autumn.

Bright - Today

The region now has a reputation for fine produce, this includes nuts, apples, wine grapes, berries, asparagus, peppermint, lavender etc.

Bright's predominant industry is now tourism and today most visitors travel in and out of the region by car following the seasons. 

Tourists can now enjoy the Great Alpine Road that is sealed right through to Bairnsdale and enjoy the area's diverse array of cuisine and the many cafés and fine restaurants. During Winter(June-Aug), Bright is the gateway to the Alps with snow resorts less than an hour’s drive away.

Catching trout in an alpine stream, and sipping the great wines of the Alpine Valleys, where else but the heart of the gourmet district, Bright!

 

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