Explore the rivers, lakes, valleys and mountains surrounding Bright and a day trip may turn into a holiday. Sports and exploration take you through a history beginning in 1824, or connect with nature to consider a history dating much further back, to the formation of alpine forests and mysterious caves. Explore by water, land or sky, but whatever your activity of choice chances are one day will not suffice.
Water ski, canoe and kayak along the rivers and lakes around Bright. These include the Ovens and Buckland rivers where instructors will guide you as to how one safely navigates the waters. Fish for trout in Lake Buffalo. Bring your own boat or go with a guide.
Keep your feet on terra firma if you prefer. Gold fever may be over, but there is still gold in them hills. You could find some for yourself by panning, though only a little. Tours take prospectors through popular panning areas while local museums tell how the gold rush affected the area 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.
In the sky overhead you may see them: thrill seekers, risk takers. If their bravery inspires awe, then follow their example. Head for the skies in a microlight, hang glider or paraglider. Mystic Hill marks a popular starting point for flights. You could even see the sky full of men and women on the wing during a competition, unless you are among their number.
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.
With so much activity on your holiday list of things to do, Bright accommodation and food will be a priority. Satisfy your hunger at one of many restaurants serving Asian, Iberia, Australian and other cuisines. Poplars makes a popular choice for fine dining. Stop in at Edelweiss Bakery for a quick cup of java, a sandwich or something sweet.
Food plus sport equals fatigue, so think about booking a room at one of the many facilities in and around Bright. Stay in a self-catering to make your own schedule and enjoy privacy, or to find space for a large crew of fellow travellers. Caravan parks, bed and breakfast plus hotels and motels wait to offer varying degrees of comfort and luxury. Try Ovens Valley Motor Inn if for nothing else than to see how an environmentally friendly Inn is run. Curiosity satisfied, you will likely want to stay for the perks like pool, spa and sauna.
