See Packages for prices direct, websites, phone numbers and discounts if packaged with abalina cottages accommodation.
Bowls Club
The Bright Bowls Club has great club rooms. The annual tournament is in late December and is open to all visitors. The club is also open to visitors throughout the year ph (03) 5755 1236
Canoeing, Boating, Rafting, Water Skiing & Kayaking
The beautiful Ovens and Buckland Rives offer ripple rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Tour operators can take you to a calm area or areas for the more adventurous or experienced.
Canoeing is also available at Mt Buffalo National Park. You can troll for fish in Lake Buffalo (outside Myrtleford), Rocky Valley Dam or the Mt Beauty pondage. Lake Buffalo also has water skiing facilities. Tours are conducted mainly in the warmer months
See tours and adventures for further details
Climbing, Caving and Abseiling
Available at Mt Buffalo National Park. See tours and adventures for further details.
Cycling
The Alpine High Country is a favourite of those who like cycling both for the variety of challenging rides and the spectacular scenery. The 94km sealed rail trail is also very popular. Stop off to sample some of our fine wine along the way. One-way rides can be arranged directly with tour operators, or by us.
Cycling Trials
During daylight saving months, locals and visitors get together to tackle the trials. Mondays Time Trials and Racing start at 6.30pm. Also mountain-bike rides each Wednesday, starting at 6pm from Bright phone (03) 5750 1442.
Croquet
On Mondays, Association croquet is played, Wednesdays Aussie Croquet and Thursdays Golf Croquet. All start at 9.30am. Location and contact details are in your cottage.
Fishing
Have you ever wondered how to fish for trout? Bait, fishing gear and fishing licenses can be purchased in Bright (recreational-fishing-licenses required for ages 18-70). Try the pondage at Mt Beauty, Lake Buffalo, Kiewa River, Ovens River and Buckland River.
The best time for fly fishing is from October to December. The Ovens River and its tributaries are closed for all fishing from the Queens Birthday weekend (early June) to the first week in September. Try the trout farm at Harrietville where you can catch your own trout in a lot less time. Half and full day fly fishing schools are available.
Four Wheel Driving
This is possible mainly during the drier weather as roads are closed during winter and early spring and during periods of storm or bushfire damage. Care is needed as log trucks can be encountered without warning. Award winning four wheel drive tours are also available.
Fossiking and Gold Panning
Since the mid 1800s , gold has been found in the valleys around Bright.
You should visit the Bright Museum, The Gold Museum, the Gold Battery and various walks where interpretive signs explain the history.
Golf
The three local courses at Bright, Mt Beauty and Myrtleford will keep avid golfers happy. Bright phone 5755 1733
Gym
This is located in the Bright Sports Centre as you come into town in Gavan St (Great Alpine Rd)
Horse Riding
Bogong Horseback Adventures have been running award winning tours for 21 years. With licensed access to the Alpine National Park and Mount Bogong, the riding landscape is truly spectacular.
Travel from rich mountain valleys to the vast Bogong High Plains and Victoria's highest mountain, Mount Bogong. Award winning tours combine, great food and wine, fantastic mountain bred horses and friendly, experienced staff..
Try two hour, half day and full day rides in the Alpine Park from the Tawonga stables
The Kiewa Valley offers horse riding for beginners to experienced riders in the valley. Longer rides are also available up in the High Plains. A brochure is in your cottage.
National Park - Mt Buffalo
Mt Buffalo National Park is one of the oldest and most spectacular National Parks in Victoria. The many walking trails (of varying lengths) are very popular with visitors and locals alike. Take a picnic lunch and admire the spectacular views. You can even see snow capped Mt Kosciusko on a clear day in winter and spring. Entry fees per car apply . Tobogganing, tubing and snow play is organised by Parks Victoria.Toilets are available. Why not grab a gourmet food platter from the Wine and Cheese bar for $50 (2 people) and take the picnic basket and Esky provided by abalina cottages for a picnic lunch.
Paragliding, Hang Gliding, Microlighting, Scenic Flights
Bright is ideal for paragliding and is well known for its great air. Information in your cottage will tell you how to book your flights and costs or we can send this information to you at the time of booking and build a package for you. Porepunkah airfield (10 minutes from Bright) is the base for micro lighting, scenic plane flights and helicopter flights.
Rail Trail (94 kms)
The breathtaking scenic beauty of the Ovens and King Valleys, Everton Hills and the Alpine High Country can now be safely enjoyed by all types of cycling and walking enthusiasts.
Following historical railway lines the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail provides 94km of bitumen sealed track well suited to both cycling and walking. The trail has a gentle gradient that makes it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and is a must do for all visitors to the region.
This trail is an ideal introduction into the diverse countryside of the North East Victorian alps and valleys. It will lead you deep into pine forests and natural bushland then out in the open through valleys nestled amongst some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Australia.
The trail links the townships of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright, all offering their own unique character and style at pleasant intervals along the trail. Each township provides a range of accommodation options to suit any budget or desire, fine wine, food, bike hire and countless opportunities to experience a variety of other activities ensuring that the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail offers a visitor experience like no other.he sealed 94 kms of our famous Rail Trail is wonderful for both walkers and bike riders. It takes you through towns and meanders near wineries.
Squash Courts
The squash courts are located in the Bright Sports Centre in Gavan St (Great Alpine Rd) as you come into town.
Swimming
During the Christmas-to-Easter period, the Ovens River at Bright and Porepunkah is dammed in order to make great swimming pools. On summer afternoons, a lifeguard is on duty in the afternoons at Centenary Park, Bright and the River Reserve at Porepunkah. The Rotary run a great water slide into the river during the Xmas holidays. Picnic facilities are available. From abalina cottages you can walk to the Centenary Park swimming area, which is in the centre of town.
In the cooler months, try a dip in the heated indoor pool at the Bright Sports Centre in Gavan St (the Great Alpine Rd).
Tennis
Four grass courts are available for hire. Social tennis at various times is also open to visitors.
Walking Tracks
There are numerous short walks around Bright and district. On many, you will find interpretive signs. Walking along the roaring rivers in spring is a real treat. A full walking guide and map will be found in your cottage.