It’s almost too hard to resist beginning with a pun when you are talking about two places with names that match their descriptions so well.
The North-east of Victoria is home to some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes. Residents of Bright and Mt Beauty will tell you – and rightly so – that there is no bad time to come to this area. Whatever the season, whatever the interests, there’s sure to be something in this region that pulls you in (and makes you want to come back).
Whether you’re a foodie, a lover of live music, a car enthusiast or into the great outdoors - the annual calendars of Bright and Mt Beauty have events to excite and entertain. So what’s a good excuse to bring you here in 2015?
Autumn
Bright Autumn Festival
24th April – 3rd of May
Bright’s Annual Autumn Festival celebrates the region and everything it has to offer as the leaves begin to fall. For ten days the town shows off their fantastic food, wine, crafts and art, inspired by one of the region’s most spectacular seasons. The gala is the main event, not to be missed with stalls selling everything autumnal.
Mt Beauty Music Festival
24th-25th April
In the last weekend of April every year, lovers of live music congregate on the slopes of Mt Beauty to experience two days of folk, roots and blues tunes. Surrounded by the stunning natural environment of the Victorian High Alpine Country, the vibe is laid back and all about the music, the food, and the season.
For the runners
April & May
If you’re one of the brave ones and prefer to see the season by foot, Bright holds its annual fun run on the 26th of April each year. With distances ranging from 2 miles right up to 12 miles, there is a race for everyone. If you’d rather just check out the view at a leisurely pace, that’s cool too. Slow down, throw on a hilarious costume and enjoy the journey.
Over on the mountain the annual Mt Beauty half marathon is getting under way on the 16th of May. With 6 miles and 13 miles events, this one is more suited to the more experienced runner. Wrap up warm, winter isn’t far away.
Autumn Harvest Forage
17th – 20th May
A key autumnal event for Bright and part of High Country Harvest 2015, the Autumn Harvest Forage is all about going out and learning how to find and source seasonal produce in its natural environment. Participants will head out in the crisp morning air to learn how to pick the good stuff from the bad. Later they will then return to the kitchen with their fresh vegetables, nuts and fruits to cook up some delicious classic Italian dishes.
Winter
Bright starts to buzz with the onset of winter. The 5th of June marks the beginning of the ski season. The area gets busy this time of year with locals and tourists heading for the slopes. There is something going on nearly every day during the ski season up at Falls Creek, Dinner Plain (Mt Hotham) and Mt Buffalo. Regular events celebrate live music, food, art and sporting competitions. At such high altitudes it’s all subject to change due to weather conditions. You’re best to check what’s on just before you head up the slopes.
Love Beer? Be a Brewer for a Day
12/06/15
With the rise in popularity of craft beer (both the drinking and the crafting of it), this one is sure to sell out fast. This is another amazing High Country Harvest event: you will spend a day at Bright Brewery learning the entire brewing process from start to finish. You will learn about hops, grains and yeast and how they all contribute to that final golden drop. You’ll even have the chance to taste a huge selection of Bright Brewery’s signature brews. It might be a good idea to have a designated driver with you. In a few weeks’ time you’ll even get to taste your beautifully crafted beer when a six pack arrives in the mail. Thirsty? They send you a T-shirt too.
Spring
With most of the winter calendar jam packed with snow related activities, the annual spring thaw brings a welcome change as Bright and Mt Beauty warm up and take on plenty of color and action.
4 Peaks Alpine Climb
30th Oct – 2nd Nov
Not interested in the Melbourne Cup? A great alternative event for all ages, the 4 Peaks was started back in ’79 with the intention to encourage people to get out and experience the amazing scenery surrounding Bright. You can choose how many of the four peaks you want to climb, or you can attempt them all. The event covers, Mt Feathertop, Mt Buffalo, Mystic Hill, and of course Mt Hotham. Time limits are set for each hike with prizes dished out during the celebratory BBQ on the final day.
Iconic Road Run
6th – 8th Nov
For the gear heads in the family, and for everyone in between. While the Iconic Road Run focuses mainly on hot rods and custom cars, there’s great local food stalls to check out, live bands playing and markets as well.
Summer
Adventure Travel Film Festival
12th - 14th Feb
It wouldn’t be summer if you couldn’t sit outside as the sun goes down and enjoy a film in the great outdoors. Bright’s Annual Adventure Film festival has grown in popularity over the last five years. The festival celebrates all things adventure sports: from 4 wheel driving, to climbing, paragliding and wingsuit flying; hiking, motorcycling, trekking and more. Not only will current films be shown but adventure film greats as well.
