We are pleased to advise our Members the beautiful town of Bright has been chosen as the hub from where the Nationals activities will revolve. Bright is situated north East of Melbourne and is part of the State’s Alpine region, also known as the ‘Victorian High Country’.
The main industry of the town at the beginning of the 21st century is tourism, with much focus on the autumnal colours of the European trees planted in the area. A major cultural event is the Bright Autumn Festival. Due to the number of paragliding and hang glider launch sites close to Bright, the town has been a centre of activity for paragliding festivals and competitions. Bright is a major gateway to majestic alpine scenery and has a variety of native birds and animals. Morses Creek and the Ovens River have adjoining tracks which are ideal for short or long walks.
Bright is also a popular family destination over summer and the population swells, particularly after Christmas. During the summer months Bright enjoys consistently warm, sunny days with comfortable overnight temperatures.
The town is close to the Victorian Alps, and various alpine national parks including the Mount Buffalo National Park. Mount Feathertop, Mount Bogong and Mount Hotham are also near the township. At 1986 metres Bogong is the highest peak in the state of Victoria, Feathertop is the second highest at 1922 metres above sea level.
The railway station has been preserved as a local history museum. Although trains no longer run from the township, the 95 km Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail allows cyclists to travel the same route[3] that train passengers would have travelled via the townships of Myrtleford, Beechworth and Wangaratta.
Itinerary
Monday 22nd February 2016
As we expect most of the 2016 T-Series & P250 Nationals participants to also be attending the Geelong All Ford Day in Victoria, activities have been planned for those travelling up to Bright from Melbourne.
- 10:00am – 11:30am
Meet at Ford Australia.
1735 Sydney Rd, Campbellfield VIC 3061
- 1:00pm
Tooborac Hotel for lunch
- 7:00pm
Welcome BBQ dinner at our accomodation: the Bright Big 4 Caravan Park (no additional cost to participants)
1-11 Mountbatten Avenue,
Bright, 3741
Tuesday 23rd February 2016
With many travelling some distance to be there, Tuesday has been set aside as a day to discover the township of Bright with some set activities, but a large amount of freedom to do as you like.
- 9:00am
Breakfast by the River at The Riverdeck Cafe.
119 Gavan St,
Bright, 3741
- 10:30am
Stroll through Bright, while keeping an eye out for your lunch and dinner venues.
- 3:00pm
Bright Brewery Tour. $10 (or $18 with tasting)
- 7:00pm
Dinner at a venue of your choice. Suggestions;
Stay at the Big 4 Park.
Find somewhere in Bright itself.
Find a nearby restaurant.
- 9:00pm
Star Gazing. Something a little different, in an area with minimal light pollution. Reportedly very enjoyable.
It’s within walking distance of our accomodation, bring a torch and a gold coin donation.
Wednesday 24th February 2016
Wednesday will be our main drive day, with a solid day on the road and a relaxed feed at the park that night.
- 9:00am
Driving Tour of the High Country Pt 1 – Bright to Angler’s Rest
- 1:00pm
The Blue Duck Inn Hotel for lunch.
Omeo Highwway, Anglers Rest, 3898
- 3:00pm
Driving Tour of the High Country Pt 1 – return to Bright
- 6:00pm
Pizza at the Bright Big4 Caravan Park
Thursday 25th February 2016
Thursday is the lesser of our two drive days, and includes the ‘Formal’ Nationals dinner.
- 9:00am
Driving Tour of the High Country Pt 2 – Bright to Beechworth
- 11:30am
Brewery Museum at Murray Breweries Beechworth.
- 1:00pm
Lunch at Beechworth Bakery or Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel
- 2:30pm
Driving Tour of the High Country Pt 2 – return to Bright via Cock’s Dredge at Eldorado.
- 7:00pm
‘Formal’ Dinner – Suganya’s Thai restaurant.
Friday 25th February 2016
For those travelling this way (presumably most), there is a single stop at a winery to finish off the Nationals on a relaxed note.
- 11:00am
Gapstead Winery
Accomodation
The Club has decided that the Big4 Bright Holiday Park is our preferred place for accommodation.
“Year round, Bright grabs attention. Located on the Ovens River and in the shadows of Mount Buffalo, the town is extremely picturesque. Much of this beauty is attributed to Bright’s deciduous trees that cloak the town in a kaleidoscope of colour. BIG4 cabin, caravan, and campsite accommodation in Bright ensures it’s easy to take advantage of these stunning surrounds”.
We urge Members to book their accommodation requirements as soon as possible. Even though the Nationals are not being held during school holidays, Bright is an immensely popular summer holiday destination. Early accommodation enquiries proved that many accommodation places are already booked out in February of next year.
So, please book accommodation early for the four nights:
Monday 22 Feb
Tuesday 23 Feb
Wednesday 24 Feb
Thursday 25 Feb