Bright Autumn Festival

In Victoria’s Alpine High Country

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Bright Autumn Festival

A Celebration of Autumn and Harvest

Bright Autumn Festival is held every year between April and May in the picturesque town of Bright in Victoria’s Alpine High Country. This quaint town is pretty any time of the year, but when Autumn arrives, the falling leaves blanket the region in shades of orange, gold and red, transforming Bright into a colourful wonderland. 

The festival runs for ten days with highlights including the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day Parade and an Autumn Art Exhibition at the Bright Art Gallery. There’s the Wandiligong Nut Festival, Open Gardens to explore as well as entertainment, music and markets. The program also features historical tours, exhibitions and guided walks.

Make Your Next Holiday a Tour to Bright Autumn Festival

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
10
days

There is no better time to visit Corryong than during The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, where the alpine region comes to life and unveils the history of unique bush traditions. Discover the lifestyle country folk take for granted and watch as horsemen and women chase wild horses down the mountainside in pursuit of the colt that got away.

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Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
8
days

The Bright Autumn Festival is a celebration of the wonderful autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys of Victoria’s Alpine High Country.

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
10
days

Embark on our 10-day Coastal Explorer tour, where coastal wonders and rich history await. Spend nights in Port Macquarie and Kangaroo Valley. Explore Bega Cheese Centre, dive into maritime history in Eden, and cruise Lakes Entrance, indulging in regional flavours at Wyanga Park Winery. Soar over the Twelve Apostles, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and uncover Warrnambool's charm. Visit Mount Gambier's Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole, explore Naracoorte Caves, and conclude in Adelaide. Join us for a coastal odyssey, discovering new wonders at every turn.

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
6
days

Melbourne is an ever changing, vibrant city with café lined laneways, eclectic art displays and cultural experiences at every turn. Discover the hidden treasures, iconic structures, heritage, history and past stories as we travel in and around Melbourne.

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
9
days

Depart for 9 days on our opulent Diamond Class coach. Our first day takes us through Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. We visit Wollongong, followed by the Sapphire Coast Drive and travel through Bournda National Park to Tura Beach and Eden. See Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as ‘The Prom’, the southernmost point of mainland Australia with stunning coastal scenery and pristine wilderness. Explore Phillip Island Nature Park with underground viewing of adorable little penguins. Finishing up your trip in the vibrant Melbourne CBD.

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
13
days

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Australia’s iconic waterways with our ‘Murray & Darling River Rendezvous’ tour. Cruise the Darling River aboard the historic PV Jandra paddleboat, marvel at the stunning Living Desert Sculptures, and step back in time with a guided tour of Wentworth Gaol. Experience the charm of the Murray River on a nostalgic journey aboard the PS Pevensey paddlesteamer in Echuca.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
11
days

Join us as we unearth all aspects of Victoria as we rove the highways and byways of this diverse state. Delve into bustling metropolitan Melbourne, travel along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the 12 Apostles. Traverse The Grampians to Ballarat and experience history at Sovereign Hill. Dig up our gold mining history in Bendigo and board a paddle steamer in Echuca before discovering the beauty of the High Country.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
9
days

Jump onboard our coach to experience an overnight Zoofari experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo), where we witness unforgettable wildlife, immersing yourself in the wonders of the animal kingdom. Choose between an animal view or bushland view room and listen to the sounds of the wild. As the sun rises we join a guided Zoofari tour enjoying a delicious breakfast before heading to Griffith. We explore Yanga Homestead in Mildura, take an evening dinner cruise aboard a paddlesteamer, view the heritage land mark Willandra Lakes whilst winding through the Grampians region. Take in the intriguing Silo Art Trail along the way before overnighting in Halls Gap as we make our way towards Melbourne.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
11
days

Join us on an unforgettable journey from Melbourne to Adelaide, designed for travellers over 50 who seek a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australian Sports Museum, where the rich sporting history of Australia comes to life. Explore the charming coastal town of Port Fairy with a local guide before taking a nostalgic ride on the horse-drawn tramway at Victor Harbour. Then, unwind as you board the elegant PS Murray Princess for a leisurely 4-night cruise along the serene Murray River, experiencing the tranquillity of Australia's waterways.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
8
days

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island. Join us as we make tracks for Werribee Open Range Zoo, where you'll enjoy an off-road safari through the sights and savannah, encountering wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and inquisitive ostriches. Experience the thrill of a helicopter scenic flight over the iconic Great Ocean Road, taking in breathtaking coastal views. Explore the fascinating geological wonders of Alexandra Cave with a local guide at Naracoorte Caves National Park. Discover the unique wildlife of Seal Bay Conservation Park and the rugged beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, home to stunning landscapes and iconic Australian wildlife. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and adventure, ensuring a memorable journey through some of Australia’s most remarkable destinations.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
10
days

Join us for an unforgettable journey led by experienced tour hosts. You'll thrill to Thredbo's chairlift rides and scenic lunches with panoramic views, explore Corryong's Snowy River heritage, and be captivated by Bright's vibrant gardens. Lakes Entrance beckons with its tranquil lakes cruise to Wyanga Park Winery, while Foster showcases architectural marvels and a thrilling Wilsons Promontory cruise. Cowes, Phillip Island, promises wildlife encounters, including a fur seal colony and the enchanting Penguin Parade. Savour unique culinary experiences on The Q Train, and luxuriate in Melbourne's 5-star accommodations. This tour combines natural wonders, cultural delights, and the comfort of expert guidance. Join us for an adventure that promises memories to last a lifetime!

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
11
days

Take the inland route from Brisbane to Melbourne, discover quirky characters and hidden treasures along the way. Try your luck for opals in Lightning Ridge, enjoy a wildlife Zoofari at Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo, and visit Miners Heritage Park in Cobar. See the 'Living Desert Sculptures' in Broken Hill and the Old Wentworth Gaol before enjoying a paddleboat cruise on the Murray and a finale night in Melbourne.

Experience the Charm of Bright

The Bright Autumn Festival celebrates the natural beauty and wonderful community spirit of this delightful town. Dressed in all its Autumn glory, Bright welcomes visitors to join locals as it bursts into life with colours, sounds and activities for all ages.

The ten-day festival focuses around its main event - the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day Parade. Named in honour of the 30-year contribution of one of its beloved locals, the main street fills with colourful floats and representatives from clubs, businesses, schools, special interest groups and the popular brass and highland bands. Every year is a different theme with locals putting in months of planning to make it memorable.

Bright Autumn Festival Gala Day Carnival has a market, live music, a talent show, art exhibition and open gardens. Visitors can savour the flavours of the region with food stalls offering seasonal produce, local wines, and craft beers.

In Victoria’s Alpine High Country

Explore the Scenic Beauty Surrounding Bright

After enjoying the Autumn Festival at Bright, take off to Mount Beauty with its lush valleys and majestic peaks or visit the peaceful town of Bogong and up onto the Bogong High Plains. From Bright, explore Myrtleford, Yackandandah and Beechworth home to the famous Beechworth Bakery. 

The region surrounding Bright is home to Mount Buffalo National Park. Alpine National Park and the popular ski resorts of Mount Buffalo, Mount Hotham, and Falls Creek - all great places to explore any time of the year. In winter the snow-capped peaks, pristine rivers and quiet valleys offer majestic views.

In the High Country, visit Wallace Hut, the oldest surviving hut in the Victorian Alps, offering a glimpse into the challenging conditions of the early settlers. Tours from Bright include Sullivan’s Lookout with its panoramic views over the High Country and lunch at The Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm - a fascinating and picturesque farm.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Bright Autumn Festival begin?

The Bright Autumn Festival Victoria started in 1962 after the town celebrated its Centenary by organising a Gala Day Street Parade, Art and Photographic Exhibition and visits to places of local interest. The festival has been running every Autumn since then, making it one of the oldest continuously running festivals in Australia.

How far from Melbourne to the Autumn Festival Bright?

To drive the 322 kilometres from Melbourne to Bright would take just over four hours. Travellers usually allow a few days though to pop into all the wonderful sights and quaint villages along the way.

When is the Bright Autumn Festival?

The Autumn Festival in Bright runs for ten days from late April to early May every year. Typically, the first leaves start changing around early March and continue through until late May, even into early June some years. Of course, this can vary from year to year.

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