In Bright itself you will find all your cycling needs from bike hire, support services and a trail network which offers a unique mix of trails for all skill levels.

The Ovens River flows through the heart of Bright and is a fantastic place to enjoy a picnic along its banks or let the kids enjoy the splash park.

The Mountains to Murray Rail Trail will take you along a diverse and ever-changing landscape from natural bushland to verdant farmland, unexpectedly delightful valleys and some of the most spectacular mountain ranges.

With more than 100 kilometres of sealed and off-road trails between Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Myrtleford and Bright, you can partake of some of Australia's finest gourmet produce, renowned wines and handcrafted beers.

Harrietville is just 22 kilometres from Bright and is a gorgeous and peaceful mountain village with a population less than 400 people.

Beginning as a goldmining settlement during the Victorian Gold Rush, these days you can enjoy a range of hiking, cycling, swimming and walking trails alongside an abundance of local produce and delicious food and beverages.

Harrietville is a wonderful base from which to explore Mt Hotham or Mt Feathertop within the nearby Alpine National Park and is quieter than more popular nearby towns.

You can partake of some serious hikes including the Razorback track from Harrietville to Mouth Hotham or the renowned Mt Feathertop.

Or you can amble along a number of other local tracks, hire bikes and take a guided tour or pack your own biking paraphernalia and set your preferred pace.

Freshwater fishing is also extremely popular and the views are something to behold.

You can take your 4WD and/or motorbike to one of the rugged tracks at Mt Hotham where riders enjoy the challenging ascent and spectacular views to the Dargo Valley.

The Harrietville Historical Museum is a mine of information, as are the various signboards about town.

There is also a fantastic children's playground with BBQ facilities.

Porepunkah is only 6km from Bright, is built around the junction of the Buckland and Ovens Rivers and is the entry point to the Buckland Valley.

In summer, there is a riverpool with lifeguards and a toddlers' pool with safe areas to splash, swim, float in a tyre and launch a canoe or enjoy a BBQ.

There are a number of camping grounds and other accommodation options in Porepunkah and plenty of places to enjoy some food and a drink.

Being the closest town to Mount Buffalo National Park, you can hire ski gear and snow chains before you head up the mountain.