BRIGHT SUMMER ADVENTURE GUIDE
Local guides for the rivers, skies & more.In a town for all seasons, Bright comes alive during the warmer months. From riding bike trails to paddling mountain streams, exploring underground caves, or soaring high above, adventure awaits around every corner. The best part? If you’ve never tried these activities before, the locals are ready to show you the ropes. We’ve gathered some highlights, talking to the people behind popular tours and pulling together ideas to make your summer unforgettable in the great outdoors.
“Bright is an adventure playground,” says Rowan Blakers. “If you want to do things outdoors, you couldn’t pick a better location in Australia. There’s mountain biking, rock climbing on Mount Buffalo, kayaking on the rivers, and snow in winter. Even if you just want to walk in nature, there’s so much space here to do that. That’s why I’m here, and it’s why a lot of other people are too.”
Rowan runs Bright Adventure Company, which is well known for creating experiences that connect visitors with the region’s stunning natural beauty and adventurous spirit. From cliff picnics on Mount Buffalo to whitewater rafting and family-friendly paddling trips, there’s something for everyone. “Kayaking and paddling are always popular,” Rowan explains.
“We run really family-friendly trips. I was out yesterday with a six-year-old who had an absolute ball. Little kids’ giggles make it all worthwhile. Then there’s more challenging paddling for those looking for a bit of adrenaline. We get high water through late winter and spring, and that’s when we bring out the big whitewater rafts. It’s a bit more intense and definitely gets the heart racing.”
In a town for all seasons, Bright comes alive during the warmer months. From riding bike trails to paddling mountain streams, exploring underground caves, or soaring high above, adventure awaits around every corner. The best part? If you’ve never tried these activities before, the locals are ready to show you the ropes. We’ve gathered some highlights, talking to the people behind popular tours and pulling together ideas to make your summer unforgettable in the great outdoors.
“Bright is an adventure playground,” says Rowan Blakers. “If you want to do things outdoors, you couldn’t pick a better location in Australia. There’s mountain biking, rock climbing on Mount Buffalo, kayaking on the rivers, and snow in winter. Even if you just want to walk in nature, there’s so much space here to do that. That’s why I’m here, and it’s why a lot of other people are too.”
Rowan runs Bright Adventure Company, which is well known for creating experiences that connect visitors with the region’s stunning natural beauty and adventurous spirit. From cliff picnics on Mount Buffalo to whitewater rafting and family-friendly paddling trips, there’s something for everyone. “Kayaking and paddling are always popular,” Rowan explains. “We run really family-friendly trips.
I was out yesterday with a six-year-old who had an absolute ball. Little kids’ giggles make it all worthwhile. Then there’s more challenging paddling for those looking for a bit of adrenaline. We get high water through late winter and spring, and that’s when we bring out the big whitewater rafts. It’s a bit more intense and definitely gets the heart racing.”
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One of Bright Adventure Company’s most photographed experiences is the signature Cliff Picnic, where guests enjoy breakfast or lunch suspended on a ledge overlooking the valleys below. “This morning, I was up on Mount Buffalo for a dawn picnic, which was pretty special,” Rowan says. “We used to only do lunches because it seemed like the sensible time of day, but I thought, ‘Why not try a dawn picnic?’ People love it—it’s actually our most popular offering now.
We meet at the top of Mount Buffalo, at this big granite gorge that faces east, so it’s perfect for the morning light. After gearing up with harnesses and helmets, there’s a short walk to where we’ve rigged the ledge. Once you’re there, you abseil down onto the ledge, and I’ll head back up to lower a picnic hamper down to you. The ledges we use are about two and a half meters long and a meter and a half wide, more like a hammock than a solid table. You just hang out, enjoy the view, and have breakfast. The view is spectacular—it stretches out over the Crystal Brook Creek and Ovens Valleys, with mountain ranges in the distance. It’s an incredible way to start your morning.”
One of Bright Adventure Company’s most photographed experiences is the signature Cliff Picnic, where guests enjoy breakfast or lunch suspended on a ledge overlooking the valleys below. “This morning, I was up on Mount Buffalo for a dawn picnic, which was pretty special,” Rowan says. “We used to only do lunches because it seemed like the sensible time of day, but I thought, ‘Why not try a dawn picnic?’ People love it—it’s actually our most popular offering now.
We meet at the top of Mount Buffalo, at this big granite gorge that faces east, so it’s perfect for the morning light. After gearing up with harnesses and helmets, there’s a short walk to where we’ve rigged the ledge. Once you’re there, you abseil down onto the ledge, and I’ll head back up to lower a picnic hamper down to you.
The ledges we use are about two and a half meters long and a meter and a half wide, more like a hammock than a solid table. You just hang out, enjoy the view, and have breakfast. The view is spectacular—it stretches out over the Crystal Brook Creek and Ovens Valleys, with mountain ranges in the distance. It’s an incredible way to start your morning.”
For those seeking more adrenaline, Bright Adventure Company offers whitewater kayaking on the river that runs through the heart of Bright. “If you’re uncomfortable in a kayak or not a strong swimmer, that might not be for you,” Rowan notes. “We also offer a more mellow trip near Myrtleford, or you can paddle the flat waters of Lake Catani or Lake Buffalo.”
Another expedition Rowan runs that’s perfect for the summer months is exploring the underground river on Mount Buffalo. Visitors squeeze through rocks, climb over and under boulders, and pass through waterfalls and rock pools. “There are some glowworms hidden away in there to see,” Rowan points out. “They’re an endemic species to Mount Buffalo, only found in that particular cave. It’s pretty wild.”
These tours run over summer when water levels are low and it’s hot outside, making it an ideal activity for the season. Rowan notes that it’s also a great family adventure, with children around 10 years old often proving to be natural at squeezing through gaps and scrambling over rocks. All the equipment you need—wetsuits, torches, helmets and more—is provided. Among his other above-ground adventures are rock climbing, abseiling, and a trek to the summit of the Cathedral.
For those seeking more adrenaline, Bright Adventure Company offers whitewater kayaking on the river that runs through the heart of Bright. “If you’re uncomfortable in a kayak or not a strong swimmer, that might not be for you,” Rowan notes. “We also offer a more mellow trip near Myrtleford, or you can paddle the flat waters of Lake Catani or Lake Buffalo.”
Another expedition Rowan runs that’s perfect for the summer months is exploring the underground river on Mount Buffalo. Visitors squeeze through rocks, climb over and under boulders, and pass through waterfalls and rock pools. “There are some glowworms hidden away in there to see,” Rowan points out. “They’re an endemic species to Mount Buffalo, only found in that particular cave. It’s pretty wild.”
These tours run over summer when water levels are low and it’s hot outside, making it an ideal activity for the season. Rowan notes that it’s also a great family adventure, with children around 10 years old often proving to be natural at squeezing through gaps and scrambling over rocks. All the equipment you need—wetsuits, torches, helmets and more—is provided. Among his other above-ground adventures are rock climbing, abseiling, and a trek to the summit of the Cathedral.
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“For me, summer in Bright means long days, which are great for getting out into the outdoors,” Rowan reflects. “And those warm afternoons are perfect for finding one of the area’s tucked-away pools in the river for a swim. It’s the best way to cool off and wind down.” The majestic scenery of the High Country is best taken in from above, and there’s no better way to experience it than paragliding.
Bright’s reputation as the paragliding capital of the Southern Hemisphere draws enthusiasts from all over the world, offering perfect conditions, breathtaking views, and a sense of freedom that is truly unique.
Fred Gungl, founder of Active Flight Paragliding, has been soaring through the skies above Bright for over 25 years. “Bright is considered the best location in the Southern Hemisphere for paragliding,” Fred says. “We’ve even hosted World Cups and international competitions here.” Fred’s passion for paragliding began in the early 1990s, and his love for the sport hasn’t wavered.
“What hooked me was the ability to take off from a mountain and gain altitude,” he explains. “Coming from skydiving, where you jump and come straight down, this was completely different. When you takeoff from 800 metres and climb up to 2,500 metres in a warm air current, it’s just spectacular. That feeling of rising higher and higher, combined with the freedom of sitting in a harness and being open to the air, is unbeatable.”
“For me, summer in Bright means long days, which are great for getting out into the outdoors,” Rowan reflects. “And those warm afternoons are perfect for finding one of the area’s tucked-away pools in the river for a swim. It’s the best way to cool off and wind down.”
The majestic scenery of the High Country is best taken in from above, and there’s no better way to experience it than paragliding. Bright’s reputation as the paragliding capital of the Southern Hemisphere draws enthusiasts from all over the world, offering perfect conditions, breathtaking views, and a sense of freedom that is truly unique.
Fred Gungl, founder of Active Flight Paragliding, has been soaring through the skies above Bright for over 25 years. “Bright is considered the best location in the Southern Hemisphere for paragliding,” Fred says. “We’ve even hosted World Cups and international competitions here.”
Fred’s passion for paragliding began in the early 1990s, and his love for the sport hasn’t wavered. “What hooked me was the ability to take off from a mountain and gain altitude,” he explains. “Coming from skydiving, where you jump and come straight down, this was completely different.
When you takeoff from 800 metres and climb up to 2,500 metres in a warm air current, it’s just spectacular. That feeling of rising higher and higher, combined with the freedom of sitting in a harness and being open to the air, is unbeatable.”
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Bright’s location plays a significant role in its appeal to paragliders. “We have excellent mountain ranges, which give us the altitude we need to launch and catch warm air currents,” Fred says. “Being inland, away from the coast, also means our wind patterns are more reliable, so we get more flyable weather. The main season runs from September to April or May, but even in winter, you can get some flying in.”
For most visitors, tandem flights are the best entry point into paragliding. “The tandem flights are what we call trial instructional flights,” Fred explains. “These aren’t just joy flights; we give participants a rundown on how the equipment works and involve them in the process.”
For those ready to take the next step, Active Flight offers an Introductory Course where students are taught basic paragliding techniques, such as launching, turning, and landing, on one of their training hills. Weather permitting, students can progress to a solo flight by the second day.
Bright’s location plays a significant role in its appeal to paragliders. “We have excellent mountain ranges, which give us the altitude we need to launch and catch warm air currents,” Fred says. “Being inland, away from the coast, also means our wind patterns are more reliable, so we get more flyable weather. The main season runs from September to April or May, but even in winter, you can get some flying in.”
For most visitors, tandem flights are the best entry point into paragliding. “The tandem flights are what we call trial instructional flights,” Fred explains. “These aren’t just joy flights; we give participants a rundown on how the equipment works and involve them in the process.”
For those ready to take the next step, Active Flight offers an Introductory Course where students are taught basic paragliding techniques, such as launching, turning, and landing, on one of their training hills. Weather permitting, students can progress to a solo flight by the second day.
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The Paragliding Licence Course provides comprehensive training on launching, landing, weather patterns, thermaling, equipment, and safety for those who want to pursue the sport further. Upon passing all the relevant tests, participants receive a PG2 licence, enabling them to fly solo from novice launch sites worldwide.
For Fred, the holiday season means being on standby, ready to go paragliding whenever the phone rings – which is often – but it’s not the only reason he loves this time of year. “Summer here is pretty much all about paragliding, but we’re into mountain biking too,” he says.
The Paragliding Licence Course provides comprehensive training on launching, landing, weather patterns, thermaling, equipment, and safety for those who want to pursue the sport further. Upon passing all the relevant tests, participants receive a PG2 licence, enabling them to fly solo from novice launch sites worldwide.
For Fred, the holiday season means being on standby, ready to go paragliding whenever the phone rings – which is often – but it’s not the only reason he loves this time of year. “Summer here is pretty much all about paragliding, but we’re into mountain biking too,” he says.
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“Bright has some really great trails, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the area. And, of course, there’s the Ovens River. On really hot days, it’s great to just head down and jump.” The area’s unique geography also offers unexpected comforts during the peak of summer.
“We’re based in Wandiligong, just outside Bright, and even on those 40-degree days, we get cool breezes coming down from the mountains in the evenings,” Fred adds. “It’s one of the things that makes living here so pleasant.”
“Bright has some really great trails, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the area. And, of course, there’s the Ovens River. On really hot days, it’s great to just head down and jump.” The area’s unique geography also offers unexpected comforts during the peak of summer.
“We’re based in Wandiligong, just outside Bright, and even on those 40-degree days, we get cool breezes coming down from the mountains in the evenings,” Fred adds. “It’s one of the things that makes living here so pleasant.”
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For those interested in fly fishing, the streams around Bright in the Ovens Valley, Kiewa Valley, and Buckland Valley offer plenty of opportunities to explore. Graham Thwaites, an experienced guide with over 20 years of fly fishing and teaching experience, shares his love for the craft.
“Fly fishing is completely different from fishing off a boat or a pier,” he explains. “It’s weightless and relies on long, elegant rods.” In these streams, anglers can try catching brown trout and rainbow trout. “The browns are smart, and the rainbows are aggressive,” Graham says, describing the unique challenges of each species. Success comes down to patience, casting skill, and the delicate art of enticing the fish to take your fly. “If you have a solid foundation, you can build from there,” he adds. “That’s my philosophy.”
Bright is an ideal base for fly fishing adventures, surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife, including snakes, deer, and kangaroos. “There are so many rivers to fish around here,” Graham says. “It’s a gorgeous area and a perfect launching pad for fly fishing.”
He takes pride in offering a hands-on approach, staying with clients in the stream to ensure they develop the skills (and patience) needed to catch a trout. What’s his favourite part of the experience? “It’s the joy of seeing someone go from never having held a fishing rod to being able to cast a line and land a fly on the water,” Graham shares. “Then there’s the secondary thrill of actually catching the fish. Whether they’re 10 or 90, the joy they feel is incredible.”
For those interested in fly fishing, the streams around Bright in the Ovens Valley, Kiewa Valley, and Buckland Valley offer plenty of opportunities to explore. Graham Thwaites, an experienced guide with over 20 years of fly fishing and teaching experience, shares his love for the craft.
“Fly fishing is completely different from fishing off a boat or a pier,” he explains. “It’s weightless and relies on long, elegant rods.” In these streams, anglers can try catching brown trout and rainbow trout. “The browns are smart, and the rainbows are aggressive,” Graham says, describing the unique challenges of each species. Success comes down to patience, casting skill, and the delicate art of enticing the fish to take your fly. “If you have a solid foundation, you can build from there,” he adds. “That’s my philosophy.”
Bright is an ideal base for fly fishing adventures, surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife, including snakes, deer, and kangaroos. “There are so many rivers to fish around here,” Graham says. “It’s a gorgeous area and a perfect launching pad for fly fishing.”
He takes pride in offering a hands-on approach, staying with clients in the stream to ensure they develop the skills (and patience) needed to catch a trout. What’s his favourite part of the experience? “It’s the joy of seeing someone go from never having held a fishing rod to being able to cast a line and land a fly on the water,” Graham shares. “Then there’s the secondary thrill of actually catching the fish. Whether they’re 10 or 90, the joy they feel is incredible.”
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To see the High Country from a different perspective, why not do it on horseback? Spring Spur offers a range of adventures, including trail rides and multi-day pack horse treks into the remote Alpine National Park. You can also extend the experience with mountain-view accommodation, locally sourced meals, and a bottle of their small-batch, handcrafted wines.
Kath and Steve Baird made Tawonga their home in 1986, bringing with them their two young sons, Lin and Clay, a truckload of horses, and a vision to create a family-run business that celebrated the traditions of the High Country. Decades later, that vision remains at the heart of everything they do.
Check out their website for all the information on rides suited to different interests and skill levels. For a deeper connection to the region, the multi-day pack horse treks venture into remote parts of the Alpine National Park. For younger riders, shorter, family-friendly rides provide a fun introduction to the beauty and traditions of the High Country.
To see the High Country from a different perspective, why not do it on horseback? Spring Spur offers a range of adventures, including trail rides and multi-day pack horse treks into the remote Alpine National Park. You can also extend the experience with mountain-view accommodation, locally sourced meals, and a bottle of their small-batch, handcrafted wines.
Kath and Steve Baird made Tawonga their home in 1986, bringing with them their two young sons, Lin and Clay, a truckload of horses, and a vision to create a family-run business that celebrated the traditions of the High Country. Decades later, that vision remains at the heart of everything they do.
Check out their website for all the information on rides suited to different interests and skill levels. For a deeper connection to the region, the multi-day pack horse treks venture into remote parts of the Alpine National Park. For younger riders, shorter, family-friendly rides provide a fun introduction to the beauty and traditions of the High Country.
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Close to home, and for a ride or a different kind, Mystic Park is one of Victoria’s top destinations for mountain biking. It’s also one of Bright’s most popular summer activities. With over 45 kilometres of trails, the park caters to all skill levels, offering technical cross-country singletracks and gravity-fed flow and jump trails. Various pass options, including day, multi-day, and annual passes, make it easy for riders to choose the access that suits them best.
Visit their website for all the information, and get ready for thrilling rides with a stunning backdrop. However you plan to spend your summer in Bright, there’s something in the great outdoors for everyone.
brightadventurecompany.com.au
activeflight.com.au
southernflyfishingadventures.com
springspur.com.au
elevationmystic.com
Close to home, and for a ride or a different kind, Mystic Park is one of Victoria’s top destinations for mountain biking. It’s also one of Bright’s most popular summer activities. With over 45 kilometres of trails, the park caters to all skill levels, offering technical cross-country singletracks and gravity-fed flow and jump trails. Various pass options, including day, multi-day, and annual passes, make it easy for riders to choose the access that suits them best.
Visit their website for all the information, and get ready for thrilling rides with a stunning backdrop. However you plan to spend your summer in Bright, there’s something in the great outdoors for everyone.
brightadventurecompany.com.au
activeflight.com.au
southernflyfishingadventures.com
springspur.com.au
elevationmystic.com
