Bright

Destination overview

Towering above the quaint little town of Bright is Mystic Mountain, and among the pine plantations on its slopes, is one of Australia’s most varied trail networks. Bright was first known for its steep and rooty singletrack, but the network is evolving thanks to newer machine-built additions like the Hero Trail and Shred Kelly’s Last Stand. Closer to town in Pioneer Park, there are beginner and family-friendly trails.

Home of the Alpine Community Plantation

Mystic Park is the result of a cooperative effort between HVP Plantations, the Alpine Shire Council, the Alpine Cycling Club, the North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club, and the Bright & District Chamber of Commerce, who together form the Alpine Community Plantation. This stakeholder group is why the trails can run in an active plantation, and it makes decisions about closures, trail maintenance and the like.

This is a working forest, and occasionally trails will be closed or slightly rerouted because of harvesting activity. The park is also subject to closure during periods of high fire danger. To find the most up to date information, check the Mystic Park social media pages and website.

Shuttles, views and brews

With so many gravity trails, shuttles are available on weekends through Blue Dirt, or passes can be purchased for uplifts using private vehicles. Shuttles aren’t required to enjoy Mystic, and there are some great climbing trails like Up and at Em and Gorilla Warfare.

Nestled in among the Victorian Alps, Bright is tremendously scenic, so make sure to ride up to the Clear Spot Lookout when you visit. The fire road climb gets you out of the trees and up above the bike park — it will get your heart pumping, but trust us when we tell you it’s well worth it.

Back in town, you can cool down with a swim in the Ovens River or a cold one from Bright Brewery.