What is the best time of year to visit Bright, the Buckland Valley, Mt. Buffalo and the
surrounding peaks and valleys?

Those who love wild flowers and gardens would say spring and autumn: the colors displayed by avenues of decidious trees, beautiful gardens and the tapestry of wildflowers on the mountains are spectacular and any photographer's dream. Skiers and snow boarders find their playground for adrenalin releasing activities in winter. And the bushwalkers and more adventurous inclined would doubtless say 'summer'.

"Foodies, ski bunnies and bush walkers alike beat a leaf-laden path to this alpine centre, writes Andrew Bain in The Age (19th of April 2008):
Though famed for its golden autumns, Bright is a town for all seasons. Yellow leaves yield to winter snows, which melt away into flower-filled springs and sun-baked mountain summers. It's a balance of seasons almost unrivalled in the country, so it's little wonder the town is all things to all people: ski hub, bushwalking base camp, cycling trailhead, leafy lure and, increasingly, a centre of fine food, wine and beer."

A variety of festivals and events year round make Victoria 's Alpine High Country worth a visit at any time of the year.

What ever you are looking for, wild adventures are more sedate R&R, The Buckland is the perfect base to come back to after a day of sampling the many delights Bright and the nearby valleys and mountains have to offer.

All events listed below are located within a 100km radius from The Buckland, most are within an easy 30 to 50 km distance.

Winter 2008

• Snow Season Opening Weekend incl. fireworks, June Long Weekend, Mt Hotham & Falls Creek
• Gapsted Wines annual "Big Shed Sale". Massive discountson a variety of wines, Sat & Sun 7th & 8th of June only
• Fri, 27th of June Mount Buffalo opens for business: Toboggan runs, 11 kms cross country ski trails at Cresta Valley with food, drink, rest rooms, first aid and toboggan hire available.
  Mt. Buffalo, ph 13 19 63 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au for more information
• Bald Archy Exhibition: Exclusive to north east Victoria. this exhibition is judged by Maud the Cockatoo, Friday to Monday, 4th to 7th of July ath the Bright Art Gallery
• Mt. Hotham to Dinner Plain Cross Country "Pub to Pub" race, one of the most traditional events at Hotham, a 12 km race from The General to the Dinner Plain Hotel, Sat, August 2nd
• Sled Dog Race, Dinner Plain, August 9th and 10th: Advance Sled Dog Challenge. The only sled dog race held in snow in Australia. Don't miss this exciting event where two, four and six dog teams race for approximately eight and ten kilometers through the snow gum trails. visit www.sleddogchallenge.com for more information
• Kangaroo Hoppet International Nordic Race, Falls Creek, August 30th. The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia's premier long distance cross country ski race. visit www.hoppet.com.au for more information

Spring 2008

• Myrtford Show, October
• Bright Spring Festival - last week of October and Melbourne Cup Weekend, featuring open gardens, award winning play, Spring Film Festival and Grand Fireworks Gala Night amongst many other activities and attractions for the whole family.
  Spring is Bright's best kept secret. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and nestled in the Ovens Valley , experience an abundance of colour and new life bursting forth from the mantle of winter . Enjoy lazy sunny days, cool evenings and stary nights - the perfect time of year for walking, cycling or picnicking in one of the most picturesque regions of Victoria.
  For full festival program visit: www.brightspringfestival.com.au
• Four Peaks Climb, Mt. Hotham, Falls Creek, Feathertop and Mt. Buffalo, base in Bright
  another event for the whole family: walk or run up one or all of the four peaks, enjoy the magnificient natural beauty of the High Country whilst getting your body back into gear after the more sedate winter months.
• Bright Hot Rod Run - weekend after Melbourne Cup weekend, one of the largest Hot Rod Runs in Victoria with over 700 entrants in 2007, 2008 is expected to be an even larger event.
• Audax Alpine Delight Bike Ride, Bright - 3rd weekend in November

Summer 2008/09

• Golden Spurs Rodeo, Myrtleford - Boxing Day
• Dederang Picnic Races - first Saturday after New Year's Day
• Alpine Valleys Gourmet Weekend, Bright - second weekend in January
• Audax Alpine Classic Bike Ride, Bright - January - Sunday of Australia Day weekend
• Paragliding Championships, Bright - February

Markets held monthly:

1st Saturday    Mt. Beauty Market, Hollonds Street

2nd Saturday    Flea Market, Myrtleford Elgin Street

3rd Saturday    Bright Market, Burke Street