CHAPTER 2

HOST LOCATION

"The Victorian Alps is home to some of Australia’s best known hiking trails, rugged valley’s full of white-water kayaking and a growing number of world-class mountain bike parks.

The Host town of Bright is the centrepiece of the Alpine Shire, and home to a huge array of active events, delicious culinary options and fun activities for families to enjoy. "

- Rob Preston (Race Director)

HOST LOCATION – VICTORIAN ALPS

The Victorian Alps serve as an exceptional location for Chapter 2 due to the rugged and diverse terrain, which provides a challenging yet exhilarating backdrop for the event. With its vast expanse of mountain ranges, picturesque valleys and pristine waterways, participants can expect a course that is well balanced across the disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking (packrafting).

Moreover, the ever-changing weather conditions in the Alpine region add an element of unpredictability, presenting racers with the opportunity to test their endurance and skill in the face of nature's elements.

The area's close proximity to towns like Bright ensures easy access to accommodation, dining options, and supermarkets provides participants (and staff and volunteers!) with a comfortable base for ExpeditionAR Chapter 2.

Overall, the Victorian Alps' scenic beauty and varied and challenging terrain will be sure to satisfy Adventure Racers from all parts of Australia and around the world.

HOST VENUE - BRIGHT

The riverside town of Bright, located in the foothills of the Australian Alps, is renowned for its picture-perfect tree-lined streets, mountain views, local food and wine, boutique stores, markets, and outdoor adventures such as hiking, cycling and paragliding. All this, within close proximity to Victoria's alpine ski resorts, has firmly established Bright as one of Australia's most popular tourists destinations.

TRAVEL

Bright is an easy 3.5hrs drive from Melbourne, 5hrs from Canberra and 7hrs from Sydney.

Albury Airport is a 1.5 hour drive from Bright and facilitates daily flights from commercial airliners Qantas, Regional Express (REX) and Bonza.

The airport is serviced by four vehicle hire companies – Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Hertz.

ACCOMMODATION

Retreats, holiday parks, hotels, motels, apartments and every type of accommodation imaginable is available in Bright and surrounding towns.

The race schedule avoids the school holidays, but you will want to book your accommodation early as springtime is a great time to visit the Alpine Shire. Check out the local tourist accommodation page here. https://www.visitbright.com.au/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/

WINERIES, BREWERIES, CIDERIES AND DISTILLERIES

The fertile valleys of the Alpine region hold many small vineyards, apple orchards, trout fishing and one of few locations where hops is grown in Australia. The famous Bright Brewery in the main street, and Nightingales Cidery in Wandiligong are venues not to be missed.

FAMILY FUN

We encourage you to bring your families to enjoy the region while you are busy getting sweaty. The kids are sure to enjoy the famous Bright Water park, catching fish at Harrietville Trout farm, or riding on the many kid-friendly cycling paths.

In conclusion, Bright, Victoria, presents a perfect blend of natural beauty, creature comforts, and outdoor adventure, making it an appealing destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and excitement.