Our Story

Originally named The Empire Hotel and one of the oldest commercial buildings in Bright, it was built by Thomas Tanswell in 1862 during Bright’s gold rush. By the late 1860's local hand-made bricks were used to extend the building with a billiard room and a public room which is still its current structural state.From 1918-1920 it was The Oriental House Bright. And then became Bright Oriental Guest House around 1950.

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Bright Velo first opened in July 2011 by Susan Charlton and Wayne Hildred as a space that cyclists could call their own.With onsite Café Velo serving Bright’s best coffee it became an institution for cyclists both local and those on their regular pilgrimages to the High Country. Accommodation and bike tours were the grand plan, but the café became so popular that Wayne didn’t have time to run the tours instead becoming the head barista!

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In 2020 Bright Velo was taken over by Tim Briggs, and the stunning transformation began. The cycling theme continued, obviously, but in a much more refined and subtle manner.

In 2022 with renovations complete Bright Velo & Empire Dining opened to the public. The re-opening of Bright Velo accommodation is as much a celebration of the High Country, as it is the venue itself. With aspirations to be Australia’s best premium cycling/adventure accommodation venue, the setting alone is sure to thrill and excite all who venture here. With three mountain peaks on the doorstep, you will spend the day riding ascents, walking to waterfalls and enjoying all Bright has to offer.

Bright Velo aims to revolutionize cycling in the Victorian High Country by becoming the leading cycling and adventure accommodation destination in Australia. We aspire to provide a world-class facility that caters to people of all levels, including professional teams, grassroots clubs, and startups. We take pride in our local expertise and will share our knowledge of routes, rides, and hikes in the region to create an unforgettable experience for all our guests. We are committed to exceeding expectations and offering a warm and welcoming environment to everyone who stays with us.