Bright - Places of Historical Interest
The most significant places of historic interest in Bright and the surrounding area are:
1. Mount Buffalo Chalet
The much loved Mt Buffalo Chalet was built in 1910 overlooking the spectacular Mt Buffalo Gorge. The building is on the State Heritage register and although it is not currently in use it is well worth a visit. The gardens in front of the Chalet have been restored.
2. Bright Library
The Bright Library was officially opened on September 23rd 1910 by the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency Sir Thomas Gibson-Carmichael. After opening the library the Governor and his wife stayed at the St Bernard Hospice and skied on Mt Smythe.
3. Court House and Lock-Up These buildings are on the state heritage register. The Lock-Up was built in 1860 and was originally behind the old police station and was moved to the current site in 1973. The Court House was built in 1861.
4. Alpine Hotel, Mafeking Square
The original Alpine hotel was situated in Growler's Creek (Wandiligong). In November 1868 the building was shifted and re-erected in Bright by owner Alex Cathcart. Captain McFarlane, proprietor of the Hotel in the 1880s, built the current brick building in 1890. Over the years the hotel underwent many changes under different proprietors. In 1991, the hotel was renovated to reflect its early style.
5. Doctor's Surgery
This significant brick building was known as "The Doctor's Surgery". A two roomed cottage was built on the site in 1857 and occupied by Dr Edward Hawkins. A series of doctors used this building and Doctors Dennis and Pamela McCurdy were the last in the late 1970s. The building has since served as an art gallery and as a restaurant.
6. The Oriental
In 1862 the Empire hotel was built by Thomas Tanswell, who had earlier had a hotel on the Buckland Goldfield, below the Junction. The hotel was extended in the late 1860s with the addition of a large public room and billiard room made of locally made bricks. In 1870 Tanswell took up the Commercial Hotel in Beechworth. E. George was the owner during the 1880s. This is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Bright.
7. Buckland Cemetery
This beautiful cemetery is situated approx.12 km along the scenic Buckland Valley Road. The Chinese Cemetery is behind and to the right of the main cemetery. The Cemetery was established around 1863 and originally was probably linked to the Protestant Church which used to be behind the Cemetery. The Bright Museum has a small publication for sale which lists the historic places of interest along the Buckland Valley.
8. Bright State Battery
This was the last of the State Batteries to be established by the Mines Department in 1957. These batteries were designed to allow small miners, who could not afford to build their own battery, to have a method of crushing their ore at a reasonable price. The site near Dougherty's Bridge, Coronation Ave comprises the Battery building and a separate Manager's quarters and workshop. The Bright and District Historical Society open the Battery to the public during the Spring and Autumn festivals.
Map of Places of Historical Interest in Bright
Location
Cnr Gavan Street and Barnard Street, Bright 3741 Map
