AUTUMN is one of the most spectacular times of the year in the North East of Victoria.

With the crisp early mornings, the leaves on the trees burst into a rainbow of colours from green to yellow to orange to red.

While there are plenty of roadsides, nature strips and parks to take in these glorious views, if you want a true North East autumn experience, it's worth heading up to Bright.

The entrances from Porepunkah and Smoko along the Great Alpine Road will have you pulling over and getting your camera out as the canopy reaches across the road and gives an almost magical feeling as you make your way into the township.

Vineyards have their own special autumn colours as the vines begin to shed their leaves and prepare for winter but there is always a warming fire and a glass of port or a fortified red to warm you up inside.

Pack your bike and travel along the Mountains to Murray Rail Trail which will take you alongside a diverse landscape of natural bushland to verdant farmland, unexpectedly delightful valleys and some of the most spectacular mountain ranges.

With more than 100 kilometres of sealed and off–road trails between Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Myrtleford and Bright, you can intersperse your rides with plenty of local gourmet produce, food and drinks.

Markets and festivals are finally back on the menu after a disappointing last couple of years and locals are looking forward to getting back to their pre–COVID good times and excellent country hospitality.