Bright Velo: The Victorian 'Alps' welcomes cosy new cycling themed lodge

Europeans may snort their ristrettos at the reference to our Victorian "Alps", but for Australian cyclists, Victoria's High Country yields the closest thing we have to a Swiss mountain pass or a feared, French climb.

Yet while northern Victoria is fast becoming our go-to for roadbiking holidays, it's not just territory for the lycra-clad brigade. Aside from the lung-busting climbs up nearby Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo, or the gravity trails of the nearby Mystic mountain-bike park, gentle rail trails wend their way across the region, doable for kids and those who simply want to kick back and cruise between cheesemakers and wineries on an e-bike.

So, a cycling-themed hotel on Bright's main street makes perfect sense.

The new Bright Velo is found at the top of Bright's old main drag, Ireland Street. For those with long memories, it is in the former Empire Hotel, built in 1862 when Bright ran hot with gold fever as diggings lined the nearby Ovens River.

The transformed hotel had a soft launch last winter, opening five unique Heritage rooms and a three-bedroom, self-contained apartment channelling a cosy, vintage mountain lodge vibe. The Mystic wing is geared at touring groups, with affordable dorm accommodation for 12; it's now undergoing a refresh. Secure bike lock-ups and a guest laundry complete the accommodation.

The dining room, Empire Dining (not to be confused with the Empire Hotel in nearby Beechworth), is already a favourite for its Euro-flecked wine list and cocktails: the amaretto sour is a must. Monday night is locals' $27 steak night, and its whiskey bar – an Indian restaurant in its former incarnation – will surely be a haven come Bright's wild winter nights, after the hotel officially launches next month.

If you were expecting to find bike frames dangling from the ceiling, you'll be disappointed. Bright Velo is a sophisticated creature, its decoration guided by the deft hand of co-partner, hospo veteran and bike aficionado Francisco – "Cisco" to all – Valles, of Melbourne cocktail bar Hairy Canary fame, and current owner of Mornington's Casa de Playa restaurant.

The cycling motif comes through in the oversized, antique Italian cycling posters while, if you're in on the joke, you'll know the public bathrooms sport the winning jersey colours of Europe's three great tours – the maglia rosa (pink) of the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France's maillot jaune (yellow) and La Vuelta a Espana's maillot rojo (red).

Heritage rooms from $250 a night, stays in the Mystic wing from $130. Empire Dining opens Thursday-Monday. See brightvelo.com.au, ridehighcountry.com.au