THE COTTAGE: This one of a kind private holiday cottage furnished with special things like our European antiques to enjoy a special ambiance. Open fireplace (slow combustion stove), books, CDs, TV/DVDs, complete cooking facilities incl. BBQ, spacious timber deck, a hot bath and ensuite; all these we trust will make your stay unforgettable!
HORTICULTURAL: Norala Garden is a BRIGHT OPEN GARDEN icon and was highly recommended on 3AW Big Backyard in 2014, featured on Gardening Australia and in The Garden Lovers Guide to Australia. Garden lovers will delight in the splendid renowned garden, established by Norma McGown and Alma Stanhope in the 1960s. Their landscaping story is local lore and the garden is a testament to their love of beautiful European landscaping with extensive English-style dry stone walling and terracing. Lovely Bakers' Gully runs through the property and normally provides great water feature to while away the time.
LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION: At 77 Gavan St, you have Bright's center at your doorstep, and can try award-winning restaurants without having to drive!
FLY FISHING: Personally crafted maps with up to date information about fishing hot spots and fly-patterns are provided. A sure-fire way, to catch a local, naturally spawned trout!
PEDALLING: A healthy and refreshing way to tour the region. This means you can sample the local wines and the region's best produce in style.
HOME GODDESS/KITCHEN KING: Hate having to buy the good oils and spices for dressing your meals on your weekend away? Our kitchen supply of olive oils will complete your gourmet meals, the oils you choose for cooking we leave up to you!
LUXURY COMFORTS: You can enjoy the creature comforts of an open fireplace with wood supplied. It will keep the cottage extra warm during those cool High Country nights.
The Cottage
Mrs. Simpson is a newly renovated cottage, and has been furnished with luxury linens from the USA, toiletries and a mixture of modern and antique European furniture.
Mrs. Simpson backs onto the Ovens River and is in the heart of Bright village.
The cottage is equipped with 2 bedrooms and sleeps a maximum of 4 guests: - 1st Bedroom with queen bed and attached private ensuite and toilet - 2nd Bedroom with king bed (can be made into 2 singles upon request for longer stays) - Bathroom with bath, shower and separate toilet - Spacious, modern living area with sofa, comfy chairs, TV/DVD, Bluetooth Sound System and CD player with CDs - Real fireplace (wood provided) - Open plan kitchen with all the modern trappings (oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer). Vinegars, fine oils and spices provided to dress up your salad. - Laundry with washing machine, dryer and plenty of hooks to hang up your waders or raincoats - Large verandahs and timber decking with comfortable chairs and tables for dining or afternoon drinks
The boring bits
PETS (neutered / spayed dogs) on arrangement.
PRICING and availability is always at the discretion of the owners. Upon booking we require a deposit. Complete payment and bond are due 2 weeks before arrival. Note that bookings through Stayz/Homeaway include fees that are payable to them that we do not control.
Cancellation - we fully refund a booking if cancellation is made 2 weeks prior to arrival. Between 2 weeks and arrival we will retain the deposit.
Due to heritage status of Norala Garden STRICTLY NO PARTIES
Mrs Simpson at Norala Garden is Non Smoking.
Unfortunately we cannot accept families with children under 8, and children have to be supervised by an adult along the creek at all times. This is because Norala Garden has direct and unfenced access to Baker's Gully, which is a seasonal creek that can flow strongly at times, and contains a few deeper pools.
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If prior to your stay you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat please contact us to reschedule as we are flexible about cancellation.
Strictly no smoking property inside and out. That also applies to vaping.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Bright
Located in Bright, this cottage is in the city centre and on a river. Bright Brewery and Mystic Bike Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Centenary Park Streamside Reserve and Canyon Walk. Bright Splash Park and Wandiligong Maze and Cafe are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Is Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden?
As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden on 4 May 2026 start from AU$450, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden located?
Located in the heart of Bright, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Bright City Clock Tower and Centenary Park Streamside Reserve. Bright Visitors Centre and Canyon Walk are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Extremely charming house and phenomenal lush garden. Terrific location and excellent communication with hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Highly recommend
Chrystal D.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jan 2026
Thanks for your review and glad you enjoyed the summer break.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brian
10 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
great place to stay, close to shops restaurants.
owners very helpful with all questions asked
Talk about close to town! Stayed here for a short bike riding trip at Mount Mystic and had a great time. Plenty of firewood for the weekend and an overall nice bright (no pun intended) place to say. Thanks for having us.
Lovely cottage & garden close to town. Description said some fire wood supplied but there was none.
Cheryl D.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Nov 2025
Apologies Cheryl with the summer close by we had packed up our firewood - our bad bc the weather has been atrocious. Thankfully the split system would have meant the place would be cosy but I understand it would have been nice to have the fire blazing :)
This was a beautiful place with an unbelievable garden. Perfect location close to centre
This property had everything you needed and the kitchen and provisions were excellent. We’ll we staying there again in Autumn
Harry F.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Dec 2022
Thank you Harry
We look forward to seeing you back in Autumn although Spring is truly the stand out for this garden 😊 with so many blooms and a riot of pinks along the gully. Thanks again
Magical cottage on an incredible plot of land in the perfect location. Could not have asked for a better stay :)
Would happily come again!
J G.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2023
Thanks for your review and glad the family and friends enjoyed
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jodie
12 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
My family (2 adults, 2 teenagers) had a lovely stay in the cottage. The ground are incredible and the location is perfect for walkability to all the sights of Bright.
We stayed here for our short weekend getaway in Beautiful Bright. The location was perfect, a stones throw away from the centre of town.
The home had everything one needs in a home with a wonderful warm and cozy feel. Will definitely stay again!
Nicholas S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2024
Thanks for your review. Glad you had a nice break and look fwd to having you back sometime
This was our third or fourth stay at this property, fair to say we love it. Beautiful home, full of character and very well equiped. Amazing gardens and just a couple of minutes walk into town. The hosts are very responsive and accomodating.
Sarah G.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2025
Thanks so much for your kind words Sarah. Unfortunately a very dry year but looks like some rain on the way to make for a good autumn show!!
What a delightful place to stay. The accommodation was great, and the gardens so beautiful. We will be back.
Bernadette C.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Nov 2022
Thank you Bernadette
Glad you and the family had a chance to enjoy notwithstanding the weather.
Hopefully it will be back to Bright beautiful when La Niña passes for your return visit
About the host
Hosted by Mike van de Graaf and Mette Schepers
We love Bright, the outdoors and the amazing Norala Garden that is ours to caretake for the next generation and yours to enjoy when you choose to stay at Mrs Simpson.
Why they chose this property
Garden; Ovens River at back gate; in town. Park the car and enjoy a real break.
Languages:
English, Dutch
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests