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Bright is a small town in the Victorian High Country that’s known for its picturesque mountain landscape.
Although the town is small, there are so many things to do in Bright, and it’s one of Victoria’s most popular destinations – especially for Christmas and around the Bright Autumn Festival.
Best known as the gateway to Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park, there is more to see and do here than just outdoor adventures.
Those visiting in the winter can hit the ski slopes, while in the summer, the cross country skiing routes turn into excellent mountain biking tracks.
It’s also a top wine growing region with several vineyards and cellar doors to explore, and foodies can relish in the fresh produce sourced from it’s many surrounding farms.
Whether you’re passing through on the Great Alpine Road or you’re looking for a small town to relax in for a while, here are all the best attractions in Bright, Victoria, to make sure you don’t miss out on.
1. Bike the Rail Trail
Our favourite way to get around Bright is by bike.
If you enjoy a gentle bike ride, then ride along the Rail Trail, an overhanging, tree-lined section of the 94km Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail (cycle way).
The bitumen sealed track is well suited to both cycling and walking and links the townships of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright.
We also cycled the 6km track to Porepunkah to have lunch at the Rail Trail Cafe, which is where you’ll find some of the best Mexican food in Australia – for real.
We recommend going a little further if you can to Feathertop Winery (10km one way trip from Bright.)
2. Grab a pint of craft beer at Bright Brewery
You know that rail trail into town? It took us right to the Bright Brewery and a pint of some of the nicest cider you’ll ever try. They also have pretty good beer.
And get this parents of small children – the beer garden looks straight out over the kids playground.
Perfect for parents and kids.
Craig and I enjoyed a rare moment of time out and adult conversation. No wonder we became frequent visitors.
3. Go for an Ovens River Swim
During the summer, the Ovens River is dammed up in the main part of town to create a deep swimming hole area just off Howitt Park.
There are springboards, slides, and water slides into the river making it fun and refreshing for those hot alpine summer days. It’s also a great place for a picnic.
The Bright Market is held every 3rd Saturday alongside the river.
5. Take the kids to Bright playground
Right beside the Ovens River, the before mentioned playground is one of the best we’ve come across.
This playground is part of the reason Kalyra wanted to live in Bright for 10 years and although we’re not fans of visiting playgrounds on our travels, this one we visited daily.
In the summer, the Splash Park is a welcome respite from the heat!
6. Admire the stunning views at Huggins Lookout
If you’re looking for a quick hike in Bright, then consider walking up to Huggins Lookout.
The walk is a 1.5km out and back walk from Deacon Avenue and Zivan Court up the steep side of the valley, which then ends at the Huggins Lookout post.
The hike is quite steep with some obstacles and steps, but it will be worth it for the views.
Formed track, some obstacles, very steep with occasional steps. Sign posted.
7. Go skiing, tobogganing or sledging
If you’re visiting Bright in the winter, then be sure to hit The High Country Alps for a bit of skiing action.
There are many resorts near Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buffalo National Park, which are all within easy access from Bright.
Whether you’re a complex beginner or an expert, Bright puts you in a central location to some of the best runs in Australia.
8. Go Mountain Biking in Mystic Mountain Bike Park
Contrary to the above, in the summer, Mystic Park is what Bright is all about. It’s a community-run bike park, set in the midst of an active plantation.
It’s considered to have some of the best mountain biking runs in Australia.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are trails designed for all skill levels. There is over 50km of trail to explore, some dropping from 800 meters!
9. Cool off at Bright Splash Park
For those visiting Bright in the summer, you’ll want to cool your jets at the Bright Splash Park, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
The park is a playground with pipes and old gold dredge buckets dumping water on those waiting below. Surrounding the area are a few water cannons to really up the fun.
There are slides, bridges, and a creek with a river where you can swim in the shallow pools.
And do you know what the best thing about this park is? It’s free!
10. Walk the Bright Canyon Walk
The Bright Canyon Walk is a 3km loop hike that takes you along the Ovens River and through a scenic gorge, known as Bright Canyon.
The walk is stunning all year round. Plus, it’s an easy walk that’s ideal for families to do.
11. Visit the wineries and distilleries
I mentioned earlier that Bright was set in a wine region, so you cannot make a trip here without visiting a winery. The Ringers Reef Winery is one of the best places to sample local wines.
It was founded in the late 1800s by a gold specimen. Today, the area is less about mining gold and more about producing wine.
In 1998, Annie and Bruce Holm established the Ringer Reef vineyard on the mining area, where they produce handmade wines.
You can take guided winery tours here or grab a picnic basket with cheeses and local produce and sit out on their lawn.
If you’re more into spirits, head over to Reed & Co Distillery, which is another family-run business in Bright. They are famous for producing alternative Gins such as Yuzu gin and Koji spirits.
12. Explore the Town of Mount Beauty
Just a 30-minute drive from Bright is the small town of Mount Beauty, which sits at the base of Mount Bogong and Falls Creek.
It’s a quaint and relaxed town with a stunning lake at its center. It also has a skiing and mountain biking culture.
If you’re visiting with your mountain bikes, head to the Big Mountain Bike Park, or if you’d prefer a game of golf, head over to the Mount Beauty Golf Club for a game or two.
13. Go hiking in Alpine National Park
Alpine National Park is one of the best parks in Australia for hiking.
You can hike up some of Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, such as the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing trail which takes you over the craggy ridges.
You can also hike along The Razorback, a ridge that leads to Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest peak.
You can also find some world-class mountain bike trails and white water rafting experiences in the park. If you want to up the adventure, consider a four-wheel drive tour along the Wonnangatta Four-wheel Drive.
In the winter, it makes for the perfect spot for cross-country skiing.
14. Visit Mount Buffalo
Only a short 40 minute drive from Bright is Mt Buffalo, a beautiful place to explore for the day. It’s perfect in the summer as it’s usually much cooler than down in the valley.
We spent the morning kayaking at Lake Catani, and enjoying a picnic at The Horn, the highest point of Mt Buffalo.
You can walk up the top for 360 degree views of the plateau and Australian Alps, where you will find picnic tables for visitors to use.
On the way back down stop at Ladies Bath Falls for a dip in the refreshingly clear waters.
15. Wander around Dinner Plain
Dinner Plain is about a 10 minute drive from Mt Hotham, right at the peak. It’s a modern town and is a fantastic alternative to the Mt Hotham ski town, especially in the summer.
There are plenty of walking trails—don’t forget your picnic lunch to enjoy the views with. The drive itself is stunning.
It’s popular to cycle from the Valley floor up to Mt Hotham. I’d much rather the gentler trails around the Dinner Plain area. Plenty of great views and opportunity for exercise.
N.B. When we visited Dinner Plain the flies up there were horrendous, so pack your repellent.
16. Wander around Beechworth
Beechworth has legendary status for its Ned Kelly history and a bakery. Only in Australia can bakeries have such a cult following—the queue resembled that of an Offspring mosh pit.
It’s also famous for its Gold Mining History, which saw major growth in the area – not that major though, as Beechworth has less than 3,500 residents!
Beachworth Bakery is the reason people come here. It’s not only a place to pick up freshly baked break and donuts, but an entertainment venue.
It’s where the legendary Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival is held every year!
Craig and I reckon the town’s best feature is the Bridge Road Brewers, though. It’s a small micro-brewery inside an old-timey hotel and serves amazing housemade craft beer and delicious pizza.
There is plenty of history, nature and boutique shopping in the area too.
17. Visit Feathertop Winery
Feathertop Winery is located 10km from Bright, just past Porepunkah.
You can make your entrance to Feathertop an experience in itself by cycling the stunning Rail Trail from Bright.
We didn’t feel Kalyra would cope with the 10km one way cycle, so we drove. Since I love wine more than Craig he nominated himself as the DD.
Feathertop Winery was established in 1988, and was the first winery to open in Alpine Valleys. They make award winning Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Prosecco.
18. Go berry picking at Mount Stanley
Just up the road from Beechworth at Mt Stanley is one of the best berry picking experiences you’ll ever have.
We had so much fun at High Grove Berry And Cherry Farm, running from rows of blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries and berries we’d never heard of like Loganberries.
The best thing about this farm is that for $3 you can eat all you like while you pick.
The girls learned how to find and pick a ripe berry and how to taste one like a connoisseur of wine, we shared our thoughts on each one and whether it was worthy to make the bucket.
Only blueberries, boysenberries and raspberries made ours. These berries are also super cheap to buy.
Though you should note, this is only available when berries are in season – usually from mid December until the end of January.
19. Cafe and restaurant hop around Bright
Bright is the place to indulge in delicious food and drinks. There is an amazing number of choices for places to eat, and so many of them are family friendly.
Here are a few of our fave places to eat in Bright:
Blackbird Cafe
Free Wi-Fi, children’s play section, comfy couches and great food and coffee. Blackbird Cafe quickly became our local.
Tell me that you don’t spend the rest of the day singing The Beatles song: Blackbird singing in the dead of night!
Coral Lee
Coral Lee is a quirky and cozy cafe. Said to have some of the best coffee in Bright. Our pick is the the pesto toast for breakfast.
Food Wine Friends
We love Food Wine Friends, a small cafe and providore in Downtown Bright. The food is fresh and made from local produce and the coffee is excellent.
Treat yourself with a gourmet picnic hamper to take up to Mt Buffalo. We loved what Luke prepared for us and I loved not having a hand in the making and gathering of it. For time strapped parents like us it’s such a great idea.
The Riverdeck Kitchen
A pleasant spot to sit with a cuppa in the sun is the Riverdeck Kitchen overlooking the Ovens River and play area.
Is Bright worth visiting?
The town of Bright in Victoria checks off most of our criteria for making a place liveable; it’s safe, it’s relaxing, it has a community spirit, and it has plenty of things to do, especially if you love the outdoors.
Because of it’s rural location on the Ovens River in Victoria’s High Country, Bright is all about nature.
It’s surrounded by mountains, quiet rolling countryside hills, and because of its cool climate, it has some incredible wine producers operating here.
The only downside is it’s a little too far from a major city (3 hours drive). I can’t shake Craig off this point to consider it as a place to eventually live.
But for those looking for a peaceful small town in Australia to visit on their next vacation, it’s perfect.
I LOVE beautiful Bright. Kalyra is also a major fan and has emphatically declared that she will live there one day for 10 years. I hope she invites her Mamma to visit often.
Where to stay in Bright
Accommodation in Bright is mostly focused on holiday rentals or caravan parks. We have experienced both and have a few that we recommend:
Remember to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible. You can also use the map below to help you find the right accommodation for you!
Final Thoughts
We spent two weeks over Christmas in Bright, staying at a lovely home with a magical view of Mount Hotham and kangaroos visiting of an evening and early morning.
Who wouldn’t want that, right?
As you can see from this guide, there are so many amazing attractions in Bright, you can find an adventure here no matter what time you visit.
We’ve been three times and wouldn’t hesitate to return!
Top tip: Avoid visiting Bright for the weeks after Christmas if you can. The town population swells from 2,000 to near 20,000. Yep, told you it was good. The weeks leading up to Christmas are just divine.
More Bright Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for your trip to Bright? Then check out these other guides…
More Victoria Travel Tips
Are you planning to visit other parts of Victoria? Then these resources may be useful to you…
What are you most looking forward to doing in Bright? Let us know in the comments!
