15 unmissable things to do in Bright, Victoria

Jo StewartBy Jo Stewart
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You’ll find epic cycling trails, a vibrant dining scene, clutch of boutique wineries and a microbrewery with mountain vistas just three-and-a-half hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne in the High Country town of Bright.

Set on the Ovens River in Victoria’s High Country, the alpine town of Bright is all about outdoor pursuits and scenic beauty. Down its quiet country roads, you’ll also discover cellar doors producing cool climate wines and farm gates touting the freshest of local produce. Let this list of things to do in Bright inspire you to get out there and experience the epicurean and natural wonders of the region.

1. Fuel your day with a hearty cafe breakfast

On the Great Alpine Road, you’ll come across Ginger Baker, Wine Bar & Cafe . Whipping up drool-worthy breakfasts each morning, sit on the wooden chairs out at the back and enjoy the light breeze as you gaze out onto Ovens River. Order a breakfast classic like Eggs Florentine or a plate of heavenly ricotta hotcakes with berry compote to fuel your day of adventures ahead.

Ginger Baker Bright Victoria
Take your pick from the menu of drool-worthy breakfasts at Ginger Baker.

2. Get a dose of nature on the Bright Canyon Walk

This one-and-a-half-hour return stroll is super relaxing and has some awesome scenic views along the way. Over the easy three-kilometre walk you’ll pass by suspension bridges, birdlife, wildflowers and signs that depict the gold mining history of the region.

three hikers gazing at the scenic mountain views in Bright
Scenic views await you on top. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Visit the Winding Road DESIGN Studio

If you’re feeling the need to get the creative juices flowing, take the half-hour drive to Tawonga South to visit the Winding Road DESIGN Studio . This interior design art studio is run by ex-Melburnian Alicia Marshall, who has a flair for illustration and design. If you’re lucky, you might be in town when the studio is holding drawing classes. If not, feel free to browse (or buy) the numerous original artworks on printed canvas and paper, as well as the range of striking home decor that is up for sale.

Winding Road DESIGN Studio
Find some absolute gems in this quirky design store.

4. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy

Want to update your wardrobe with some unique finds? Visit the Tartan Fox for fresh and fashionable items from brands like One Teaspoon, Zoe Kratzmann and Nude Lucy. Homewares more your thing? Take a wander down to The Bright Table , one of those fabulous homeware and gift stores that small towns are known for. Pick up a cute mug (or two) and peruse their impressive range of beautiful giftware.

the exterior of Tartan Fox
Shop great fashion finds at Tartan Fox.

5. Tuck into a plant-based feast at Wild Thyme Cafe

On Ireland Street, you’ll find the Wild Thyme Cafe , a completely vegan and vegetarian eatery that will knock your socks off. The menu boasts an all-day brekkie, burgers, wraps, nachos, pizzas and tacos, so this is the perfect spot to visit when you’re feeling famished. Grab a bowl of the Vegan Pad Thai, mixed with crispy tofu, zoodles, peanut dressing and a whole heap of veggies, and don’t forget to leave room for some town-famous raw cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

6. Cool off with a dip at Mount Buffalo National Park

About a 30-minute drive from Bright, this mountainous national park is ideal for an alpine dip during those humid summer days. Ladies Bath Falls is the optimal spot, surrounded by pristine waterfalls and rock pools.

Ladies Bath Falls Bright
The Ladies Bath Falls is only a short drive away.

7. Taste the region’s finest drops at Ringer Reef Winery

If you’re looking to enjoy a cheeky glass of vino in the afternoon, then stop by Ringer Reef Winery , a small vineyard that has a gorgeous view of Mt Buffalo and the Buckland Valley.

the Ringer Reef Winery vineyard sprawling across the Alpine Valleys
The fertile vineyard is perched on the Alpine Valleys. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Open for tastings until 5pm on most days, pay a small fee and get your fill of pinots and cabernets.

two bottles of wine at Ringer Reef Winery Porepunkah
Shop high country wines at Ringer Reef Winery Porepunkah. (Image: Visit Victoria)

8. Get in the spirit of things with a visit to Reed & Co Distillery

If you love a tipple, then make your way to the Reed & Co. Distillery tasting room and cocktail bar for a tasting session.

the classic interior of Reed & Co. Distillery
Enjoy cocktail nights at Reed & Co. Distillery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Start with the classic Remedy Australian Dry Gin, then branch out to sample some of the more experimental flavours, like Yuzu New World Dry Gin, Coffee Gin Liqueur and Alternative Grape Gin. Needless to say, you’ll want to leave your car keys at home for this one.

coffee beans and herbs displayed on the table at Reed & Co. Distillery
Reed & Co. Distillery produces its own signature gins and spirits from locally sourced ingredients. (Image: Visit Victoria)

9. Sample some locally brewed ales at Bright Brewery

You can taste the fresh alpine air and pure water in the mountain-crafted beer at Bright Brewery . Visit this popular watering hole to work your way through the beer list, tasting pale ales, amber ales, IPA and special seasonal releases that are hard to find elsewhere.

crafted beers on top of the table at Bright Brewery
Have a taste of Bright Brewery’s crafted beers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Positioned right in the heart of town on the banks of the Ovens River, it’s easy to while away a few hours here on the sundrenched deck.

an al fresco spot at Bright Brewery
Soak up fresh air while drinking cold brew. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Admire the magic of nature during the Autumn Festival

If you’re visiting Bright between April and May, you’ll get to experience the incredible Autumn Festival , with the town’s tree foliage turning many brilliant shades of red, orange and copper as the seasons change. From art shows to parades, bush markets and open gardens, Bright’s town calendar is jam-packed with celebrations during autumn.

11. Saddle up for the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Bring your own wheels or hire an electric bike to explore the spectacular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail at your own pace. There’s more than 100 kilometres of trail to explore, with plenty of cafes, farm gates and cellar doors to stop at along the way.

a group of bikers traversing the Murray rail trail
Traverse the scenic Murray Rail Trail on two wheels.

If you’re unsure of your riding ability, start slow with a gentle ride from Bright to Wandiligong and back . This family-friendly route that passes farmland and natural bushland is mostly flat, so is ideal for little legs and people who tire easily.

a trail sign for hikers points the way to Wangaratta
The trail extends from Wangaratta to Bright. (Image: James Davidson)

12. Catch a movie at Sun Cinema Bright

This boutique independent cinema is a reminder of why seeing a film in an old-school, movie house is superior to streaming on your laptop. While this cinema shows a range of new release blockbusters, dramas and arthouse films, there are also quite a few outdoors and extreme sports documentaries on rotation to suit the adventure enthusiasts who flock to Bright all year round.

13. Taste the region’s best produce at the Bright Market

Held on the third Saturday of each month, the Bright Market brings together the region’s hardworking, talented food producers. Spend the morning wandering through the market, picking up locally grown and produced nuts, fruit and veggies, olive oil, honey, trout, preserves and just-baked loaves to enjoy at home.

14. Drop a line at a river or lake

Locals know that the Ovens, Buckland and Kiewa Valleys are home to many serene fishing spots where a wide variety of fish species can be found , including prized brown and rainbow trout.

an aerial view of the lush forest surrounding the Ovens River
Lush greeneries surround the Ovens River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re fond of fishing, buy a licence to fish online and head to one of the local rivers, lakes and reservoirs where fishing is permitted. If you think you could benefit from some intel from an in-the-know local, book a flyfishing adventure to be shown all the best spots by a knowledgeable guide.

an aerial view of people kayaking on Ovens River
Wade through the calm waters of the Ovens River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

15. Go on a farm gate crawl

In and around Bright you’ll find passionate producers working hard to create exceptional ingredients. Driving around to farm gates to stock up on produce means you’re guaranteed to get the freshest picks (and sometimes some great local knowledge too). Visit the farm shop at Alpine Blueberries in Myrtleford for punnets of farm-fresh blueberries (and gelato) and Pepo Farms (home to the Australian Pumpkin Seed Company) in Ovens, to taste nut and seed oils.

pumpkins freshly harvested from Pepo Farms
Pepo Farms are the first pumpkin seed growers in Australia. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In Wandiligong the Nightingale Bros is another great farm store where you’ll find alpine apples, cider, chestnuts, pies, jam and apple juice. Be sure to pack an esky or cooler bag to keep all your goodies fresh and cool during the drive home.

fresh apples displayed at Nightingales Apple Orchards
Get freshly picked apples from the orchard. (Image: Visit Victoria)
If you’re thinking about visiting Victoria’s High Country, check out our guide on everything you need to know.
Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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Unforgettable First Peoples tours and experiences in Victoria

    Angela SaurineBy Angela Saurine
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    From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet. 

    Victoria’s sweeping landscapes hold stories far older than any road map can trace – stories etched into stone, sung through generations and woven into every bend of river and rise of hill. From the lava flows of Budj Bim to the ancient middens of Moyjil/Point Ritchie and the volcanic crater of Tower Hill, the state is home to some of the most significant First Peoples cultural sites in Australia. These places, along with other immersive experiences, offer not only a window into a 60,000-year legacy, but a profound way of understanding Country itself. As more travellers seek connection over checklists, guided tours by Traditional Owners offer respectful, unforgettable insights into a living culture that continues to shape the land and the people who walk it. 

    Budj Bim cultural landscape  

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is on Gunditjmara Country. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Venture beyond the surf and sand of the Great Ocean Road to discover a deeper story etched into the volcanic landscape. At Budj Bim , ancient aquaculture channels built by the Gunditjmara people to trap, store and harvest kooyang (short-finned eel) reveal one of the world’s oldest living cultures. While you’re in the area, head over to the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, where you can observe the eels in a special tank, wander the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and enjoy a bite at the Bush Tucker Cafe. Also nearby is Tower Hill, a dormant volcano reborn as a wildlife reserve, offering trails through bushland teeming with emus and koalas. 

    eel tank
    The kooyang (eel) tank at Tae Rak. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour 

    Dumawul walkingtour
    Guests are guided through Kooyoora State Park on the Dumawul walking tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Step into a timeless landscape with Dumawul’s guided tour through Kooyoora State Park, around an hour’s drive west of Bendigo in north-central Victoria. Led by Djaara guides, this immersive half-day journey breathes life into Country, weaving together stories, bush tucker and ancient rock art. Known to the Dja Dja Wurrung people as Guyura – the ‘mountain of light’ – this dramatic granite range is rich with cultural and spiritual significance.  The adventure begins with a meet-up at the Bridgewater Hotel on the banks of the Loddon River, before guests are welcomed onto Country with a traditional Smoking Ceremony – a powerful ritual that honours ancestors and cleanses those who walk the land. From there, it’s a gentle wander through rugged outcrops and open bushland, with sweeping vistas unfolding at every turn. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of how the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples have cared for and adapted with this land for generations, offering a rare and moving window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive today.  

    Kooyoora walking tour
    Knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung is shared on the trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Kingfisher Cruises  

    Kingfisher Cruises
    Cruising the Murray with Kingfisher Cruises. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Glide quietly through the Barmah-Millewa forest – the nation’s largest river red gum ecosystem – on a scenic journey along the Murray River and into the Barmah Lakes with Kingfisher Cruises . Led by passionate guides who share stories of the cultural significance of this ancient landscape, these cruises reveal the stories, totems and traditional knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people. As you navigate narrow waterways and spot native birds, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Peoples have lived in harmony with this floodplain for tens of thousands of years. It’s a gentle, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression – one where every bend in the river carries echoes of culture, connection and Country.  

    wawa biik 

    Taungurung leaders
    Exploring Nagambie with Taungurung leaders. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Translating to ‘hello, Country’ in the language of the First Nations People and Custodians of the rivers and mountains of Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, wawa biik guides a range of authentic and deeply immersive experiences. Leaving from either Nagambie or Euroa, the tours are woven with ancient stories of the Taungurung, telling how a sustained connection and responsibility ensures the continued health of biik – benefitting the people, animals and plants that live in and around the Goulburn River. During the wawa Nagambie experience, guests participate in a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, and enjoy lunch and conversation with two Taungurung leaders as they cruise through the wetlands of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes). The 4.5-hour tour begins at Tahbilk Winery, which is set in the wetlands of Nagambie on Taungurung Country and collaborates with Taungurung Elders to share knowledge of biik. 

    Bataluk Cultural Trail  

    Bataluk Trail
    Cape Conran on the Bataluk Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    The Bataluk Cultural Trail winds through East Gippsland like a thread stitching past to present, tracing the deep connection between the Gunaikurnai people and their land. Starting at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, visitors walk among scarred trees and ancient stone tools once used for survival and ceremony. At the Den of Nargun near Mitchell River, the earth holds stories of women’s sacred spaces, cloaked in myth and legend. Further along, Legend Rock at Metung tells of greed and consequence, its surface etched with ancient lore. At Cape Conran, shell middens lie scattered like breadcrumbs of history – 10,000 years of gatherings, stories and saltwater songs still echoing in the wind.  

    Healesville Sanctuary  

    echidna at Healesville Sanctuary
    Get up close with a resident echidna at Healesville Sanctuary. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set on the historic grounds of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, Healesville Sanctuary honours the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation through immersive storytelling and connection to Country. Along Wurundjeri Walk, visitors are invited to reflect on the land’s rich First Peoples history, with native plants revealing their traditional uses. Wurundjeri Elder and educator Murrundindi shares culture in-person with the Wominjeka Aboriginal Cultural Experience every Sunday, and most days during Victorian school holidays. Murrundindi’s smoking ceremonies, storytelling and bush tucker knowledge reveal the sacred relationship between people, animals and the environment. Bird-lovers can’t miss the incredible Spirits of the Sky show featuring native birds daily at 12pm and 3pm. 

    The Grampians 

    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians
    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Known as Gariwerd to Traditional Owners, the Grampians is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. This rugged landscape holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria’s known First Peoples rock art, offering a powerful window into the region’s deep heritage. Visitors can respectfully explore five remarkable rock art sites: Billimina and Ngamadjidj in the Wartook Valley, Manja Shelter near Hamilton, Gulgurn Manja shelter near Laharum, and the Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, where the creator spirit is depicted. Each site tells a unique story of connection to Country, shared through ancient handprints, dancing figures and Dreaming narratives etched into stone.