7 charming cafes in Bright for coffee, brunch and lunch

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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From a busy small-batch coffee roaster to a plant-based cafe with a cult following, the Bright cafe scene is buzzing. 

On the hunt for a Bright cafe or two to visit on your next trip? Gone are the days when country towns had nothing but so-so coffee and stale croissants on offer. The thriving alpine town (and surrounding villages) boast a seriously strong cafe and coffee scene that keeps visitors and locals nourished and caffeinated all year round. 

1. Food Wine Friends

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make a beeline for this cosy cafe in the centre of town which stocks a solid range of slices, cakes, muffins, brownies and biscuits. If you’re after a meal, settle in for a bagel, frittata or savoury tart. Either way, this welcoming cafe kind of feels like you’re having a bite to eat in a friend’s living room – a true comfort while you’re away from home.

Cakes and sweet treats in cabinet at Food Wine Friends in Bright with barista making coffee in background
This cosy cafe has plenty of delicious treats to keep you coming back.

2. The Riverdeck Kitchen

This relaxed spot by the Ovens River is the ideal place to begin your break in Bright. Slip into holiday mode by starting your day with a dish from the all-day breakfast menu – the Canadian Toast is a real standout if you’re down for mixing bacon, brioche, berries and maple syrup on your plate.

a plate of avocado toast at Riverdeck Kitchen
Grab your breakfast at Riverdeck Kitchen.

The lunchtime menu is a roll call of cafe classics (think: steak sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips) with pancakes and toasties on the agenda for kids. Fancy a tipple? The drinks menu features local wines from Ringer Reef and Billy Button wineries, ales from Bright Brewery and an afternoon nap-inducing cocktail line-up. Passionfruit mojito anyone?

the surrounding green landscape outside The Riverdeck Kitchen
Dine al fresco to soak up serene nature views.

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3. Sixpence Coffee

This buzzy small-batch roastery located in what was once a mechanic’s garage cranks out elite coffee, so expect it to be busy. Whether you settle in for a latte or grab a takeaway to enjoy while on the road, be sure to also pick up a sweet treat – there are pastries, muffins, doughnuts and more to choose from.

a hand holding a cup of coffee
Get your caffeine fix at Sixpence Coffee. (Image: Andy Hardy)

Can’t bear the thought of not having Sixpence Coffee in your life once your trip is over? Recreate the coffee experience back at home by buying a bag of the 3741 blend beans, named after Bright’s postcode. There’s some cool merch available too if you’re in the market for a tee, cap, tote or hoodie.

front view of Sixpence Coffee filled with customers
The cafe is always full house every morning. (Image: Andy Hardy)

4. Gum Tree Pies

After a morning of biking or bushwalking, nothing beats tucking into a pie and cake at a humble country bakery. The Bright outpost of this family-run bakery cafe is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Choose from a classic pie (steak and mushroom) or try something different like the Thai green chicken curry pie. Either way, this popular bakery with four outlets in regional Victoria is known for producing top-quality pies with golden, buttery, flaky pastry day in, day out. The slices and cakes won’t let you down either!

Gum Tree Pies cafe signage surrounded by trees in Bright
Gum Tree Pies is an ideal place for brunch.

5. Rail Trail Cafe

Pedalling the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail? A pitstop at Porepunkah’s Rail Trail Cafe is an absolute must. Six kilometres from Bright, this laidback cafe is known for its generous portion sizes and menu stacked with Mexican dishes like breakfast burritos, quesadillas and nachos.

Grab an outdoor table in a shady spot, order a spread of your favourites and watch the cyclists come and go as they make their way along the scenic rail trail.

front of Rail Trail cafe in Bright with bicycles parked on the side
Grab a warm cup of coffee on your way.

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6. Punkah Pantry

This licensed cafe and provedore in the village of Porepunkah is a reliable go-to if you’re passing through while on a road trip through the region. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, stop in for homemade pies, gourmet cakes and brews made with beans from the local roaster, Sixpence Coffee.

front view of Punka Pantry cafe, Bright
Drop by Punka Pantry on your visit to Bright.

Looking for an edible gift for someone special back at home? Punkah Pantry stocks an impressive range of olive oil, honey, preserves and more from local and neighbouring districts.

edible treats displayed on the shelves inside Punka Pantry cafe, Bright
Bring home some edible treats from the cafe.

7. Mr Pom Juice & Sanga Bar

If you’ve overdone it with a heavy meal or one too many beers the night before, start your day right with a vitamin-packed juice or smoothie from this cheery juice bar and cafe in the heart of Bright. And if you’re in the market for lunch that won’t weigh you down, its range of light, fresh fare packed with healthy ingredients will hit the spot. Planning a day of adventures in the outdoors? Grab a takeaway salad, wrap or sandwich to enjoy by the serene Ovens River.

Want more travel tips for Bright? We’ve got a round-up of top accommodation, incredible restaurants to try and wineries to visit during your stay.

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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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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso, and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack. Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal, is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.

    7 Charming Cafes in Bright To Try Now - Australian Traveller