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

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
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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.