Bright has something to offer everyone. Bright is a great place to visit in Victoria, no matter what type of vacation you are looking for. Bright is a great place to spend time, whether it’s for a long weekend or just a short getaway. You’ll want to move permanently to the Victorian High Country after seeing this beautiful place.
This is a list of the top things to do during each season in Bright. There are activities for all ages and interests, as well as the best day trips if you’ve got extra time.
Why visit Bright in Victoria’s High Country
Bright is one of the best towns in Victoria. This is not a compliment. It’s located on the banks of the Ovens River, in the High Country. This is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places you will visit. It’s beautiful at every turn, with the river flowing through it the many shops and, cafes, and parks that are perfect for picnics and walking.
Bright is also home to a large number of outdoor activities. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from mountain biking and hiking to paragliding and skiing in winter.
It also offers a variety of great boutiques, cellar doors, breweries, and farm gates that provide a wide range of goods. If you don’t like to be active, you can spend a lot of time just relaxing on the streets.
It’s hard to find anything negative about the city. It is perfect for people of all interests. It attracts people of all ages, from families to grey nomads to solo travelers.
With all of these positives, it’s no surprise that the town is very busy. The city is crowded with locals and tourists alike on weekends all year round. The busiest time is usually during school holidays, followed by any weekend of summer or winter. Bright is a buzzing place, but the atmosphere will make you want to return again and again.
How to get there
Bright is located about 325km northeast of Melbourne. The four-hour drive along the Hume Highway will take you through Seymour and Benalla before turning off at Milawa, Myrtleford, and, finally, Bright.
Where to stay in Bright
Bright offers a wide range of accommodations for those who are planning a long weekend. Bright has a wide range of accommodation options, whether you are looking for a cozy B&B or family-friendly camping grounds. Here are some recommendations.
Located on the Great Alpine Road, this is a great choice for a mid-range stay in Bright. The hotel offers a variety of double rooms that surround a lovely garden with barbecue facilities. Guests can also rent bikes for free. Starting at $220 per night. Click here to see.
Just a 2-minute drive from Bright Centre, this mid-range property offers cozy one-bedroom cottages. The self-contained bungalows are set in a beautiful garden and include a spa tub, free bicycle rental, and a private entrance. The prices start at around $250 per person per night. Click here to see.
If you’re looking to splurge on a really nice place, The View has luxury one-bedroom apartments. It’s a great place to stay, with its mountain views from the large windows in the front, free-standing bathtub, outdoor balcony, and self-catering amenities. Apartments for two people start at $580 per night. Check out by clicking here.
If you’re traveling on a budget, then the Motor Inn is a great choice. The Motor Inn offers twin and family rooms, all with kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms. There is also an outdoor swimming pool. The rooms start at $160 for two people. Check out this.
Looking for a family-friendly caravan park? Bright has many options, but this is my favorite. It’s located right on the river, opposite Howitt Park. The main street is within walking distance. The unpowered camping sites start at $40 per night, while the trendy Alpine Pods are available for $200 per night. There are also 3-bedroom villas available for groups starting at $320 per night.
Bright: Best Things To Do
There are many things to do in Bright to keep you entertained over the weekend. Here are the top things to do in Bright, no matter what season it is.
Canyon Walk Along the Ovens River
The Canyon Walk, one of Bright’s most popular activities, is a great way to get to know the local environment as you wind your way along and up the Ovens River. The family-friendly hike begins at Howitt Park and follows the river’s southern bank before crossing the bridge and returning along the northern side.
There is a choice to reduce the circuit to 2.5km by taking another bridge. The longer loop has some rougher tracks and passes a small canyon carved out by the Ovens River. This was a popular spot for early miners.
You can also turn left and join the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which will bring you back to town.
The Ovens River is a great place to float down
Floating down the Ovens River is a popular summer activity in Bright. People of all ages will bring their inflatable tubes and floating tubes to the river. Kayaks are also available, but you’ll need to be careful when the water level drops during summer.
You’ll need to walk upstream unless someone can pick you up.
Have a Picnic at Howitt Park
Howitt Park in Bright is a hub of activity. On a Sunday, the park by the Ovens River makes for a great place to relax. There is a big playground for children and a Splash Park at the eastern end.
There are picnic tables scattered on the grass. You can also bring a rug and set it up under a tree near the river. It’s a very popular spot on a hot day, with many people lying out in the grass. However, you can find some space by walking up the footpath.
Bright Market is held in the park every month.
Take the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail for a Walk or Ride
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, one of Victoria’s numerous rail trails, is one of Bright’s most popular attractions. The network of trails stretches more than 100km between Wangaratta and Bright. There are also a few extensions that connect the route with Beechworth Milawa and Harrietville.
This is one of the best ways to discover the region. There are so many towns you can stop in for coffee, lunch, or to walk around the streets. It’s safe and secure for people of all ages and experience levels, as the entire trail is off-road and sealed. The trail runs through Bright, so you can walk, run, or cycle as much as you want.
Here, you can find more information and a map of the entire trail. You can hire a bike from Cyclepath for as little as $40 per half-day.