Bright Brewery

With Victoria’s north-east being prime hops-growing country, it’s no wonder there’s a handful of impressive breweries to be discovered among the hills. In Bright, that’s the aptly named Bright Brewery, which has been brewing ales with local hops and fresh mountain water since 2005.

The brewery and bar began operations in two small tin sheds, but in 2012 it gained a new and much-expanded look with 24 taps, multiple seating areas and a view into the brewery.

All beers are brewed on site, including small batches of seasonal, experimental beers. Past the usual ambers, pales, porters and witbiers, beer enthusiasts can lock lips with a Pumpkin Harvest Ale (brewed with Styrian pumpkins grown by in nearby Ovens) or a Wandi Nut Brown Ale (made with walnuts from The Artisan Mill in Ovens). Try a tasting tray of six brews before opting for a pot, schooner or pint of your favourite.

The wine list champions solely local makers; and the brewery also offers two ciders – a sweeter French Saison style made from Batlow apples, and a drier version made from pink lady apples from Wandi grower Nightingale Bros.

Local ingredients also shape dishes such as chestnut soup with vanilla butter; pizzas, beer-battered numbers and Sixpence Coffee’s legendary sourdough. There are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options and suggestions for beer matches.

Take to the outdoor deck on sunny afternoons, or cosy up on the couches by the indoor fireplace over winter.

Explore Bright further using our detailed Out of Town to Bright guide.