Bright Chocolate

Shop

Test your palate at this small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolatier.

Tomahawks

Restaurant

A neighbourhood kitchen with a strong liquor game.

Wandiful Produce

Cafe

A biodynamic chestnut farm peddling produce, coffee and pizzas.

The Wandi Pub

Bar

All the country-pub feels, but with craft beer and top-notch eats.

Walker Bros Wine Bar

Restaurant

A 13-step descent will take you from street level to wine level.

Ginger Baker Wine Bar and Cafe

Cafe

Take your locally roasted coffee by the fire.

Bright Brewery

Bar

Experimental ales made with local ingredients, right in the heart of hops country. Take to the outdoor deck on sunny afternoons, or cosy up on the couches by the indoor fireplace over winter.

Nightingale Bros. Alpine Apple Orchards

Shop

One hundred per cent apples. Still, sparkling and fermented.

Canyon Walk

This three-kilometre loop track follows a gorge carved naturally by the river and water races dug by early miners. Populous maple and oak trees make for a colourful entrance at Star Bridge, before shifting to native scrub in mint bush, ovens wattle, orchids and wildflowers along the track. Start at Howitt Park, just a short stroll from Bright’s main street, and head along the north bank. You can make the short loop to the first suspension bridge in about 30 minutes, or continue to the second bridge further up the river, totalling around one hour to 90 minutes. It’s mostly an easy walk, with a few hill scrambles and the option to deviate off the main track and explore intriguing rock formations by the riverbank.

Snow at Mt Buffalo

In 1898 Mt Buffalo was declared one of Victoria’s first national parks. The entire park features more than 90 kilometres of short and long walks, but in winter, you’re more likely to take to the ski trails than the on-foot ones. At Dingo Dell, there’s a ski school, toboggan slopes and ample space for frolicking about in the snow. Keen skiers can take to 10 kilometres of both groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails at Cresta Valley, which also has toboggan runs. When you’re all tuckered out, warm up with a coffee at Dingo Dell Cafe, open all through ski season. Snow gear can be hired in town at Bright, or you can pick up snow shoes or a toboggan on the mountain.

Clear Spot Lookout

This scenic viewpoint overlooks the picturesque town of Bright, with sweeping views to Porepunkah, Mt Buffalo, Harrietville and Wandiligong too. From Bakers Gully Road, you’ll spot a sign indicating it’s nine kilometres to Clear Spot Lookout. From here you can take Clear Spot Road all the way to the top. The road is very rocky the majority of the way, making it 4WD preferred or 2WD if you’re patient (not after wet weather though). When you arrive at a crossroads on top of the mountain, continue along Clear Spot Road (the far right track) for another kilometre or so and you’ll find the lookout. Alternatively you can crawl a short way up on two wheels, and then abandon the car when you come to an earlier crossroads, opting for the (particularly steep) hill climb along the walking trail instead. The 33-kilometre drive will take about 90 minutes to drive up and back down.

Sombrero Sunrise Cycle

This half-day bike tour takes in the scenic surrounds of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. You’ll commence at Bright, collecting your push or electric bike from Bright Electric Bikes before making your way to Rail Trail Cafe in Porepunkah. Here owners Lucy O’Dwyer and Jesse Rios will kickstart your late brunch with a glass of sparkling, followed by coffee and a dish from a menu shaped by the flavours of Rios’ native Mexico. Next, continue the short ride to Ringer Reef Winery for a wine tasting, before sitting back with a glass of your favourite drop and soaking up the mountainous views. Then simply take your time and enjoy your ride back to Bright. This self-guided tour operates Thursday to Sunday.

Cavedon’s Kilnhouse

Accommodation

Settle in by the fireplace at this re-imagined kilnhouse.

Abby’s Cottage

Accommodation

Take a soak in the spa bath or wander through the chestnut grove at this peaceful country cottage. It’s an ideal spot for some rest and relaxtion during winter.