Summer Holidays in Bright, Victoria
Every year we spend 10 days, during summer in Bright in the Victorian high country. Bright is located 320kms north east from Melbourne and is located at the base of Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo. The King Valley area has something for everyone during every season, but summer is particularly special as the water is cool and the town is busy with things to do.
High Country Rivers
Running straight through the middle of Bright is the Ovens River, providing locals and visitors plenty of water to cool off in during the heat of summer. On the rivers edge at Centenary Park there is a water park and water slides that are monitored by lifesavers making the area very appealing for families. The river bank has loads of grassed areas for relaxing with a book or picnic and is very popular during the summer holidays. The area around Bright has many rivers and water holes worth exploring. Every year we find a new spot to swim and with the rivers changing all the time there is lots to keep us coming back. If you are keen to find cliffs to jump off or hidden water holes then have a chat with the locals. They know all the best spots.
Wineries, Distilleries, Breweries and Gourmet Eats
Bright and the King Valley is renowned for its gourmet trail. From cheese, honey , berries and nuts to wineries, distilleries and breweries, Bright has many choices for the foodie. In the centre of town is the Bright Brewery. Overlooking the Ovens river and Centenary park the brewery has water cooled outdoor seating among the grape vines. Add live music and you have one of the most popular places in town. Reed & Co distillery is also in the town centre and supplies coffee and pastries in the morning and a cool bar feel in the evening. You could easily spend a day travelling the areas around Bright and sampling all the different gourmet offerings.
Where to stay
For many years now we have stayed in the NRMA Bright holiday park and we love it there. It is so close to town that we can park the car and walk or ride everywhere. The park has many different accommodation options from caravan sites to townhouses. You will be sure to find something within your budget. We have also stayed at the Bright Coach House Inn when we have not had the caravan and the rooms are comfortable, clean and close to town. There are many options from Airbnb’s, motels, pubs and caravan parks, but be sure to book early as Bright is very busy during the summer months.
Where to eat
I think I can safely say that I have never had a bad meal in Bright. There are 2 pubs, the brewery and many other international cuisines to choose from. Italian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese restaurants all feature and are always busy in the holidays so consider booking ahead. During summer the evenings are long and warm so the restaurants open late and have lots of outside dining. As the days are hot it is important to find so respite from the heat. Bright has a number of cafe’s that provide coffee and cake, lunches and cool drinks during the day. My favourite café for Breakfast or coffee and muffins is Ginger Baker. The outdoor seating is beautiful on a hot sunny morning.
What to do
Apart from eating and drinking your way around the high country, there are plenty of activities for the adventurous. As mentioned above there are plenty of water holes and water slides to keep you cool. Bright is also in the middle of an extensive bike track system providing kms of well maintained tracks for all ages. A lot of the area is flat so riding or walking with the kids can be a great adventure. If you want something a little more high octane then there is downhill mountain trails all through the pine plantations. You can hire bikes from a number of retailers in town if you don’t have your own. Mt Buffalo offers paragliding and hang gliding, rock climbing and caving for those who are adventurous. For the families there is the water park and playground at Centenary park that the kids can play in for hours. Bright also have a small unique cinema that is worth visiting if you need to relax or the weather is not being kind.
Given we have been visiting Bright in summer for 20 years it is easy to take for granted how amazing Bright is. I know that every year as we head into Christmas everyone travelling with us is getting excited about the trip. You can do as little or as much as you want in Bright and if you have not been it is definitely worth visiting no matter the season.
What is your favourite summer holiday destination??
