A Perfect Day-Trip to Bright, Victoria: Eat, Walk, Shop & Sip
- Loz
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
Bright Delights: From Breakfast to Boutique
Nestled in Victoria's High Country, Bright is a charming alpine town that offers a delightful mix of nature, food, and boutique shopping. If you are on your rest day from a Mark Langley Horsemanship Skylark clinic, escaping Melbourne for the day or stopping by on a longer road trip, Bright is the perfect destination for a refreshing day out. Here's your ultimate guide to making the most of a day trip to Bright. Perfect all-year round (but my favourite is Autumn for the colours and climate)!
Just an easy, scenic and short 20-minute drive from Skylark (Mark Langley Horsemanship).
Parking
The best place to park is right in the centre of town. It is near the public toilets and easy to drop any purchases back into your car (winner!). This is where it is located (you can click on this map to get Google Map directions):
Parking Address: Burke St, Bright, VICTORIA (right next to the Public Toilets)
Morning: Coffee & Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and a great cup of coffee at one of Bright's beloved cafes:
Sixpence Coffee: A boutique roastery in a converted mechanic's garage, known for its smooth brews and relaxed vibe.
Wild Thyme Cafe: A plant-based haven offering buckwheat pancakes, oat porridge, and raw cakes. Great for vegans and vegetarians.
The Riverdeck Kitchen: Overlooking the Ovens River, this cafe is perfect for a scenic start to your day. Try the Canadian Toast or a classic eggs benedict.
My personal pick: The Riverdeck Kitchen
Mid-Morning: Scenic Walks & Trails OR Bike Hire 'n' Ride
Bright is a walker's paradise. Choose from these top trails:
Canyon Walk: A 3km riverside loop with suspension bridges, birdlife, and gold mining history. Easy and family-friendly.
Huggins Lookout: A short but steep 1.5km climb with rewarding views over Bright.
Apex Lookout Walk: A 3km return trail with panoramic views of Mount Feathertop and Mount Bogong.
Cherry Walk Nature Trail: A 5.2km loop along the river, perfect for spotting wildflowers and enjoying the serenity.
Stroll around Bright: Or just enjoy walking around the streets in Bright (whilst popping into shops)
You can also enjoy some additional parts of the region by bike:
Hire a bike and cruise around: Plenty of Bike hire options and trails that can take up to half a day. If you do this, suggest you try going to the Porepunka Pub and back for a half-day hire. You can hire bikes from:
My personal pick: Stroll Around Bright or Bike Ride to Porepunka Pub and Back
Lunch: Local Flavours
After your walk/bike ride, refuel with lunch at one of Bright's standout eateries:
Tomahawks: A US-inspired diner with shared plates, burgers, and a buzzing atmosphere.
Katsu Japanese: Japanese at its finest!
The Yard Bright: Tex-Mex share plates and botanical cocktails in a sunny courtyard.
Bright Brewery: Enjoy pizza and craft beer by the river.
My personal pick: The Yard Bright (the BBQ corn cobs are to die for) and Katsu Japanese
Afternoon: Boutique Shopping & Markets
Bright is home to a range of unique shops and artisan markets:
The Bright Table: A curated homewares and gift store.
Tartan Fox: Fashion-forward clothing and accessories.
Bright Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market (3rd Saturday of each month): Local produce, handmade crafts, gourmet treats, and live music in Howitt Park.
Bowerbird: Unique alpine-styled homewares that suit the region. They can also send bulky items to your home, interstate!
Journey: Clothing, jewellery and home decor. All by local or Australian brands.
Bright Boutique Homewares: Exquisite homewares, baby products and decor.
Rich Glen: Foodies/cooks look out! This place is full of scrumptious cooking goodies from oils to alcohol. And next door is their specialty beauty bar and products. Sign up to be a member in advance and you get $10 off your first purchase (it takes 24hrs for this to happen in their systems).
My personal pick: Bowerbird, Journey, Bright Boutique Homewares & Glen Rich
Late Afternoon: Wine, Gin & Relaxation
Wind down your day with a drink or two:
Reed & Co Distillery: Sample small-batch gin and enjoy a meal crafted by former fine-dining chefs.
Ringer Reef Winery: Just outside Bright, this boutique vineyard offers tastings with stunning views.
Basils: Cocktails, gin, whiskey fans, this is your go-to!
Billy Button Wines: A cellar door in town with award-winning cool-climate wines.
My personal pick: Billy Button Wines with a charcuterie board (selection of cheeses, condiments and you can even add cold meats) and glass of wine outside.
Final Thoughts
Bright is a town that invites you to slow down and savour the moment. Whether you're sipping a local wine, wandering a riverside trail, or browsing handmade treasures, there's something here for every kind of traveller. One day might not be enough but it's a beautiful place to start. You can always come back for more another time (and even stay longer)!
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