Bright Brewery, Victoria: Why you should visit

The Bright Brewery in Bright, Victoria, has 24 beer taps and a terrace next to the Ovens River. If you want to sample several beers, plump for the tasting paddle.

The Victorian High Country town of Bright is arguably the highlight of the Great Alpine Road, which stretches from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale via Omeo. This is primarily because of great outdoors attractions, but there are also several wineries nearby.

The Bright Brewery, however, aims to show that grain can compete with grape in these parts. Founded in 2005, this Victorian craft brewery can host up to 250 people. The bar and brewery are in the same building, right next to the Ovens River in the centre of Bright.

Where to buy Bright Brewery beers

The Bright Brewery is an independent, family-run business, and has developed a reputation for being one of the best craft brewers in Australia. Bright Brewery beers are sold all over the country, and can increasingly be found on tap in unlikely interstate locations. Bars where you can get a Bright Brewery beer on tap include the Grain Store in Newcastle, the Rose Hotel in Bunbury, the Crafty Fox Alehouse in Brisbane and the Monkey Bar in Dubbo.

There are five beers in the main Mountaincrafted range. These are the Alpine Lager, Blowhard Pale Ale, Hellfire Amber Ale, M.I.A. IPA and Bright Sour.

There are, however, several limited edition ‘backcountry brews’. And the best place to try some of the more unusual beers is at the Bright Brewery itself.

Ovens River Hop Terrace

Come on a sunny day, and you can sit on the Hop Terrace, looking over the riverside park. There’s an adventure playground right next to the terrace, so grown-ups can bring their children along without too much moaning.

The bar at the brewery has 24 taps. There’s no way you’re going to get through a glass of each, so the best approach for those wanting to sample is to buy a tasting paddle. This allows you to taste small measures of six different beers.

If you’re feeling hungry, the Bright Brewery also serves food – and they’ll match a beer to the dish if you so wish.

More Victoria travel

Kid-friendly accommodation in Inverloch at RACV Inverloch.

What is the Healesville Sanctuary in Healesville, Victoria?

Have a drink or two at the Middle Park Hotel in Melbourne.

Walk 200 stairs to the bottom of Hopetoun Falls near Apollo Bay.

Feast at the likes of Bambu and Agathé Patisserie in South Melbourne Market.