Things to do in Bright, Victoria

The best things to do in Bright, Victoria include the Bright Splash Park, Canyon Walk and Huggins Lookout. The more daring will enjoy the Mystic Mountain Bike Park and Active Flight Paragliding Centre.

Bright, Victoria, is one of Australia’s most attractive small towns. And it’s the combination of river, forest and mountains that makes it work.

Bright is on the Ovens River and Great Alpine Road in Victoria’s High Country. It’s not quite in the mountains itself, but it’s very close. The Mount Buffalo National Park lies just to the west, and the Alpine National Park to the east. If you want to get a view of Victoria’s highest mountain, then the Mount Bogong Lookout is in neighbouring Tawonga.

Best thing to do in Bright, Victoria: Ovens River parks

The town of Bright itself, however, is focused around the Ovens River. This is where you’ll find most of the best things to do in Bright. A series of parks – Howitt Park, Centenary Park and Lions Park – line the south bank of the river.

The Bright Splash Park is a highlight where Morses Creek empties into the Ovens River. This water play area is understandably popular with children. For parents, it’s close enough to the Bright Brewery for them to enjoy a craft beer or two while the kids enjoy the Splash Park. Also in the vicinity are an adventure playground, a water slide and the designated river swimming area. Just don’t expect the water to be all that warm – you’ll get an invigorating surprise…

The Bright Brewery in Bright, Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Best things to do in Bright, Victoria: Canyon Walk and Huggins Lookout

If you want to stretch your legs, then the looping 3km Canyon Walk takes in both banks of the river. It’s pretty easy going, and along a formed trail. Come in autumn, and you’ll see the multi-coloured leaves of the deciduous trees planted by European settlers. You’ll also see traces of the area’s gold-mining heritage.

Alternatively, stay south of the river and tackle the Huggins Lookout Walk. This is only 1.5km long, but climbs steeply up the valley towards Huggins Lookout. Expect rather lovely views of the town and river.

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

For a considerably longer walk, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail also passes through Bright. This former rail line has been converted for cyclists and walkers, and stretches 97km between Wangaratta and Bright. This includes a dogleg to Beechworth before passing through Gapsted and Myrtleford on the way to Bright.

Myrtleford is well known for its wineries, including Gapsted Wines, but you can also go wine-tasting in Bright. The Ringer Reef Winery makes cool climate wines, and the Ringer Reef cellar door is open from noon to 5pm, Friday to Monday.

Bright attractions: Mystic Mountain Bike Park and paragliding

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a delight for cyclists, but those who like their cycling more rough and ready will probably gravitate towards the Mystic Mountain Bike Park. This community-run bike park has 50km of mountain biking trails threading through the forest. The Mystic Mountain Bike Park has a good range of trails – some tight and technical, some pretty hardcore, others just plain fun.

Nearby is the Active Flight Paragliding Centre, which should also appeal to wannabe action heroes. The Active Flight Paragliding Centre offers paragliding lessons, but it also runs tandem flights for those who just want to experience the rush without doing the learning. A basic tandem flight lasts eight to ten minutes, and costs $195.

Best Bright accommodation

There are several good places to stay in Bright, but these are the top picks…

For families: Big4 holiday park or NRMA Bright.
For character and charm: Merrimeet Cottages.
For a pool and free parking: Barrass’s John Bright Motor Inn.

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