With a bounty of things to do in Bright with kids (or without) it is possibly the best place to base yourself when exploring the Victorian high country.
The historic township of Bright itself is around 3.5 hours from Melbourne (and in our case, around 7 hours from Sydney). It has become one of the most favoured holiday destinations in Victoria with all year activities for families including its proximity to the best snowfields in the state.
The alpine peaks and high plains of Bright and the surrounding areas mark the central location where the traditional lands of the Dhudhuroa, Gunai-Kurnai, Taungurung, Waywurru and Yaitmathang meet. They are, and always will be the, the traditional custodians of the Alpine shire.
Things to do in Bright with Kids
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Bright Splash Park and River Pool
On warm days, the Bright Splash Park and River Pool is one of the perfect places to head to with the family. You will find the Bright Splash Park on the banks of the Ovens River at Centenary Park. It is the perfect place for a family picnic and splash in the water – but get there early to snag yourself a spot in the shade.
Open from summer through to the Easter school holidays, there is generally a lifeguard on duty. Younger kinds will love the water cannons and water squirts, whilst your older tweens and teens will love the river pool! And it is all FREE!
The Bright Book Shop
Those of you who have followed the Kid Bucket List for a while now would know that we LOVE books maybe more than exploring! We seek out book shops in the different places that we visit so we can explore the shelves and find literary adventures to enjoy in the evenings.
The Bright Book Shop, whilst relatively small, has shelves bursting with great finds from bestsellers to quirky finds. They have a great selection of Young Adult Fiction as well as picture books and first chapter books for children. Make sure you pop in!
Head to The Bright Book Shop Facebook page for more details.
Riverside Walks – Canyon Walk
Over the last few years, we have become quite impressed with the walks that we have found on our travels. Bright has a number of walks to enjoy with the Canyon Walk being one of the most popular.
Starting just behind the Bright Brewery, the Canyon Wall meanders xxx
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
If bike riding is your thing then Bright is the perfect destination for you and your family with a plethora of bike trails to enjoy, with the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail the most popular.
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is 116km in length but don’t let that scare you – there are a number of sections for you to choose from depending on your biking ability (and endurance). If you are worried about being off road, you may enjoy the ride from the old Bright railway station then alongside Morse’s Creek to the small historic village of Wandiligong.
Read more here.
Bright Museum
Located in the old Bright Railway Station on Railway Avenue, the Bright Museum covers the history of the Ovens Railway Line, local gold mining history and social history, including the Chinese history of the area.
Head to the Bright Museum to see the reconstructed Chinese Joss House as well as rolling stock typical of that used on the old Ovens Valley Railway.
Typically, the Bright Museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, extending to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00pm to 4:00p during the school holidays.
Bright Art Gallery and Culture Centre
My children are fascinated by artworks, particularly Sunshine, so a quick stop at the local gallery is always fun. If you are interested in art you may like to visit the Bright Art Gallery.
This gallery host exhibits throughout the year including solo exhibitions by local artists, a two-month summer exhibition, photographic exhibitions, the P-12 School exhibition, Indigenous Art, in addition to the Autumn Art Show.
Things to do Near Bright with Kids
Lavender Hue Farm
Lavender Hue Farm is a delightful Lavender Farm, Tea Room & Cafe and Bed & Breakfast situated on the Ovens River in Harrietville. It’s a great little stop for a cuppa during your stay in the Victorian high country.
The gardens are magnificent and the hosts welcome families. The kids will love dipping their toes in the river.
Head to Lavender Hue Farm for more details.
Australian Pumpkin Seed Company – Pepo Farms
What’s a trip without trying the local foods! We stopped at the Australian Pumpkin Seed Company on the way from Myrtleford to Bright and were invited to taste-test the seeds, nuts and oils. It was most enjoyable and a stop we recommend.
The Farm’s Experience centre on the Great Alpine Rd offers tasting experiences throughout the day for the whole family. You can try a range of pumpkin seeds, local walnuts, blueberries and more!
Head to Pepo Farms for more details.
Chestnut picking at Wandiful Produce
Almost every year in April we head off chestnut picking with kids in the Blue Mountains so were excited to spot a similar experience close to Bright for those exploring Victoria during the chestnut season.
Wandiful Produce offers the opportunity to forage for chestnuts from mid-March to early May each year, whilst also running workshops in edible weed foraging and hosting community food swaps. Head to their Facebook page for more details.
The Red Stag and Emu Farm
The Red Stag and Emu farm offers opportunities for the whole family to feed, touch and learn about deer, emus and ostriches. If you’re ‘game’ you can even try all three at the farm’s restaurant where all 3 appear on the menu!
Head to the Red Stag and Emu Farm for more details
Mountain Fresh Trout & Salmon Farm
Located just 20 minutes from Bright, the Mountain Fresh Trout & Salmon Farm is the place to head with the kids if they are keen to catch a fish or simply just feed the fish.
What’s great about the Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm is it is FREE! Yes, that’s right. The site offers free entry, free rods and free bait. You only need to pay for what you catch.
Head to Mountain Fresh Trout and Salon Farm for more details.
Visiting Mount Buffalo with Kids
Mount Buffalo Chalet
Whilst currently closed for extensive renovations, the Mount Buffalo Chalet is a must-visit stop if you are exploring the Victorian High Country.
Built in 1910, the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet is perched on the top of Bent’s Lookout offering stunning views across the valley. Exploring the European gardens, taking in the views and admiring the building itself make the drive up worth it.
Lady Bath Falls
A short time after you begin your ascent up Mount Buffalo you will spot the signs for Lady Bath Falls. We parked our car on the side of the road and walked the few hundred metres to the falls.
Historically, the Lady Bath Falls was where travellers to the Mount Buffalo chalet would stop to refresh on their way up. The women would refresh in the Crystal Brook under the falls, while the men would head up to Eurobin Falls.
It is a fairly easy walk to the Lady Bath Falls even if you are wearing thongs! The falls aren’t that big, but they have created a lovely water hole below where you can swim in the crystal waters below. Beware – it is a very popular spot so it can be crowded.
Eurobin Falls
The Eurobin Falls is a little further up Mount Buffalo and are quite incredible with the water running down a large exposed granite rock face. The walk to the lower falls is fairly mild, whilst the walk to the upper falls is steep and could be challenging although it does offer the best view.
Mount Buffalo walks
There are numerous bushwalks across Mount Buffalo for you to enjoy based on your ability. It’s an incredible place to visit with Mount Buffalo National Park home to a diverse range of plants (over 550), many found nowhere else on Earth including the Buffalo Sallee tree.
Click Mt Buffalo National Parks Walks for 23 different walks and a detailed map.
Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley
These two spots are where to head in winter if you wish to try tobogganing or snow play.
Dingo Dell is wide and has gentle slopes making it a great choice for families. It is named after the alpine dingo population that visits on occasion.
Cresta Valley offers spaces for toboggan and play, as well as four marked cross-country ski trails and two marked snowshoe walks.
Lake Catani
Outlined by Snow Gum woodlands, Lake Catani is the perfect place to camp on Mount Buffalo. The campsite offers 49 campsites with great amenities including toilets, hot showers, dishwashing and even a basic laundry.
Lake Catani itself is suitable for picnicking on the shores, swimming or kayaking.
Where to eat in Bright
There are a plethora of places to choose from when looking for a place to eat in Bright with kids. There is also both an IGA and a Woolworths in Bright if you would prefer to self cater. Here are some of our favourites.
Tomahawks
Open Thursday to Sunday, Tomahawks was one of the first restaurants recommended whenever we asked someone where to eat. Whilst there is no kids menu, the burgers seem to win! Head here to read the menu.
Gum Tree Pies
You can judge a town by their bakery, or so I am told. This bakery specialises in pies including Thai Green Chicken Curry, Lamb & Mint Jelly, Panang Curry Pumpkin alongside your traditional Steak & Pepper and Steak & Guinness. We returned a number of times for a quick lunch.
Bright Brewery
Whilst a brewery might not sound like the place to head to eat with kids, we loved that the site boasts and large outdoor space to eat with views of the river – perfect for a family. Good pub grub with a clever twist of coolness. Head here to read the menu.
Reed & Co Distillery
The Reed & Co Distillery has opened Koji Bird, an Australian chicken shop x izakaya! We visited just in time to see the ducks being cooked. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, this place will make your mouth water. Head here to read the menu.
The Riverdeck Kitchen
Overlooking the Ovens River, The Riverdeck Kitchen is a relaxed setting offering both indoor and river deck seating. The menu is quite eclectic with both Asian, European and African influences, plus they are licensed! Head here to read the menu.
Wandi Pub
Okay, you caught me – the Wandi Pub isn’t in Bright. However, it is well worth the trip one evening for their menu and the ambience this setting provides.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, but open all other days, the Wandi Pub has developed a reputation for being that one pub you have to visit on your trip to the Alpine area. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and are a great location for families. Head here for the menu (scroll down).
The Best Coffee in Bright
Look, I don’t drink coffee so never truly understand Tee’s need to find coffee at ‘coffee hour’, but I do note that if we don’t catch the 30-minute window that he’s a little more fidgety. If you need a daily coffee fix, then a good coffee stop will also be important to you. So where can you find the best coffee in Bright?
Sixpence Coffee
This family-owned small batch roastery was just the place Tee needed each day for his coffee fix. I think the ambience created by this old mechanics garage turned coffee shop also helps.
Blackbird Cafe
Not just a coffee shop, but a licensed cafe too, we have been told that the Blackbird Cafe makes the best coffee in turn. You’ll need to try it and let us know what you think.
Our Map of Everything in Bright and Beyond
Bright Festivals to Add to Your Calendar
Bright Autumn Festival
Bright is truly divine in Autumn when all of the trees change colour ahead of winter. The red, orange and yellow foliage create the most incredible landscape which will wow and delight you.
Since 1962, the Bright Autumn Festival has been celebrated. Running through part of April into May most years, the festival includes open gardens, a gala day and many more events.
Head to the Bright Autumn festival for more details.
Wandiligong Nut Festival
For just one day a year, the historic Alpine Park in Wandiligong comes alive as the harvest is celebrated. With market stalls galore, you will find chestnut, hazelnut and walnut growers, nut-cracking tables, chestnut roasting and nut-based cooking demonstrations. It’s simply wonderful.
Head to the Wandiligong Nut Festival for more details.
Accommodation in Bright
Accommodation in Bright is plentiful – if you book well in advance. As a very popular destination choice, accommodation can book out quite quickly so plan your trip. We booked last minute and were very lucky to find something.
We stayed at the very family-friendly Adina Lodge in Bright. It was comfy, clean and had a lot to do for the kids. It was also budget-friendly and family-focused. One day I would love to stay at the Kilnhouse (but I will need to save up).
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Other Places to Visit in Victoria
We have a range of resources to help you plan your visit to Victoria with Kids. Enjoy:
Maldon with Kids | The Great Ocean Road with Kids | Phillip Island with Kids | Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs with Kids | Mornington Peninsula Farm Gates | Gumbuya World | Fruit Picking near Melbourne | Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill | Mildura with kids | Sovereign Hill in Ballarat | Echuca |
or just click our Victoria tab on the right …..