The Ovens River is up! The last time we visited Bright in the Alpine region of Victoria was earlier this year – there was an annual cycle event. People everywhere, and car parks were scarce. What are we kidding – every time we are here the tourist town is pumping! However we still found a delicious lunch, and a picnic spot with a view.
Heatley’s mum and sister were there this week and they were awed by the force of the Ovens River. His Mum said: “Bright is the prettiest place. Bright Riverside Caravan Park was lovely, too – with great facilities.”
“In one of the parks there is a water slide that goes down into the Ovens River – not usable at the moment, of course.”
In fact, Bright boasts five caravan parks – they are all in our Caravan Park 6 and CAMPS Pendium guides. There are free camps south of town, and Porepunkah. You’ll also find them in our brand new CAMPS 12 travel guide and all sites in the Camps Australia Wide App.
What to do and see:
Shopping and Markets
I love the shops here! There is plenty to wander through, it is also a good spot to stop for groceries. Check out the churches, war memorial and even the picnic shelter at Howitt Park – it is riverside, too! Look out for the roadside stalls – we just love finding them and sampling locally grown delicacies.
Eateries and more
As well as all sorts of restaurants and cafes, you’ll find a brewery, gin distillery and nearby cellar doors. We had the scrummiest Japanese takeaway – gyoza, Buddha bowl and local cider from Katsu Japanese Cafe. An easy riverside picnic on our way up the mountain!
Walks and lookouts
Of the pictured Huggins Lookout, Judy said “Tested me but well worth it”. There’s a 3km canyon walk along the river, National Park trails and waterfalls, and waterholes to explore in the area.
Cycling
You can hire a bike, take a tour or follow the guide – there is a rail trail and tracks for all sorts of cycling from mountain biking, roads and just exploring town with the kids.
Splash Park
This is where you’ll find a waterslide into the river. Pretty cool?
Events
Check the local information centre – I could stay there year long to attend all they have to offer – I like the look of the Autumn and Spring festivals. Even a travel film festival.
Scenic drives
The Alpine Region is full of charming towns and locations – visit Mount Beauty, Myrtleford, Porepunkah, Harrietville or up the mountain to Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain. Beechworth, Yackadandah and Milawa or Kings Valley are just divine, too!
I think the thing I love about Bright the most are the seasons! Normally we are here in winter, but it was a beautiful Autumn visit this year witnessing the fall colours! And just a few kilometers away today, you could be under a foot of snow in November! Brrr…
Find these sites and more nearby in the CAMPS guide books, new CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
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