If there is ever a perfect time to visit a destination I think Autumn is it for Bright, in Victoria’s high country. It is beautiful year round, but in Autumn the natural beauty from the deciduous trees shines bright.
I thought perhaps this was how it got its name but google informs me it’s actually named after a British politician, John Bright.
The deep reds, rusty oranges and vibrant yellows radiate as if the town has dressed itself up for a very important night out to impress. For a few short weeks Bright puts on a show and then in what feels like a blink of an eye, the leaves start to fall in a magical autumn rain and the colours blanket the town like a rich exotic carpet.
It’s a true natural phenomenon where you feel in awe of the beauty around you. In Autumn Bright is a photographers dream, but people visit this town through all seasons as it offers a myriad of experiences. In winter it is a fantastic gateway to some of Victoria’s greatest snowfields. Year round there are plenty of walks and trails to explore. Cycling is huge with rail trails (sealed bike pathways), mountain bike parks and road cycling all popular here. Bikes are a fantastic way to explore Bright and it’s surrounds as a lot of the offerings are within a short distance from the town. You can even take an easier option and hire a e-bike for a bit of assistance up the hills.
This was our preferred way to get around town. We hired our electric bikes from Bright electric bikes on the Main Street through the town and used these to explore as much as we could during our days hire (Cost was $75 per day).
The list of things to do is pretty extensive, adventure sports, history, food and wine, arts and culture, playgrounds and more. You won’t be short on ways to spend the day, you’ll just have to figure out what takes your fancy and be on your way.
Our exploration this day took us along one of the many bike paths to the neighboring town of Wandiligong. Here we visited the Nightingales orchard for some apple cider then called into the character filled Wandi Pub for what could quite possibly be Victoria’s tastiest Parma for a pub lunch. The route was mostly sealed bike path but also took us through some quiet streets and along Morses creek, over a Chinese swing bridge. There were plenty of spots to sight see along the way and even a play ground for the kids to enjoy briefly.
Back in Bright, the main streets have a number of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. We enjoyed dinner at the famous Bright Brewery and of course another tasty cider. We love an old fashioned lolly shop and you really can’t go past the Beechworth Bakery when you are in one of Victoria’s country towns where they are located. Trust me, the beesting (a sweet roll with a custard centre and almonds on the top) is a winner.
There is a plethora of places to stay to suit all needs and budgets. We parked up our motorhome at the Bright riverside holiday park. I could not fault it as far as caravan parks go. We had a lovely spot right by the river. The showers and toilets are pretty new and super clean plus the location was superb.
We just needed to walk across the bridge near the water park in the centre of town and we were right in the heart of where we needed to go. I highly recommend staying here and we would happily return any day. We enjoyed sitting by our camp fire and watching the world go by.
Do yourself a favour and book your trip to Bright for next year now. Towards the end of April and beginning of May would be the best time for all that magical autumn colour.
As always if you would like any further information feel free to contact me any time.
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