BREWERIES, CIDER & THE DISTILLERY

A DRINK AT BRIGHT BREWERY

There’s a festive buzz in the air and the live music on the deck is as chilled as the river below. Finally, you’ve made it to Bright Brewery, a must-do that’s been on your list since before you arrived, but – as you discovered – there are so many wonderful distractions. Now here you are and there’s the bar.

It’s a little overwhelming actually – there are more craft brews than you could poke a stick at: largers, amber ales, sour ales, pale ales, IPAs, XPAs, and a heap of quirky seasonal concoctions and local cider as well. The young fella behind the bar suggests a tasting paddle of six beers, and that sounds like a good idea.

The others have found a table out on the deck and are checking out the menu. Have you ever noticed how holiday memories involve eating? That Hero Board right there is a memory in the making: BBQ-glazed pork ribs, gochujuang chicken wings, friend chorizo, pork belly bites, kimchi, apple slaw and fries, and it will feed the whole table!

The first round of beer has whet the palette so you head to the bar to order. Beside you, a group of 40-somethings are chatting about this thing they're doing called The High Country Brewery Trail and have just come from another brewery over the gap in the Kiewa Valley.

"Another brewery! How could I not have known this!" you exclaim.

One of the guys turns to you smiling, pleased to be the bearer of good news.

“Yeah, Crank Handle Brewery in Tawonga South. It’s small, but that’s what’s cool about it, and it makes a fine brew too,” he says, adding that there's a really good lookout with views of Mount Bogong on the drive there. “Then there's also Old Factory Brewing Co. in Myrtleford. We're going there tomorrow.”

Ahh, Mount Bogong. You’ve heard about this one – Victoria’s highest mountain. The lookout sounds like a goer. And a drive would be good.

The guy takes a sip of his beer.

“Aaahhh,” he exhales. “That’s good. We’re headed off over Australia’s highest sealed road in a few minutes. We here there’s a good pub at 1,500 metres.”

You head back to tell the others of your discovery and find the topic of conversation has turned to the gin distillery up the road. That sounds like a good place for a nightcap! But what should you do tomorrow?

There are decisions to be made, so you sip your pot of Bright Sour Ale. You’d been skeptical – you’ve never had a sour beer before, but your tastebuds tingle with delight: it’s crisp with a light tart undertone and a refreshing zesty flavour. Here’s to trying new things.

Has the sour put you in the mood for adventure? What will you decide?

Choose your next adventure, or scroll down for more on our breweries, cider and distillery

MASTER CRAFTED

GIN DISTILLERY

We're going to spill a little bit of a secret here. The owners of Reed & Co. Distillery in Bright used to run a chef's-hatted restaurant before they pivoted into distilling gin. With that in mind, the flavours they distil into their spirits using both wild and locally grown botanicals are sensational, and believe us, you don't want to leave this place until you try the food.

CIDER

Our cool climate and fertile soils make for the perfect apples, and these perfect apples from Nightingale Bros. Alpine Produce & Cider create the delicious sweet or dry apple ciders that you'll find at their farm gate store or at many of our local venues. Refreshing on a hot day, or delicious served warm in winter, don't leave without grabbing a four-pack.

BREWERY TRAIL

Love your beer? Check out this two-day trip itinerary that takes you to a selection of breweries and pubs in Bright & Surrounds, with a little bit of adventure thrown in for good measure. Want to stretch your travels even further? The High Country Brewery Trail takes you to seven craft breweries dotted throughout the High Country of North East Victoria.

PUB CRAWL

You won't find a country town without one. From Dederang to Dinner Plain, Mount Beauty to Myrtleford, Happy Valley to Harrietville, and of course, Bright, Porepunkah and Wandiligong, whether it's lunch or dinner, or a big cold beer on tap and a yarn with friends, you haven't experienced it all until you've holed up at the bar at one of our classic country pubs.

OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE

Winery porepunkah 4_3

CELLAR DOORS

AWARD-WINNING WINES

Crisp cool nights and warm summer days make the Alpine Valley one of the country’s most delightful boutique wine regions.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

YOUR RIDE, YOUR STYLE

From beginners to expert, whether it’s cross country, flow, BMX or downhill, Bright’s trails have the thrill you've been seeking.

Mountain Biking at Mystic park Bright
Tomahawks

Tomahawks

Think L.A food truck inspired share plates and quality cocktails in the beautiful township of Bright. Tomahawks is an American style bar/diner earns it’s place as the buzz of Bright.

Hometown

Hometown

A locals favourite, Hometown is a New York inspired neighbourhood wood-fired pizza spot. Here you will find proper pizza, share plates and an extensive drinks list. Hometown is the sister restaurant of Tomahawks.

Mountain Monk Brewers

Mountain Monk Brewers

Nestled into the base of Mount Bogong, lies the picturesque township of Mount Beauty. In 2017, after being closed for two years, Mount Beauty’s local watering hole reopened its doors as West Peak Hotel. They wanted to create something more to really put their beautiful town on the map. With a passion for craft beer,…

Reed & Co. Distillery

Reed & Co. Distillery

Bright craft distillery, Reed & Co Distillery was established in 2016 by chefs turned distillers Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed. It all began at the helm of their former hatted restaurant Tani. Reed & Co was founded as a result of inspiration from the botanicals of the natural landscape in Victoria’s high country, and seeking…

The Star Hotel

The Star Hotel

Welcome to the Star Hotel, located in central Bright, they offer a great place to enjoy a drink with friends, a good hearty pub meal with plenty of entertainment provided by Fox Sports on all televisions. As well as full TAB facilities, a gaming room and great background music provided by Nightlife. They offer family…

Porepunkah Pub

Porepunkah Pub

Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, the Porepunkah Pub has long stood as a cherished cornerstone of this small town. More than just a place to grab a drink or a meal, the pub embodies the heart and soul of Porepunkah, serving as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Its rustic…

ringer reef winery porpunkah summer 4_3

TOP 10

THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHT

Gravel riding up Mount Porepunkah