DAY ONE
8.00am — Breakfast
Take your furry friend to a dog friendly café in Bright, such as Ginger Baker and Wild Thyme, or the Rail Trail Café in Porepunkah.
9.30am — Walkies
Doggo needs a morning walk, so head to Wandiligong for a stroll on The Diggings – a 4km loop around an old goldfield – or along a section of Wandi Walk; an 11km shared path that runs alongside the tranquil Morses Creek. If it’s market day in Bright, stop by to pick up some home-made dog treats.
12.00pm — Lunching in the Garden
Your dog will enjoy the beautiful garden at 5 Acres Bar & Kitchen in Wandi as much as you!
1.00pm — Swim or Snow Play
Cool off with a swim at the Tronoh Dredge Hole in Harrietville – once the largest gold dredge in the southern hemisphere – and enjoy the short bushwalk that loops around it. In winter, take a drive up over Australia's highest road to the dog-friendly alpine village of Dinner Plain for a romp in the snow.
3.30pm — Refresh
Stop for a drink on the deck of the Snowline Hotel in Harrietville.
6.00pm — Dinner at the Brewery
A visit to Bright isn’t complete without a stop at the brewery, which has a large beer garden for pup to stretch its paws in.
DAY TWO
8.30am — Breakfast
Let’s head over to the Kiewa Valley today via the breathtaking Tawonga Gap Lookout, then go for breakfast at Rocky Valley Cafe in the garden at the Rocky Valley Cafe Bikes & Snow Sports Store, or head to the community Rose Garden Cafe at the Neighbourhood Centre by the pondage for delicious coffee and cake.
9.30am — Morning Walk
Time to burn off some energy. Try the lovely Mount Beauty Gorge Walk or relax on the scenic shared path of the Kiewa River Trail, which runs along the west branch of the Kiewa River. You can go for a swim at either location.
12.00pm — Lunch
Stop at Crank Handle Brewery for lunch and a taste of the local brew. The brewery, located on the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South, also serves lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday.
1.30pm — Lakeside Stroll
It’s time to get back in the car and return to Bright, but before you do, take an hour for your dog to have a sniff along the Pondage Trail while you admire the views of Mount Bogong.
3.30pm — Vines with a View
Just outside of Bright in Porepunkah is the lovely Ringer Reef Winery, where you can spend the afternoon on the grass of the vineyard with a glass of cool-climate wine and watch the sunset over Mount Buffalo.
6.00pm — Woodfired Pizza
Take a drive to Myrtleford for some amazing Italian woodfired pizza on the covered deck at Bastoni Pizzeria.
MORE WEEKEND TRIP IDEAS
EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY
PET SITTING
Need a pet sitter or dog walker? Contact Kris Marr Pet Services for services in the Ovens Valley or LDs Home Pet Care for the Kiewa Valley. If you require boarding services for dogs and cats, get in touch with Bright Kennels.
DOG GROOMING
Pamper that pooch with a session at Love Little Paws Mobile Grooming in Bright or Brigitte's Pet Grooming in Myrtleford. Maybe your dog just needs a good bath? Try the carwash in Bright or Myrtleford.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Reform Hill Myrtleford
Reform Hill in Myrtleford, approximately 3 hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne, is a popular spot for bushwalking with evidence of past mining and spectacular views of the Ovens Valley, Mount Buffalo and the Victorian Alps. Reform Hill Lookout Loop is…
The Yard Bright
The Yard Bright is your go-to spot for fun and flavour in the heart of Bright, Victoria. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the vibrant energy. The menu features a playful mix of Southern American inspired share plates…
Lake Buffalo
Family fun is relaxing by Lake Buffalo watching or partaking in the myriad of water sports such as water skiing, wake boarding and towables. Enjoy fishing all year round, or swimming, boating and canoeing during summer. Take a barbecue and…
Hargreaves House
Hargreaves House is the destination you have been looking for to getaway with one or two families or a group, a short stroll from everything Bright has to offer. This spacious, fully equipped home offers two living areas, open plan…
Bang Toy Shop
Bang Toy Shop is a vibrant independent toy store located in the heart of Bright, Victoria, specialising in educational, creative and imaginative play for children of all ages. Carefully curated with a focus on quality, learning and fun, BANG Toy…
Mountain Monk Brewers
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Ovens River Trail parkrun
A free, fun and friendly weekly 5 kilometre community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you. Every Saturday (except when rarely cancelled), also special events possibly on Christmas Day and/or New Year’s Day. Please register…
Hampton Cottage
Experience a charming country atmosphere at the tranquil Hampton Cottage. Close to the centre of Bright, Pioneer Park and the river. This recreational family retreat has plenty of space to relax, unwind and recharge those batteries. Pets are welcome but…
Bright Country Home
Bright Country Home in Bright offers relaxed family living in a peaceful location and is a two minutes walk from the playground, swimming hole and brewery. This well equipped home features spacious open plan living with country style and charm.…
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TOP 10
THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHT
The curated cheats list that gets you to the best swimming spots, cellar doors, lookouts, waterfalls and more...
