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
Stoke and Steam
Welcome to Stoke and Steam, a stylish three-bedroom retreat in the heart of Bright, just a short walk to cafés, restaurants, boutique shopping, the Ovens River and the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Sleeping up to six guests, this contemporary…
Mount Buffalo View Apartment – Feathertop Winery
Escape to the Mt Buffalo View Apartment, a luxury retreat set within the stunning Feathertop Winery estate. Be captivated by floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Mt Buffalo’s majestic peaks, snow-capped in winter for a magical touch. Indulge in the…
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…
Myrtleford Farmers Market
The Myrtleford Farmers Market is held on the fourth Saturday of each month from at the Piazza, in the heart of Myrtleford in Victoria’s High Country. The market is accredited by the Victorian Farmers Market Association, meaning customers are guaranteed…
Ardern’s Caravan Park Myrtleford
Ardern’s is a small, family-friendly Park, ideally situated next to the Murray the Mountains Rail Trail with direct access to Happy Valley Creek. Covering 8 acres and set back from The Great Alpine Road, Ardern’s is surrounded by picturesque views…
Porepunkah Pines Holiday Park
Located on the banks of the Ovens River – just five kilometres from Bright, Porepunkah Pines Holiday Park is an idyllic escape for families, friends and outdoor enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Porepunkah and…
Buffalo Boulders
Buffalo Boulders is a welcoming indoor climbing gym in Victoria’s Alpine region, built around movement, community and adventure. Suitable for all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners and families to experienced climbers. Bouldering is rope-free climbing over padded mats,…
Bright Electric Bikes
Cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in comfort and style on an electric bike. Bright Electric Bikes’ state of the art European designed and made electric bikes make cycling a dream. Best of all, they are road legal and…
Billy Button Cellar Door Bright
The Billy Button name belongs to the native yellow flowers that colour the mountain tops of the Alpine Valleys. Known for the classic wine styles, but also consistently pushing the boundaries with tiny parcels of alternative varietals, Billy Button dares…
HOLIDAY HOUSES
YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS
Country cottages and designer homes with mountain views, we've got something you'll want to come back to year after year.
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...
