Best Things to do in Bright, Victoria (With Kids & Without)
Looking for the best things to do in Bright Victoria? We love Bright as a weekend getaway from Melbourne or even a winter or summer holiday during the year. Check out our favourites below with the best things to do in Bright with kids, for families, or any traveller.
Things to do in Bright Victoria with Kids (or without)
Bright, in northeast Victoria, is a popular tourist destination that is a great place to visit all year round. In fact we rate it as one of the best places to visit in Victoria for those who love the outdoors.
In winter Bright offers stunning views of the Alpine ranges, close proximity to the snow and a range of fun outdoor and adventure activities,
Summer is our favourite time to visit Bright as a family as it is the perfect chance to go camping, relax by the river and have a swim.
No matter when you visit there are plenty of things to keep you as busy as you would like to be whether you want to fill your days, or just chill out and enjoy the nature.
Find below our top 10 things to do in Bright with kids and families.
1. Bright Splash Park
If you are visiting in the warmer weather, the splash park is the number one thing to do in Bright with kids. You could spend your days here during the summer relaxing, swimming, or just people watching. The splash park is located by the river in the centre of the town and so much fun for all ages.
Take your picnic mat and set yourself up under a tree while the kids run around playing in the water play. The Bright splash park is open during the warmer months from November to March. There is also a playground nearby open all year round if you are visiting in the cooler months.
2. Float down the River
Summers in Bright are great when spent by the river in town. One of the most popular activities in Bright is floating in a tube down the river.
There is a section you can get in and launch your tube, and a place to get out too. Tourists and locals do it over and over all day long. It can be both a fun and relaxing activity for older kids and adults who can swim. Make sure an adult goes along with any little ones.
3. Zoom down the Water Slide
For the thrillseekers looking for things to do in Bright, head to the waterslide! Just along the river not far from the splash park you can find a waterslide that falls straight into the river. The kids will love it and so will the adults.
It runs right into the river but is caged off so no floating away once you hit the water so you can’t float away. Tickets are sold at the booth out front, you can get one ticket or for a discount you can purchase a set of 5 tickets. We get the kids a set of 5 each and they go over and over again!
4. Bright Brewery
The best place to grab some lunch while still wet from frolicking in the river is the Bright Brewery. The Brewery offers a range of craft beers, local wines, and delicious food.
Dry off in the sun at one of their many outdoor picnic tables while sampling a tasting paddle of the local beers. There’s lots of space for the kids to run around too which is great and the brewery is dog friendly so if you have your pooch you can bring him along too. Sundays are great as you can find live music.
5. The Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm
Get up close and personal with the magnificent red deer at the Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm. Entry is free and you can head to the gift shop to purchase your bucket of feed. The kids will love feeding the animals, they are very friendly.
Besides the deer and emu, there are pigs, turkeys and baby goats all wanting to say hello. Friendly staff will explain all the rules to keep both people and animals safe.
While you’re here you can also play a round of mini golf. 9 holes based on the Great Alpine Road includes a mini tobacco kiln and an authentic cattleman’s hut.
If you are feeling hungry there is also a wonderful restaurant on site where you can try venison pie and a Red Stag Shiraz. Delicious!
6. Pepo Farms
The road from Melbourne to Bright is full of foodie stops (think Milawa for cheese and mustard) including locals selling home bottled tomato sauce or walnuts, but Pepo Farms in Ovens is one of our favourites. You will never meet people more passionate about the humble pumpkin seed than the staff at Pepo Farms.
There are oil tastings made from all types of nuts and seeds. Pumpkin seeds are flavoured with Cajun spices or dark chocolate. So Yummy! There’s also a little play area for the kids out front to let them have a run around too.
7. Go Camping
Bright is one of the best places to go camping in Victoria and is popular for families. There are various holiday parks near the centre with fantastic facilities for kids. These have cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
If you are looking for somewhere to free camp you will have to venture a little further out of the centre to Freeburgh Bridge on the Ovens River.
8. Go hiking in the Alpine National Park
The Alpine National Park is a beautiful wilderness area offering many opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Families can enjoy the park’s stunning scenery on foot, with all different trails for all ages and ability from easy to challenging. It is such a great way to get out and about and active with the kids.
Check out the best hikes and walks near Bright here>>>
9. Mystic Mountain Bike Park
Mountain biking is one of the most popular things to do in Bright because of the stunning views aall around.
The Mystic Mountain Bike Park is a community run bike park and a great place to explore. The park features a range of trails for all skill levels, as well as a pump track and skills area. Great for the whole family as there is something for every age.
10. Go Skiing at Hotham Ski Resort
Looking for things to do in Bright in Winter? Mount Hotham Alpine Resort is one of the best snow resorts in Victoria and offers options for both beginner and advanced skiiers and snowboarders.
Bright is a great place to base yourselves on a ski trip as it is only about an hours drive and the accommodation is much cheaper.
Plus there are plenty of other things to do in Bright when you aren’t on the slopes!
11. Making Spirits Bright
It’s Christmas all year round in Bright! A visit to Making Spirits Bright in the main shopping district on Barnard Street can get anyone into the Christmas spirit.
There are ten areas chocked full of everything from whimsical elves to Santa’s from around the world. It’s always fun to pick up a little ornament to remember your trip to Bright.
Things to do Bright Victoria
Hopefully our list of things to do in Bright Victoria has given you some options for your next family trip to Bright. We hope you love it as much as we do as a family holiday destination.
Looking for more family travel ideas in Victoria? Check out these posts:
Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for more inspiration, and check out our main post Melbourne for Kids.
