Best winter holiday in Bright
Escape to the charm of Bright
Recharge your spirit with an idyllic mid-week break in the heart of Bright, Victoria. Discover unbeatable deals designed to grant you more relaxation, freedom, and personal time, all without breaking the bank or contending with crowds.
Embrace mid-week affordability and immerse yourself in the wonders of our region. Wander through lush temperate bushland, seek out native wildlife, or simply unwind with a refreshing glass of wine, taking in the breathtaking views. Retreat to our snug accommodation each evening, and make the most of our new amenities.
From thrilling outdoor escapades to leisurely afternoons exploring art galleries and wandering charming village lanes, Bright offers endless possibilities for exploration throughout the year. Experience the allure of our region and revel in moments of serenity and discovery.
Discover What to Bring for a Winter Getaway in the Heart of Bright, Victoria
As the mercury drops, there’s no destination more inviting for a winter retreat than the picturesque town of Bright, nestled in the heart of Victoria’s High Country. With its central location, Bright Riverside Holiday Park serves as the perfect hub for exploring the wonders of this snow-dusted region. Situated amidst the breathtaking peaks of Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, and Mount Buffalo, it’s an ideal starting point for indulging in skiing, snowboarding, or simply reveling in the joys of snow play.
Stay Warm with Thermals, Tights, and Socks
Bracing against winter’s chill becomes effortless with the inclusion of lightweight thermals in your suitcase. Perfect for both leisurely strolls and adventurous ski trips, they ensure optimal warmth and comfort. Complementing these, thick woollen tights and snug socks promise to keep your lower limbs cozy, a vital component in warding off the cold.
Master the Art of Layering
Embrace the versatility of layering to adapt to varying temperatures throughout your stay. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like merino wool and organic cotton offer flexibility, allowing you to add or shed layers as needed. For inclement weather forecasts, a compact waterproof jacket ensures you stay dry without sacrificing mobility.
Accessorise for Warmth and Style
Elevate your winter ensemble with scarves, gloves, hats, and beanies, not just for their thermal benefits but also as fashionable accents. These compact accessories effortlessly transform your look while providing essential insulation against the winter chill.
Invest in Versatile Winter Coats
A well-chosen winter coat is a cornerstone of any cold-weather wardrobe. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or embarking on a culinary exploration of Bright’s vibrant scene, investing in versatile outerwear ensures you’re suitably attired for any adventure.
Select Footwear with Purpose
Choosing the right footwear is paramount for winter comfort. From sturdy lined boots for leisurely walks through town to functional snow boots for snowy escapades, ensure your footwear selection aligns with your planned activities.
Bright includes access to fine local wines and beautiful local produce.
Our cosy Alpine Pods.
Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo.
Exploring Bright’s Winter Wonderland
Beyond its proximity to premier ski resorts, Bright offers a myriad of attractions to captivate visitors of all interests. From culinary delights at local cafes and wineries to outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your winter itinerary.
Snow Play in Dinner Plain.
Winter Markets in Bright
Or, if you’re here on the third Saturday of the month, you’ll get to attend Bright’s Make It, Bake It, Grow It market. Held in Howitt Park (behind the Visitors Centre) from 9am to 1pm, this market features stalls showcasing the region’s stunning local produce and products, along with a selection of hot food and beverage outlets. This relaxed market is the perfect way to start your weekend getaway in Bright.
Winter Dates 2024: June 15th, July 20th and August 17th
The Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm
If you’re travelling with children, make sure Red Stag Deer Farm is on your itinerary.
Located in Eurobin, just outside of Bright, Red Stag Deer Farm is a wonderful experience for the whole family. With more than 200 red deer, emus, ostriches and goats, children and adults alike can hand feed the animals and create lasting memories. The animals are friendly and well looked after and the scenery is beautiful.
Red Stag Deer Farm is a great way to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native wildlife, and a chance for everyone to learn more about them. So if you’re looking for a fun, educational and memorable experience for the whole family, Red Stag Deer Farm is a must-see!
⛳️ There’s also a 9-hole mini golf course, and a restaurant on site with expansive views towards Mount Feathertop.
Cosy Indoor Activities
You may want to pursue a number of cosy indoor pursuits if it’s particularly cold.
If you’re in Bright, check out Billie Button Wines’ Cellar Door on Camp Street – it’s open daily from 12pm and serves delicious wine. Some interesting varietals are on offer at this winery, and its winemaker – Jo Marsh – has won numerous awards for her hand crafted wines.
Or head to the vineyard-based Cellar Door of Ringer Reef Wines in Porepunkah, just minutes from Bright. This vineyard offers wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, including Mount Buffalo, and their cool climate wines are well worth the visit.
If something a bit stronger suits your pallet better, then a trip to Reed and Co Distillery in Bright may be on the cards. A sip or two of their very own Remedy Gin should warm your insides quite nicely on a fresh Alpine day!
Enjoy a Movie or an Escape Room
Another option for all of the family is to enjoy a recent release movie at Sun Cinema. This cosy cinema, fitted with comfy couches, utilises the latest in digital technology, offers a bar and snack service and regularly updates its movie offerings. There are plenty of children-friendly movies, many of which are shown through the day.
Nearby is the new Cloud 9 Escape Rooms, which offers ‘escape room’ experiences – physical adventures where teams seek to solve puzzles or riddles based on a certain theme, utilising virtual reality technology. Select from one of their fictional locations and take the time-based challenge! Indoor and outdoor options are available.
Mountain Bike
If you’re passionate about mountain biking, look no further than Mystic Mountain Bike Park. Situated just a stone’s throw away from Bright’s town center and hosting the Australian National Championships for consecutive years, this park is renowned for its thrilling gravity-based Hero and Shred Kelly trails.
To maximize your time on the park’s expansive 80km trail network, make use of the convenient shuttle service provided by Blue Dirt.
Darker Days
Winter IS OFFICIALLY HERE! The popular Darker Days festival is back at Bright Brewery this June with a full weekend of beery fun in store.
From June 14 to 16, Darker Days will transform Bright Brewery into a celebration of everything dark and decadent. Indulge in dark beers from some of Australia’s most innovative, exciting and highly skilled brewers (and a very special international guest brewer for 2024!), groove to live music across the weekend, and soak up the mid-winter festival atmosphere.
Visit the official website: Darker Days
Walks in Bright
Keeping active on a cold day is another way to get the best out of winter, and Bright offers lots of rewarding and approachable outdoor pursuits to keep you busy (and warm!). For instance, enjoy one of the short local walks around town, which include the Canyon Walk, Cherry Walk, or, if you’re feeling fit and want expansive views, the Apex Summit walk.
Browse through or download the walks and trails brochures here that suit your style of walking.