Venturing out of the big smoke to the country we drove from Melbourne up to Bright. Normally the drive would be 4 hours long, however everyone wanted to head out of Melbourne post COVID lockdowns so traffic added an extra 2 hours.
We were able to find some great Kidsetter friendly accommodation at High Country Motor Inn. Facilities were ideal for families alike and our 9-year-old Kidsetter was swift to make friends with fellow Kidsetters.
Bright is a magnificent destination and we quickly realised our 3-day trip was not going to be long enough to explore this incredible area.
Bright was settled after the gold rush in the Beechworth area had subsided during the early 1850’s. Miners came to the area and discovered a new, rich gold field in the Buckland Valley around 1853.
With the population and economy growing rapidly, mainly due to the rich gold finds in the area, shops, hotels and banks were soon established.
As the gold finds began to dwindle, many miners turned to farming. The rich soil of the Ovens Valley proved adaptable to a diverse range of agriculture, with tobacco, hops, oats, maize, nuts and fruits grown along the valley.
The boom in agriculture still continues and the town itself has grown to a busy tourist destination with a large variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Our Kidsetter had only one adventure on his mind – hiring a bike to explore the stunning surrounds. Unfortunately, I had injured my back, so it was only our Kidsetter and dad whom hired the bikes for a 4 hour block. The paved bike paths around Bright make cycling a joy. They rode the Rail Trail to charming Porepunkah which is a village located 6km from Bright on the Great Alpine Road.
After a fun afternoon of riding, it was time for a swim back at the Motor Inn.
Next, time to join our new friends for a leisurely stroll along the stunning Canyon Walk into town for a bite to eat at the Bright Brewery. The brewhouse is located on the banks of the Ovens River and is a vibrant family friendly restaurant. We all shared ‘The Hero Platter’ – scrumptious ! A perfect place for the Kidsetters as they were old enough to play at the nearby Centenary Park which is a playground boosting climbers, slides, a flying fox, chain net climber, swings and spring rockers for their enjoyment in between meals.
The following day was time to head for Mount Buffalo. On our way we stopped at The Cathedral and Hump track which is a great short walk high up on the Mount Buffalo Plateau. The Hump (1695m) provides great views over to the Horn, and you pass a large triangular shaped hunk of rock called the Cathedral. It’s a fun mini hike for Kidsetters.
Next, time to drive to Mount Buffalo to hike The Horn track (1.5 km, 45 minutes return). This track starts at The Horn Picnic Area, 2 km from Cresta Valley along a well-maintained dirt road. The Horn (1723m) is the highest point on the Mount Buffalo plateau and provides a stunning 360° view of the plateau and the surrounding alps.
After the hikes we ate our well-deserved picnic at The Horn Picnic Area absorbing the breathtaking views of the Alpine Valleys and beyond.
As it was a long weekend post COVID lockdowns it wasn’t long before the crowds began arriving which was our queue to move on. We drove on to the Mount Buffalo Chalet.
The Mount Buffalo Chalet, often referred to as the Grande Old Dame of Victoria’s Alpine region was built in 1910 and the park became a popular holiday destination for succeeding generations and a place for early skiing and ice-skating ventures. Mount Buffalo had the first ski tow in Australia. Perched on the top of Bent’s Lookout, with spectacular views that stretch over the famous Gorge it is easy to see why.
We took a leisurely stroll through the terraced European Garden and our Kidsetter made ‘grass angels’ on the lawn. Love the creativity !
To end a stunning day, we ate a delicious dinner at Sir Loins Bar and Grill in the heart of Bright township. Located underground this New York style steakhouse is a hidden gem, offering a relaxed and casual atmosphere, flashy cocktails and A grade steaks. Our Kidsetter enjoyed mimicking the cocktail waiters attempting to do some of their skilful tricks.
Returning to our accommodation walking along the Canyon Walk with our Kidsetter playing in Ovens river was when you wish time would simply stand still.
