Victoria’s high country has long been a favourite holiday destination with beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains and pristine rivers.
Catriona Rowntree checked out the historic village of Bright, fabulous in every season and fast becoming one of Australia’s premier cycling destinations.
Location: Bright, Victoria
Cost:
Cyclepath Bike Hire, Bright www.cyclepath.com.au Single day e-bike hire starts at $85
Sale e Pepe Cafe and Deli, Porepunkahwww.facebook.com/p/Sale-e-Pepe-DeliCafe-Porepunkah-100089061858864/ Open Saturday – Sunday, check Facebook for opening hours
Bright Velo www.brightvelo.com.au Rooms start at $178 per night
Information correct at 04.07.26
Highlights:
The picturesque riverside town of Bright is a three and half hour drive from Melbourne at the base of the Victorian Alps.
Originally a gold mining town, these days it’s the gateway to the ski fields, an outdoor adventure destination and somewhat of a mecca for cyclists.
Attracting road, mountain and gravel riders of all levels, the most popular bike path is the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail – over 120kms of sealed track.
Catriona jumped on an e-bike from Cyclepath Bright, and took on Stage 1, the flat 6 kilometres from Bright to Porepunkah.
Soaking in alpine scenery and historic buildings, in no time she was crossing the Ovens River bridge which is a great place to spot native birds, fish, turtles and even platypus! It’s a very child friendly route with playgrounds along the way and plenty of cafes to keep you fueled up.
Sale e Pepe Cafe and Deli Porepunkah is a small family run business with an incredible selection of homemade Italian dishes and pastries. Catriona had the pumpkin gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce and said it was just like having a meal at your Nonna’s house!
Back in Bright and keeping with the cycling theme, Bright Velo is the perfect place to park your bike!
Each room in the beautifully renovated heritage hotel is unique and named after a famous cyclist, ranging from luxurious honeymoon suites to a 3-bedroom family apartment.
Bright Velo has an onsite restaurant, guest sitting room and bike storage with a maintenance station and laundry to get you back on the trails in top shape.
They also organise a variety of all-inclusive cycling adventure tours.
Whatever your passion; cycling, rockclimbing, skiing or wineries, the immaculately styled hotel is the ultimate retreat in Bright.