This last ANZAC weekend we made the trek up to Bright, Vic – the High Country of Victoria. We picked the perfect time of year to visit this beautiful part of the country, and the weather was absolutely perfect.
The drive up from West of Melbourne to Bright was very pleasant. The green rolling hills passing you by mile on mile for pretty much the full 3.5 hours it took us to get there. The road is excellent and is a dual carriage way for 90% of the drive.
We stopped in Euroa for a break for the kids. Euroa is a lovely little town just off the main road (about 4km) and is a great spot to stop. There is a large playground on the way into town, which we stopped at to let the kids burn off some steam. Further up the road and right next to the main centre of town is a beautiful river and riverside park, perfect for picnicking. I didn’t try the coffee or the food here so can’t comment on it.
The Playground at Euroa
Once you hit Myrtleford (about 40 km from Bright) the scenery hits you. It’s a beautiful drive and you understand why there are so many cyclists around and why they are so well catered for. We will definitely be bringing our bikes next time we are up here (which won’t be long I can assure you).
The road between Myrtleford and Bright
We had picked Bright Pine Valley Caravan Park for our camp site for the weekend. The caravan park is pretty small and the individual sites are a squeeze. But there is plenty on offer. A good location, just 10 minutes walk from the centre of town, the park boasts a small,solar heated swimming pool, a jumping pillow, small playground, games room, camp kitchen area, en-suite camping sites, great shower/toilet facilities and some of the friendliest management we have come across while camping.
Bright Pine Valley Caravan Park
We had originally booked two camp sites next to each other, on of which was an en-suite site. One for us, and one for our friends who were also camping. It turned out that the booking was mixed up and the site next to ours had been taken by another camper. As the en-suite site had a decent amount of space (compared to the other sites) we decided to pitch both camper trailers (both Tambo Coopers) on the same site. We then used the other site for parking. It turned out really well. With the campers facing each other we had a great entertainment area between them and proceeded to have an excellent weekend.
The En-suite Camping site at Bright Pine Valley Caravan Park
The en-suite was exceptional. Very new and clean and tidy. And it even came with heating lamps to ensure a you didn’t freeze your nuts off on those cold winter mornings/evenings.
5 star accommodation for the kids
Bright Pine Valley Caravan Park
We were joined by our friends Viv & Russ and Clinton & Judy and all the kids for the weekend. Having friends around camp makes for a much richer experience in my opinion. Taking turns with main meals means that you are not on the go all the time and many hands make light work of all there is to do around camp. And there is always something that needs to be done; especially if you have small children.
Two evening meals included using the awesome spit braai that was a present from my cousin Cris. You can see it in the picture below. It’s fantastic for chicken. Lamb is not too bad, but I need to figure out how to time it better. I always seem to do lamb for a little longer than I should and it comes out a little dry.
All set for a great evening
Although Sunday was our last day a number of people had packed up an left the day before, giving us a little more breathing space around the park. Our neighbouring en-suite site campers upped sticks early on Sunday morning and gave us a perfect spot to set up for a most excellent cooked breakfast. There’s just something wonderful about eggs and bacon and a good cup of coffee to make camping experiences all the more enjoyable.
Sunday Morning breakfast
Walks and Colours
It seems that Bright has a lot to offer. So going there for a weekend trip is just not going to cut it.
There are endless walks along beautiful rivers and up mountain passes. Bike rides along single track, or rail track, fishing, wondering, 4×4’ing, or simply just sitting and enjoying the scenery.
The Oven’s river runs right through Bright and is the perfect spot for a walk, a ride, a picnic, or indeed a wedding; as we chanced upon on our walk up and down the river. The wedding ceremony had set up just a little further along (than in the picture below). It looked idyllic, and they had the weather to match.
Scenery along the Ovens River, Bright
There is a massive playground in the town right next to the ovens river and it’s a hit with the kids. Oh, at the Bright Brewery overlooks the playground as well, so there is always a cold bevvy on hand for thirsty parents.
We had dinner at the Brewery on the last evening off our stay and while the beers were good the service was very slow (50 mins for pizza) and the food, when it did arrive, was ‘Ok’. The staff would argue “It’s because we are so busy”, but that should be catered for (excuse the pun).
The Playground on the Ovens River, Bright
Bright is great for bikes
The playground kept the kids happy
Misty mornings in Bright, Vic
The Haylers out camping again
Bright, although quite a drive from Melbourne, was fantastic. Clean air, beautiful scenery, lovely people and happy campers. We will definitely be back, but this time I’m staying for a week.
Oh, and best coffee in town is at Cafe Velo. The service is slow, but the coffee is worth the wait, way better than what you get from the main street cafes.
Camper Trailer Travels 