How to: Make the Most of Winter in the High Country

After a big day out, it's time to head inside and warm up at Koji Bird Restaurant in Bright.

Chill in the air. Fire in the glass. Here’s how to spend Winter in the High Country right.

Bright is magic in every season - but there’s something special about winter. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a midweek escape, we’ve rounded up our favourite ways to spend winter in the High Country.

HIT THE SLOPES

Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are both within easy reach — offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Australia. For first-timers or families, Mt Buffalo is the go-to for snow-play, with tobogganing and snowshoeing minus the lift pass.

Winter events worth the trip

Plan your visit around Darker Days (June 21), Bright Brewery’s annual midwinter festival of fire, music and beer (and don't forget to stop by the Reed & Co stall for a warming cocktail!).

Or check out Winter Wellness at Mystic Park (July 12) — a unique weekend of trail running, mountain biking, pilates, saunas and slow-down rituals in one of Bright’s most iconic spots. You can even warm up after a day on the trails at the R&Co bar in the Event Village.

Dinner at Koji Bird

After a big day out, it's time to head inside and warm up. Our Koji Bird Restaurant in Bright brings together the warmth of a Japanese izakaya dining with the bold flavours of koji cooked over an open fire.

It's winter comfort with a twist — and yes, you’ll want to book your table early.

Visit Bright’s Christmas Shop

If the snow and fairy lights don’t get you in the spirit, this will. A local icon year-round, Bright's own 365-days-a-year Christmas Shop, Making Spirits Bright, is a must-visit — especially if you’re travelling with kids or secretly love a festive soundtrack.

Take something home

And before you leave town, make sure you swing past our distillery to grab a bottle for your fire-side nightcap. Our Chilli Koji and Barley Shochu are the perfect Winter warmers but our full range is available from the Spirit Lab Bottleshop. (They also make excellent gifts!)

Winter in Bright isn’t just beautiful — it’s delicious, too. So book your table at Koji Bird, pack your snow jacket, and we’ll see you soon.