How to Spend a perfect Spring Weekend in Bright & Surrounds
- Reed & Co Distillery
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
We might be biased but we think every season in Bright & Surrounds is just beautiful - and Spring is one of our favourites.
The weather is perfect, skies are blue, trees are in bloom, and the recent travel advice has just been lifted - so now is the perfect time to head back and see us all in the High Country.
Here's our guide for How to Spend a Perfect Spring Weekend in Bright & Surrounds.
Tip: if you’re travelling, always check current advice and local updates via VicEmergency.
What’s On this weekend (September 20-21)
Bright Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market Sat 20 Sept, 8:30am–12:30pm (Howitt Lane)
Local producers, crafts and food on the banks of the Ovens River. Easy way to meet makers and stock up for picnics. More here
“Things I Know To Be True” – Bright Theatre Company A local production running across this week and Saturday evening at the Bright Courthouse Theatre - ideal for a low-key night in town. Book here
Ride Her Way – Big MTB Day Out for Women & Girls Sun Sept 21, 8:30am-2:00pm A free women-and-girls mountain-bike event hosted by Alpine Cycling Club—flag it for the diary if you’re back in spring. More here
Fresh air activities
There's no doubt Bright is at its best when you can enjoy all the outdoor activities this region has to offer. Here are some of our favourites:
Canyon Walk (Ovens River loop, ~3–5 km) Starting right in town and passing by swing bridges, river views and gold-rush history, this popular walk is great for prams, kids, and easy exercise!
Huggins Lookout (short, steep, big views) A one-hour return walk with panoramic views over Bright and the Ovens Valley.
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: Bright → Porepunkah Roll or wander the sealed path for coffee, playground stops and winery detours. Family-friendly, with views the whole way.
Mystic Bike Park One of Victoria’s leading mountain bike parks with trails for all abilities including kids and beginners, with paid uplift options for those who want a thrill.
Spring skiing (if you want one last slide) Falls Creek and Hotham are still open and likely to run into early October. Conditions vary, so check the live snow reports before you drive - and don't forget to carry chains (it's the law!)
Eat & drink: Bright restaurants, bars, & cafes
Bright’s small-town dining scene punches above its weight, from cafés and bakeries to breweries and tasting rooms - plus our own Izakaya-style eatery, Koji Bird (open for dinner Wed-Sat).
Take a stroll just one block from Bright's main drag, on to Wills Street, and you'll discover us there, in a shared space with (what we think) is Bright's best cafe, Sixpence Coffee!
And don't forget, if you’re planning a meal in Bright, always book ahead!
'Spring cocktails to try (and where to find the flavours)
Is there a better way to enjoy Spring than with a light, delicious cocktail in hand? We're put together a list of our favourite Spring-time cocktails for you to enjoy at Reed & Co Distillery on your weekend away!
Yuzu Chuhai – bright, citrusy and sessionable. Our best-selling highball can be enjoyed on our deck - or take a four-pack home with you to enjoy in your own time! Did we mentioned it's Australia's BEST Ready-To-Drink Cocktail?! More here
NEO Yuzu G&T (with a basil or strawberry garnish) – a classic G&T with local yuzu flavour. Visit the R&CO bar to have one made just for you - or make your own at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Recipe here
Yuzushu Sour (Yuzushu + NEO Gin) – fragrant, zesty and perfect before dinner, this is our most-requested cocktail. Try it straight from the source in the Spirit Lab, or give it a try at home. Recipe here or watch the video
Chilli Koji Stormy Night – a spicy-smoky riff on a Dark & Stormy for cool spring evenings. Recipe here
How to spend a weekend in Bright - your weekend itinerary
Let us do the hard work for you - try this bespoke Bright itinerary and enjoy the best our beautiful town has to offer on your next weekend escape!
Day 1 – Friday
Arrive mid-afternoon → stretch your legs on the Canyon Walk → make a sunset cocktail at your accommodation → then head into Koji Bird for your dinner booking. → Book here
Day 2 – Saturday Start with a coffee at one of Bright's many amazing cafe, then head to the Bright Market for picnic supplies (and maybe another coffee from the Sixpence van!) → take an easy spin along the Rail Trail to Porepunkah and back → visit the Spirit Lab for a Shochu tasting or a cocktail and pick up some takeaway spirits while you're there → enjoy some local theatre in the evening.
Day 3 – Sunday
Choose-your-own adventure: a hike up Huggins Lookout for views or a Mystic Bike Park session (don't forget to book shuttles) → then time for a long lunch in Bright → a slow, relaxed drive home, dreaming of your next adventure.
How to make the most of your stay
Book and check: Popular restaurants and activities book up quickly all year round; always check operating hours and any advisories
Be weather-smart: Spring mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack layers, sun protection and plenty of water for walks and rides.
Travel light, buy local: Markets and cellar doors are a direct way to support regional producers while you’re here, and Bright has no shortage of them so don't forget to stock up before you head home!
