7 Best Things To Do in Bright with Kids in 2024

Bright, nestled amongst the mountains, is the most popular basecamp town for activities in the Victorian High Country. It sits in the valley with the Ovens River passing through the North of the town and wooded mountainsides in all directions.

If you've only ever visited the High Country in Winter, it's worth putting it on your list for all the other seasons – each season paints the landscape in a different colour palette and fills your holidays with different activities.

Once you're inspired to visit Bright – then lock in the best family-friendly accommodation in Bright for your holiday.

7 best things to do in Bright with kids in 2024

1. Explore Bright along the river

Ovens River with Howitt Park Adventure Playground in background (Image: Sheba_Also/Wikimedia CCBYSA2.0)

The Howitt Park Adventure Playground (pictured above in the top left of the photo) is a great starting point for getting used to your new surroundings in Bright.

Ovens River next to the Bright Splash Park (Image: Sheba_Also/Wikimedia CCBYSA2.0)

On a hot day, you'll find the Bright Splash Park and cafes just north of the playground. While the rest of the time kids will remain occupied for ages on the slides, flying foxes, towers, and adventure castle equipment.

Also during the Summer month and into the early months of Autumn, the Ovens River is dammed from Bright to Porepunkah, creating a long river swimming pool. Some sections have lifeguards on duty – look for the flags.

Westwards, starting near the playground, and along the Ovens River is the 3km (1 hour) Canyon Walk loop which traverses places of historic and natural interest. Note: While this route isn't too long, it has steps which mean it's not pram friendly.

2. Ride the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail

Bright Railway Station, Victoria (Image: Mattinbgn/Wikimedia CCBY3.0)

The most popular family-friendly rail-trail route from Bright is to Porepunkah is about 12km return and starts at the old railway station (pictured above). The journey takes you across a river crossing on a bridge and through beautiful scenery at the base of Mount Buffalo. While you can keep going as far as you like, a good stop is at the riverside playground near the cycle trail in Porepunkah.

Forests in the High Country (Image: MDRX/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

(Above: Landscape along the rail trail route)

Rail Trail Cafe, Porepunkah, Victoria (Image: Mike Hauser/Flickr CCBY2.0)

For a more challenging route, you could try the addition to the rail trail (albeit one that doesn't go on any rail lines) on the 11km return on Bright to Wandiligong. Or for even longer rides, check out the full Murray to Mountains route map.

3. Day trip to Mount Buffalo

View from The Horn, Mount Buffalo, Victoria (Image: rreeve/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

The one-hour drive from Bright to The Horn Lookout on Mount Buffalo takes you up 1,400m of elevation through the high-altitude mountain scenes you'd expect. There are very few cafes and restaurants en route, so a well-packed lunch bag is needed.

The view at The Cathedral on Mount Buffalo. (Image: Zenwort/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

On the way, make sure your phone is charged for the picturesque waterfalls at Ladies Bath Falls and Rollasons Fall.

It's also worth taking the detour to take in the dramatic views at the Gorge Lookout.

4. Day trip to the surrounding towns

The landscape in the High Country is so enthralling that it's easy to fill days by driving to each of the small towns each with its own character, environment, and fun activities and family-friendly cafes.

Smoko, Victoria (Image: MDRX/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

(Above: A typical view of the mountains on the road in the Victorian High Country.)

The best playgrounds are:

• Cundy Park Adventure Playground (Myrtleford)

• Dinner Plain Adventure Playground (Dinner Plain)

• Bicentennial Park Playground (Mount Beauty)

5. Play in the snow

In the winter months, the High Country gets covered in snow, making it a great place to introduce your kids to the many joys of the cold season that you don't get in the capital cities.

Slopes at Falls Creek Resort (Image: avlxyz/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

The chalet-style accommodation will feel worlds removed and remind you of Europe, whether you're staying in Bright, in the smaller skiing villages like Dinner Plain, or in resorts like Falls Creek.

There are several toboggan runs in the area, the one at Dinner Plain is free to access, while some in the ski resorts require a resort pass. You will still need to bring your own toboggan or hire one in the village.

For the slightly older kids, there are many snow trails that are suitable for snow snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing. Of course, there are also many skiing courses on offer for all ages.

Ski slopes on Mount Hotham (Image: tgerus/Flickr CCBY2.0)

(Above: Mount Hotham, near Dinner Plain)

The private resorts have additional family activities, like the weekly fireworks show at Falls Creek.

6. Parkrun at 300m altitude

The Mount Beauty Parkrun course takes you 5km around the Mount Beauty Pondage and is a great way to get your kids active early in the morning while you're on holiday.

While Bright also has a course, the Mount Beauty version is much more scenic and starts/ends near the adventure playground.

7. Horseriding in the mountains

Taking in the mountainous landscape of the Alpine region on horseback is truly a unique experience. Bogong Horseback Adventures at Spring Spur offers horse riding adventures from 2 hours through to multi-day treks.

Mount Bogong, Victoria (Image: MDRX/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

The 2-hour Morning Rides are the best for young (from 10 years old) and new riders and take you across rivers and into the Alpine National Park.