Things to Do
Things Sue likes to do
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Bright Brewery
Some of my best Sunday afternoons are sitting on the deck at the Bright Brewery listing and dancing to the music. The award winning craft beer is there for those who enjoy at drop. I make myself happy with the wine and apple cider.
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Sixpence Coffee
Turning an old SES shed in Bright into a boutique roaster and baker, Sixpence Coffee has become a favourite of the locals and visitors of Bright. Abby’s Cottages buy Sixpence bread for our guests. We know it’s that good we just can’t help but share.
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Doctor Mauve
Dr Mauve is a casual Bar and Lounge located in the heart of Bright, providing an Asian fusion ‘share or not to share’ eating concept as the focus of our offering.
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A Taste of Wine Tours
Well worth doing if you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the day. Bill will provide you with the best experiences that the world of wine has to offer. Friendly and informative, Bill will introduce you to the pleasures of the Ovens Valley, King Valley, Beechworth, Kiewa Valley or Rutherglen. Half-day and full-day options are available depending upon the needs of your group.
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Wandi Pub
Great News and excitement filled the valley finally the Wandiligong Pub lease was taken over by a young and enthusiastic partnership who have worked in the industry before. In my opinion the best pub meal in the valley.
The chef is adventurous with the menu and has the skills to follow through and deliver an excellent meal. The staff are friendly and professional. A truly great venue and walking distance from Abby’s Cottages
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Nightingales Alpine Produce
Wandiligong proudly has a new Produce Store. Local fruit growers in the valley for over 60 years Alpine Apples usually sell their apples by the semitrailer load have branched out into a Produce Store.
They have also ventured out into producing Apple Cider made from Pink Lady apples. Let the Lady Tempt you. Pink Lady Sweet and Pink Lady Dry. The Dry is my favourite. Available at the store front, Wandi Pub, Bright Brewery, Grape and Grain Bar - Bright and many other outlets in the Bright and District area.
Regular Events
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Bright Markets: Make It, Bake It, Grow It
By following the Make it, Bake it, Grow it ethos, the Bright Monthly Markets strive to showcase the best local produce and product going around. The market has been operating under this new direction since September 2010 and has grown to include over 50 local stall holders.
Held on the third Saturday of each month in Howitt Park, the market also provides live entertainment and children's activities all contributing to a vibrant atmosphere for local members of the community and visitors alike.
9am - 2pm on the third Saturday of each month.
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Live Music at Bright Brewery & Tour and Tasting @ Bright Brewery
Kick back at the end of the weekend and enjoy a session of great live music with your beer, every Sunday afternoon at Bright Brewery.
There is a different gig every week, featuring local and touring artists playing from the Hop Terrace bandstand.
One Friday each month come and see the Open Mic Night. Dust off your plucking fingers and vocal chords, and enjoy the Open Mic with Artist in Residence Rudi Katterl.
Every Monday, Friday and Saturday ,$18 tour and tastings | $10 tour only | 3.00pm start
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Live Music @ Wandi Pub
Held every Sunday in the beer garden.
Music starts at 2pm. Come along and enjoy a cold drink, tunes and great food.
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Brights Iconic Rod Run
Bright turns into the Hot Rod capital during this weekend! There will be a multitude of event to keep the entire family entertained including the Show'n'Shine, Poker Run, markets, live music, drive in cinema plus plenty more.
Bring your family and friends to beautiful Bright for an action-packed weekend. Keep checking the website for updates.
Usually held the weekend after Melbourne Cup.
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Audax Alpine Classic
Every January cyclists flock to Bright for the challenge and camaraderie of the Audax Alpine Classic. Whether you are a novice or a hardened climber, this event with nine rides of 60 - 320 kilometres has a course to suit. And for those who want a more leisurely ride, the Alpine Raid with its overnight stay in Omeo showcases the best of the Victorian Alps in two glorious days of cycling.
The Audax Alpine Classic offers a range of climbing and distance challenges, from the shorter courses with about 1200 metres of climbing to the original Classic 200 with well over 3000 metres. Finally there's the longest of them all, the 320 kilometre ULTIMATE which includes four of the '7 Peaks' climbs in one day!
Howitt Park, the event's headquarters is transformed by Bonjour Bright, a two-day festival of French-themed entertainment and activities. Situated on the Ovens River with its shady banks and safe swimming, food stalls and plenty of no-cost entertainment, this is an ideal location for families and friends to welcome the return of their conquering heroes and heroines.
Usually held January Long Weekend
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Brighter Days Festival
Bikes, cars, live music and community generosity come together in Bright, North East Victoria on the March Labour Day Long Weekend for the annual Brighter Days Festival.
The Festival is a free event organised by the Brighter Days Foundation to raise funds for two children's charities, the DEBRA Foundation (Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association) and SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death In Childhood).
The weekend will feature free live entertainment as well as children's entertainment, a show and shine and the Harley Davidson raffle. These are just some of the events that generate funding and awareness for these two important children's charities.
A fun event for all. Come along and support this fantastic organisation, it's all about the kids.
Usually held March Long Weekend
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Bright Autumn Festival
Bright Autumn Festival is a ten day celebration of the wonderful autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys of Victoria's Alpine High Country. It takes place at the end of April, running through to early May. The highlight is the Gala Weekend with a market, music in the streets and a parade.
The program for the event is posted on the website above at the beginning of February each year. The previous year's program shows until this time and is a good indication of the types of activities and tours that occur.
Highlights include the Wandiligong Nut Festival, open gardens, a bush dance at the Bright Brewery and an Instameet.
Held at end of April beginning of May
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Wandi Nut Festival
The Wandiligong Nut Festival is the only nut festival in Australia. A lively market focusing on food and crafts, cooking demonstrations, nut information and activities for children ensures active participation by all.
Taste roasted chestnuts, crack hazelnuts and walnuts, sample local wines and beers, talk to producers and chefs, relax listening to music admits the most beautiful surroundings - an idyllic event engaging all the senses.
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Swagger Music Festival
Swagger is an annual reunion amongst the picturesque pines of friends and friends to be. It's here where we get back to the roots of true community, the heart of unforgettable music and the spirit of the majestic earth. It's a two-day non-stop celebration of talented artists, a celebration of joy and connection and a celebration of community with ongoing music, market stalls, amazing food and of course, free hugs going round all day long!
So come join us in October this year; drive down roads you've never been to discover friends you've always known; lose yourself amongst the trees to find yourself again on the dancefloor; and oh yeah, don't be afraid to unleash a little bit of Swagger!
Held in October
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Bright Spring Festival
Bright Spring Festival now in its 28th year, showcases the special attractions of the Great Alpine Valleys; great cafes and restaurants, access to three wine regions, accommodation to suit all budgets, adventure sports, walking tracks and bike trails, street and river markets, art exhibitions and a natural beauty not found elsewhere in Victoria.
Held October / November
Annual Events
In and Around Bright
Located centrally in Wandiligong, close to miles of biking trails—including the famous Rail Trail—and nature walks and hikes through abundant bushland, our cottage accommodation is perfectly situated for those wishing to experience Australian nature at its best. Our convenient proximity to beautiful Bright, however, ensures that our guests are never far from the action and can pass from tranquil country life to the buzz of town in no time.
Located within an hour of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo, winter enthusiasts will love our corner of the the alpine region. But don’t let that name fool you: There’s something to do in Bright and surrounds in every season!