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If you’re looking for inspiration for a long-weekend getaway with the family, then we’ve got you covered with our series of drives presented by Mahindra.
We’re exploring a range of destinations that are perfectly suited for growing families, and offer as many surprise-and-delight features as the XUV700 we’re driving.
The XUV700 has space for seven with three rows of seating, an efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, loads of conveniences and the latest digital technologies to make a long weekend road trip both enjoyable and safe.
Our next instalment takes us from Melbourne into the Victorian High Country, which can be either an adventure playground or a laid-back return to nature.
How to get there
Bright is 322km – or a 3.5-hour drive – northeast of Melbourne in the heart of the Victorian High Country.
It’s an easy trip up the Hume Highway before turning off just past Glenrowan to head through the Milawa wine district and then join the Great Alpine Road before Myrtleford.
There are plenty of interesting places to take a break and stretch along the way, with numerous major fuel stations on the highway and countless rest stops that are well serviced with public amenities.
Glenrowan is a great mid-way point with quaint eateries and country shops under the shadow of a statue of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, who was captured here in 1880.
And so is Milawa, just a little further on down the road. Renowned as one of Victoria’s finest wine districts, the area has plenty of vineyards with cellar doors, cafes and restaurants.
Where to stay
Bright is the bustling epicentre of the Ovens Valley and offers plenty of options for accommodation, from family-friendly caravan parks, budget motels, classic pubs and boutique bed and breakfasts.
There are also plenty of campgrounds in the area.
Where to eat
Bright is quickly gaining a reputation for its culinary diversity.
Naturally, there’s great quality – and convenient – Aussie options from the likes of the Beechworth Bakery in the main shopping strip on Ireland Street, and also authentic Thai, Indian and Chinese restaurants too.
Plus, there’s numerous top-quality cafes, including the gorgeous Riff Raff on the Great Alpine Road just before the bridge that crosses over Morses Creek, which has a beautiful garden section out the back overlooking the park and river.
And don’t miss out on one of the best hidden gems in the area, Tomahawks, for a truly special share plate dining experience.
Or you can grab an awesome burger – and some true American diner ambience – from the Pit Stop Cafe on the corner of the Great Alpine Road and Gavan Street in the middle of town, or chill out under the trees and explore the array of craft beers and delicious pub grub at the Bright Brewery.
What to do
A long weekend in the High Country can be anything you like – a laid-back, lazy run away from the hustle and bustle of city life, or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Explore the High Country
The Victorian High Country is full of surprises and spectacular scenery.
So, why not just waste a day and cruise up to the ski resorts of either Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, which are both around a one-hour drive from Bright?
At this time of year, there’s no need for snow chains or winter clothing and the road ahead is just as thrilling as the vistas on either side, with plenty of safe places to stop and admire the view.
And, while not all the amenities are operating yet, there’s still a handful of cafes open to enjoy a hot chocolate while having a bite to eat for lunch.
Hiking
Whether you’re at the top of the mountains or down in the valleys, the High Country has some of the most breathtaking walking trails in Australia.
And you don’t need to travel very far to find the start for one of them. The Bright Canyon Walk, a 3km trek along the banks of the Ovens River that showcases the natural beauty of the area, as well as its gold mining history, has numerous information boards along the route.
Other short walk options in the region include the 2.8km Gorge Walk in Mount Beauty, the 4km Tronah Dredge walk in Harrietville and the 5km Mosaic Trail in Myrtleford, which is littered with mosaic artworks on the route, creating a little treasure hunt along the way.
Mountain biking
The Victorian High Country is renowned as one of Australia’s premier destinations for mountain biking.
While there is an endless array of cycling tracks and trails in the area, there are also four dedicated mountain bike parks close-by in Mount Beauty, Falls Creek, Dinner Plains and the Mystic Park near Bright.
Mystic Park is located in a working pine forest plantation and has more than 45km of trails that cater to all levels of riding skills, from beginners to pros, and offers expert tuition and bike hire.
Splash Park
If the kids need to cool off – or waste some energy – head down to Centenary Park on the banks of the Morses River and let them get soaked with smiles in the Splash Park.
There you’ll find water cannons, fountains, an old gold dredge bucket and more. Or enjoy the water slide into the River Pool.
Farmer’s markets
Everybody loves a good country market, and Bright holds a regular farmer’s market once a month that is filled with delightful stalls from across the region.
From arts and crafts to fresh food and produce, and from wellness products to local wines and loads more, the Bright Markets showcase the unique flavours and artisans from the Alpine region.
The markets are held on the banks of the Ovens River in Howitt Park on the third Saturday of every month from 8:30am-12:30pm.
Feed a deer
For something completely different, head to the Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm in Eurobin, a 20-minute drive from Bright.
Here, the kids can feed deer, emus and ostriches at the petting zoo, then play a round of mini golf and enjoy soft scones with local jam and cream with a Devonshire tea at the restaurant.
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