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If you’re looking for inspiration for a long weekend getaway with the family, look no further than our series of trips, brought to you by Mahindra.
We explore a range of destinations that are perfect for growing families and offer just as many surprises and delights as that XUV700 we drive.
The XUV700 seats seven people with three rows of seating, an efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, numerous amenities and the latest digital technologies to make a long weekend getaway both enjoyable and safe.
Our next part takes us from Melbourne to the Victorian Highlands, which can be either an adventure playground or a relaxing return to nature.
How do I 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 drive up the Hume Highway before turning just past Glenrowan, passing through the Milawa wine region and then joining the Great Alpine Road before Myrtleford.
There are many interesting places for breaks and routes along the way, with numerous large gas stations on the motorway and countless rest areas that have good public facilities.
Glenrowan is a great stopover with quaint restaurants and country shops in the shadow of a statue of the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, who was captured here in 1880.
And that also applies to Milawa, a little further down the road. The area is considered one of Victoria’s best wine districts and has numerous vineyards with wine cellars, cafes and restaurants.
Where to stay
Bright is the bustling epicenter of the Ovens Valley and offers a range of accommodation options, from family-friendly caravan parks and budget motels to classic pubs and boutique bed and breakfasts.
There are also many campsites in the area.
Where to eat
Bright is quickly gaining a reputation for its culinary diversity.
Of course, there are quality – and convenient – Australian options such as Beechworth Bakery on the main shopping street on Ireland Street, as well as authentic Thai, Indian and Chinese restaurants.
There are also plenty of first-class cafes, including the beautiful Riff Raff on Great Alpine Road just before the bridge over Morses Creek, which has a beautiful garden area behind it overlooking the park and river.
And don’t miss one of the area’s best hidden gems, Tomahawks, for a truly special shared dining experience.
Or grab a fantastic burger – and true American diner ambience – at the Pit Stop Café on the corner of Great Alpine Road and Gavan Street in the middle of town, or relax under the trees and explore the selection of craft beers and delicious pub grub at Bright Brewery.
What to do
A long weekend in the highlands can be anything you want it to be – a relaxed, laid-back escape from the hustle and bustle of city life or an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Explore the highlands
The Victorian Highlands are full of surprises and spectacular scenery.
So why not just waste a day and head to Mount Hotham or Falls Creek ski resorts, both about an hour’s drive from Bright?
No snow chains or winter clothing are required this time of year and the road ahead is just as exciting as the views on either side, with plenty of safe places to stop and admire the views.
And while not all facilities are operational yet, there are still a handful of cafes where you can enjoy a hot chocolate and grab a bite to eat for lunch.
Hike
Whether you’re at the top of the mountains or in the valleys, the highlands boast some of Australia’s most breathtaking hiking trails.
And you don’t have to travel far to find the starting point for any of them. The Bright Canyon Walk, a 2-mile hike along the banks of the Ovens River that showcases the area’s natural beauty as well as its gold mining history, features numerous interpretive panels along the route.
Other short hikes 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 dotted with mosaic artwork along the route and offers a little treasure hunt along the way.
Mountain biking
The Victorian High Country is considered one of Australia’s most popular mountain bike destinations.
While there is an endless selection of bike paths and trails in the area, there are also four dedicated mountain bike parks nearby at Mount Beauty, Falls Creek, Dinner Plains and Mystic Park near Bright.
Located in a working pine forest plantation, Mystic Park has more than 28 miles of trails to accommodate all riding levels, from beginner to expert, and offers expert instruction and bike rentals.
Splash park
When the kids need to cool off – or waste some energy – head to Centenary Park on the banks of Morses Creek and let them soak in smiles at the Splash Park.
There you’ll find water cannons, fountains, an old gold mining bucket and more. Or enjoy the water slide in the River Pool.
Farmers markets
Everyone loves a good farmers market and Bright hosts a regular farmers market once a month filled with adorable stalls from across the region.
From arts and crafts to fresh foods and produce, from wellness products to local wines and more, Bright Markets showcase the unique flavors and artisans of the Alpine region.
The markets are held on the banks of the Ovens River in Howitt Park on the third Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Feed a deer
For something completely different, visit the Red Stag Deer and Emu Farm in Eurobin, a 20-minute drive from Bright.
Here children can feed deer, emus and ostriches in the petting zoo, then play a round of mini golf and enjoy soft scones with local jam and cream with a Devonshire tea in the restaurant.
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