Things to Do in Porepunkah, Bright and Beyond
Welcome to the Victorian High Country, where there are so many things to do you'll need to come back year after year to experience them all.
Below is a short list of some of our favourite local activities and areas to explore.
Map: Things to do near Restaway (-36.6939, 146.8875)
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Porepunkah
The Porepunkah–Bright leg of this famous trail is perfect for casual cyclists and families. The trail runs right in front of Restaway, making joining it dead easy. We even do complimentary bike hire (subject to availability). We recommend stopping in at the Punkah Pantry for a coffee to fuel your journey, and rewarding yourself with a caramel slice from Gum Tree Pies when you make it to Bright.
20 metres away
Ringer Reef Winery, Porepunkah
We have a world-class winery right across the road. A family-run place with a cellar door, grazing plates and views that make it very easy to lose an afternoon. There is even plenty of space for kids to run around while you enjoy. Open Thursday to Monday, closes at 5pm.
500 metres away
Mount Buffalo National Park
Ah, Mount Buffalo. The first time we took a trip here as a family was totally mind blowing. There is so much to see: granite cliffs, spectacular Aussie bush, waterfalls that will make you believe in magic and seriously big rocks that will make you say “Wow, that is a really big rock!” See our full guide to Mount Buffalo.
7.5km away
Retail therapy in Bright
Full of quaint boutiques, lolly shops and several awesome bakeries, Bright is a very easy place to spend a day wandering. Start with a coffee and roll at Riff Raff and then explore the shops. Taylor’s favourites are Bowerbird for cute homewares, MiniMuds for kid stuff and the Bright Hospital Op Shop for bargains.
8km away
Bright Splash Park
If you've got young kids, this is a must during your visit in the warmer months. A free public water park with water guns, wading pools, spray rings and an old gold dredge bucket that dumps water. Bring snacks and let the kids go nuts while you watch from the grass. Open from September school hols to Easter.
8km away
Canyon Walk, Bright
The Canyon Walk is perfect for families and people who want a bit of gentle exercise. Follows the Ovens River through a canyon carved out by the water, past old gold-mining water races from the 1850s. It's about 3.4km return and fairly easy (there are a few steep steps, a couple of rocky sections and a swing bridge to cross).
8km away
Local Markets
On most Saturdays there is a market in the area.
Bright Market ("Make it, Bake it, Grow it") is on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:30am–12:30pm in Howitt Park. Great for handmade goods (the hooks in apartments 5–8 come from local woodworker Mez!) plus produce and wine. The Sixpence Coffee van is normally there and you can borrow a mug from the big dish pig to sip sustainably while you wander!
Myrtleford Farmers Market is on the 4th Saturday of the month from 8:30am–12:30pm at the Piazza in Myrtleford (about 20 minutes from Restaway). This is mainly food, with some other treats. Check out Markwood Mushrooms for locally grown mushies, Edible Alchemy for kimchi and Slow Grown Foods for bread.
Porepunkah People's Market is our own humble little market in the village on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Local stalls, a coffee van and a laid-back vibe.
1km–12km away
Porepunkah Park
Our local swimming hole with a separate shaded toddler pool for the little ones is lovely in summer. There's a playground, picnic tables (covered and open), free BBQs and public toilets.
1km away
This barely scratches the surface of stuff to do while you’re here. Have a browse of the rest of our Explore section, or just ask us when you check in.