First stop – Bright

A week’s sojourn to the beautiful north-east corner of Victoria – known as the High Country – and our first stop was Bright.

We’ve stayed here before, but only ever for one night. This time felt different. Same hotel, same room, but with time on our side.

Bright is best known for its vivid autumn colours and as a base for hikers, skiers, and snow lovers, with Mount Hotham, Mount Buffalo National Park, and the Alpine National Park all within easy reach. We were a little late for the peak autumn foliage, but the town still had that unmistakable alpine charm – leafy streets, mountain air, and a gentle pace that invites you to slow down.

Most days began the same way: coffee first, then walking. A lot of walking. Over 16 kilometres in one day alone, winding our way around town and out onto local trails.

One of the highlights was the walk up to Huggins Lookout, which rewarded us with sweeping views over Bright and the surrounding valley — a reminder of just how beautifully this town sits within the landscape.

Later in the afternoon, we set off on The Canyon Walk, which follows both sides of the Ovens River. It’s an easy walk to underestimate. Quietly stunning landscapes, rich with history, and dotted with remnants of gold mining from the 1880s. Add in the fascinating native flora and the sound of the river, and it’s easy to see why this walk is so loved.

After all that walking, dinner was well earned. A wood-fired pizza at Don Mungos hit the spot perfectly. Dinner was relaxed, unfussy, and exactly what we felt like after a big day on our feet.

King Valley

From Bright, we made our way to the King Valley for a much-anticipated stay at Chrismont Winery.

From the moment we arrived, the welcome at the cellar door and their in-house restaurant set the tone. This was our second visit, and once again the food didn’t disappoint. Long lunches are made for places like this with great wine, generous plates, and no need to rush anywhere afterwards.

We stayed on site and the accommodation was equally thoughtful (including a very well-stocked fridge), making it easy to truly settle in and unwind.

Between tastings and quiet moments taking in the surrounding countryside, King Valley reminded us why it’s such a special part of Victoria. With its strong Italian heritage, rolling hills, and a food and wine scene that feels both refined and deeply grounded, it’s the perfect road trip destination.

Beechworth

Our next stop was Beechworth, a town that manages to feel both preserved in history and vibrantly alive.

Once a booming gold-rush settlement, Beechworth’s history is written into its streetscape. Grand 19th-century buildings, wide roads, beautiful historic cottages, and fabulously restored stone architecture give the town a stately, almost European feel. A wander through town is like stepping back in time, without feeling stuck there.

No visit to Beechworth is complete without a stop at Old Beechworth Gaol, where history comes alive. This imposing 19th-century prison is famously linked to Ned Kelly, Australia’s most notorious bushranger, who spent time here before his infamous trial in 1880. Walking through the cells and courtyards, you can almost imagine the tension and drama of that era. It’s a fascinating, slightly chilling reminder of the early days in Australia and the harsh realities of law and order back then.

Beechworth is also quietly confident when it comes to food. From bakeries and cafés, local breweries, to thoughtful, local produce-driven restaurants, there’s an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. It’s the kind of town where a simple lunch can turn into a lingering afternoon, and where you can feel that local provenance is a proud industry and really matters to its residents and farmers.

Add in the tree-lined streets, historic courthouse, and surrounding countryside, and Beechworth feels like a natural pause point we often stop at on our way north or south on the Hume Highway, a place to wander, eat well and appreciate how history, outlaws, and architecture intersect so effortlessly.

Ox and Hound Bistro, Beechworth

Local Indian Restaurant – simple good food full of flavour.

From the alpine charm of Bright to the rolling vineyards of King Valley, and the history-steeped streets of Beechworth, this corner of Victoria offers a little bit of everything, with scenic walks, delicious food, rich history, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and take it all in.

If you’re inspired to keep exploring, check out some of our other road trips around Victoria for more ideas on where to go, what to see, and the hidden gems we’ve explored along the way.

• Marlo – Where the Snowy River Meets the Sea
• Phillip Island – Road Trip!
• Phillip Island – Testing Resilience to the Cold

Jeff & Catherine