7 charming cafes in Bright for coffee, brunch and lunch

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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From a busy small-batch coffee roaster to a plant-based cafe with a cult following, the Bright cafe scene is buzzing. 

On the hunt for a Bright cafe or two to visit on your next trip? Gone are the days when country towns had nothing but so-so coffee and stale croissants on offer. The thriving alpine town (and surrounding villages) boast a seriously strong cafe and coffee scene that keeps visitors and locals nourished and caffeinated all year round. 

1. Food Wine Friends

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make a beeline for this cosy cafe in the centre of town which stocks a solid range of slices, cakes, muffins, brownies and biscuits. If you’re after a meal, settle in for a bagel, frittata or savoury tart. Either way, this welcoming cafe kind of feels like you’re having a bite to eat in a friend’s living room – a true comfort while you’re away from home.

Cakes and sweet treats in cabinet at Food Wine Friends in Bright with barista making coffee in background
This cosy cafe has plenty of delicious treats to keep you coming back.

2. The Riverdeck Kitchen

This relaxed spot by the Ovens River is the ideal place to begin your break in Bright. Slip into holiday mode by starting your day with a dish from the all-day breakfast menu – the Canadian Toast is a real standout if you’re down for mixing bacon, brioche, berries and maple syrup on your plate.

a plate of avocado toast at Riverdeck Kitchen
Grab your breakfast at Riverdeck Kitchen.

The lunchtime menu is a roll call of cafe classics (think: steak sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips) with pancakes and toasties on the agenda for kids. Fancy a tipple? The drinks menu features local wines from Ringer Reef and Billy Button wineries, ales from Bright Brewery and an afternoon nap-inducing cocktail line-up. Passionfruit mojito anyone?

the surrounding green landscape outside The Riverdeck Kitchen
Dine al fresco to soak up serene nature views.

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3. Sixpence Coffee

This buzzy small-batch roastery located in what was once a mechanic’s garage cranks out elite coffee, so expect it to be busy. Whether you settle in for a latte or grab a takeaway to enjoy while on the road, be sure to also pick up a sweet treat – there are pastries, muffins, doughnuts and more to choose from.

a hand holding a cup of coffee
Get your caffeine fix at Sixpence Coffee. (Image: Andy Hardy)

Can’t bear the thought of not having Sixpence Coffee in your life once your trip is over? Recreate the coffee experience back at home by buying a bag of the 3741 blend beans, named after Bright’s postcode. There’s some cool merch available too if you’re in the market for a tee, cap, tote or hoodie.

front view of Sixpence Coffee filled with customers
The cafe is always full house every morning. (Image: Andy Hardy)

4. Gum Tree Pies

After a morning of biking or bushwalking, nothing beats tucking into a pie and cake at a humble country bakery. The Bright outpost of this family-run bakery cafe is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Choose from a classic pie (steak and mushroom) or try something different like the Thai green chicken curry pie. Either way, this popular bakery with four outlets in regional Victoria is known for producing top-quality pies with golden, buttery, flaky pastry day in, day out. The slices and cakes won’t let you down either!

Gum Tree Pies cafe signage surrounded by trees in Bright
Gum Tree Pies is an ideal place for brunch.

5. Rail Trail Cafe

Pedalling the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail? A pitstop at Porepunkah’s Rail Trail Cafe is an absolute must. Six kilometres from Bright, this laidback cafe is known for its generous portion sizes and menu stacked with Mexican dishes like breakfast burritos, quesadillas and nachos.

Grab an outdoor table in a shady spot, order a spread of your favourites and watch the cyclists come and go as they make their way along the scenic rail trail.

front of Rail Trail cafe in Bright with bicycles parked on the side
Grab a warm cup of coffee on your way.

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6. Punkah Pantry

This licensed cafe and provedore in the village of Porepunkah is a reliable go-to if you’re passing through while on a road trip through the region. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, stop in for homemade pies, gourmet cakes and brews made with beans from the local roaster, Sixpence Coffee.

front view of Punka Pantry cafe, Bright
Drop by Punka Pantry on your visit to Bright.

Looking for an edible gift for someone special back at home? Punkah Pantry stocks an impressive range of olive oil, honey, preserves and more from local and neighbouring districts.

edible treats displayed on the shelves inside Punka Pantry cafe, Bright
Bring home some edible treats from the cafe.

7. Mr Pom Juice & Sanga Bar

If you’ve overdone it with a heavy meal or one too many beers the night before, start your day right with a vitamin-packed juice or smoothie from this cheery juice bar and cafe in the heart of Bright. And if you’re in the market for lunch that won’t weigh you down, its range of light, fresh fare packed with healthy ingredients will hit the spot. Planning a day of adventures in the outdoors? Grab a takeaway salad, wrap or sandwich to enjoy by the serene Ovens River.

Want more travel tips for Bright? We’ve got a round-up of top accommodation, incredible restaurants to try and wineries to visit during your stay.
Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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Incredible day spas and hot springs to visit in Victoria

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
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    From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

    I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

    a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula
    Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

    After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

    Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

    A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls
    The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

    Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

    There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

    Lake House Daylesford

    the pool at Lake House Daylesford
    The main pool at Lake House Daylesford. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

    From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

    Metung Hot Springs

    the Metung Hot Springs' glamping tents by the river
    Glamping tents at Metung Hot Springs. (Image: Emily Godfrey)

    Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs.

    There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

    Four more blissful day spas to visit

    Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

    Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

    Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

    The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

    the Peninsula Hot Springs
    Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)