The best walks and hikes in Porepunkah Plantation

Bennetts Trail is a smooth, sealed stretch linking Bright with Wandiligong, with small hills and no steps to worry about. You’ll pass the historic Bright Cemetery, Morses Creek and the Mystic Flight Park before reaching Alpine Park in Wandiligong. The route is shared with cyclists, so keep an ear out behind you, but otherwise it’s an easy, relaxed section where you can enjoy the valley scenery without watching every footstep.

Mystic Flight Park is Bright’s main paragliding and hang-gliding hub, and on a good flying day you’ll often see colourful wings circling above the valley before coming down into the landing paddock beside Morses Creek Road. The actual launch sits high on Mystic Mountain, around 500 metres above the landing zone. Even if you’re staying firmly on the ground, it’s a fun spot to pause and watch the pilots coming in.

A footbridge here passes over the Ovens River, with a scenic swimming hole sitting beneath the bridge. It's a popular recreation spot epically on hot summer days.

The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a network of more than 120 kilometres of sealed, off-road going through Victoria’s High Country, linking towns including Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford and Bright. This Bright to Porepunkah section is a much shorter 6.6-kilometre stretch, following the old railway corridor past trees, open countryside and Bright Golf Club, with Mount Buffalo becoming more prominent as you approach Porepunkah.

Feathertop Winery sits right beside the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail between Bright and Porepunkah, with vines climbing the slopes above the path and Mount Buffalo forming the backdrop. It’s worth knowing that the estate is now private: Summit Cru members have access, while other visitors need to book ahead rather than simply dropping in for a tasting.

Riverside Park sits right on the Ovens River in the centre of Porepunkah, making it a great place to stop along the rail trail. There are picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, a playground and plenty of grass by the water, plus views towards Mount Buffalo. In the warmer months, the river is dammed to create a swimming area, with a separate shallow pool for younger children.

The Ovens River flows through Bright as a clear, fast-moving alpine river, running for about 191 kilometres from the Victorian Alps to the Murray River. In this section, it moves over rocks and through small drops, forming pools and a short canyon carved into the riverbank. It’s a central feature of the town, with easy access to the water along walking tracks and parks. Conditions can change after rain, so take care near the river’s edge.

Centenary Park sits along the Ovens River in Bright, acting as a main access point for several local walks, including the Canyon Walk. It’s a well-used riverside park with open grassy areas, shaded trees, and space to relax by the water. You’ll find picnic and swimming spots, a playground, and easy access down to the riverbank. Parking is available nearby, there’s no entry fee, and facilities including toilets are located within the park.