The Historic Porepunkah Pub & Bistro
Good pubs put towns on maps. And at this quaint high country destination, the Porepunkah Pub & Bistro draws in the hordes. Last time we visited with the extended family, we enjoyed lazy hours snacking on wings, chips, sodas and local beverages outdoors. In our midst – artist Corrinne Gilbert – lap-tapping a Missy Higgins cover on one of her three acoustic guitars.
Built in 1862 and renovated for a modern twist, Porepunkah Pub sports a long bar opposite the alfresco brasserie. Indoors, there are two more dining areas, an open fire and glass concertina doors overlooking Mount Buffalo.
Swimming and Cycling the Ovens River near Bright
Vast stretches of parkland within Porepunkah and opposite the pub border a river system. This system is shared with Bright, its busier cousin 7 kays via the Great Alpine Road. It’s an easy drive but the two towns are also linked via the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail that crosses the Ovens River.
My nephew hired an electric bike in Bright and rode it to our sprawling camp at Bright Porepunkah Holiday Park, giving the rest of us a go. We also stopped at Sinclairs Waterhole to scramble rocks to the wide falls. We mastered the rope swing and dangled our legs in the pool carved into the rocks.
Family Camping at BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park
We spent a wicked amount of time relaxing at the leafy caravan park, one of a few that looked worthwhile. Our grassed campsite was opposite the fully-stocked open camp kitchen. There was also a coffee van visiting for the school holidays, and fires at campsites were again permitted per Council conditions.
Between laps of the pool, jumping on the pillow and rounds of Dungeons and Dragons at mum and dad’s cabin, the kids ran amok. Dad still managed to pull them away for an hour to a pebbly bend in the river. It’s a pretty ten-minute stroll from camp, to teach them to cast out. They, the fish, the kids, all got away, after spending more time unknotting the reels.
Words and Photos: The Doherty Family
Trek Notes: Porepunkah & Bright
| Category | Details |
| Local Visitor Centre | Alpine Visitor Information Centre – Bright (Nearest & Main hub) |
| Featured Caravan Park | Bright Porepunkah Holiday Park |
| Bike Hire Options in Bright | Cyclepath Bright (In-store hire) |
| Chainstays Bike Hire Delivery (Mobile, delivery service) | |
| The Pub | Porepunkah Pub & Bistro |
