A weekend at the Kilnhouses
We’ve pulled together some of our favourite things to do at the kilnhouses and around the local area.
Friday evening
After checking in from 3pm, settle in to the slower pace of the country lifestyle. Pour yourself a glass of our complimentary wine, sit by the fire or head outside to enjoy the sun setting over Mount Buffalo while snacking on a local produce platter from Feathertop winery that we can pre-order for you.
Saturday morning
Take advantage of the option of adding in a breakfast platter and enjoy the complimentary local Sixpence coffee so you don’t have to leave the serenity of the kilnhouses in the early morning.
While the day is young jump on one of our free Chapelli bikes in the garage and head down the rail trail towards Porepunkah. Tackle the hill to Mount Buffalo Olives where Colin and Elisa will welcome you into their home to try their award winning olives.
Enjoy the ride down the hill and grab a coffee at the Rail Trail Café or Punkah Pantry in the centre of Porepunkah.
The day is warming up, so it must be time for a cool refreshment. Retrace your path from the kilns along the rail trail to Ringer Reef winery. Pull up a picnic blanket, and enjoy a wine and cheese platter on the lawn while taking in some of the best views of the valley.
Saturday afternoon
After all this exertion, a rest is warranted. Pedal the short distance back to the kilnhouses and enjoy some downtime lying on the window seat. Or if you still have the energy, take a picnic down to Chinamans waterhole or head straight down the central driveway to a shallow section of the river directly at the end of the driveway.
After you’ve relaxed, jump in the car and drive out towards Harrietville, enjoying the incredible views of Mount Hotham. Stop in at Gunnadoo Berries for a berry and nut tasting. Continue on to the Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm and try your hand at fishing for your dinner. Don’t worry, if fishing is not your thing the lovely staff will happily catch one for you. Pop your fish in a cool bag, and head back in to Bright.
Saturday evening
Before driving home to cook up your fish, stop in for an aperitif at Reed and Co Gin Distillery in the centre of Bright. Or if beer is more to your taste, you can’t miss out on a visit to the iconic Bright Brewery, located right on the banks of the Ovens River.
The sun is getting low, so head back to the kilnhouses and fire up the BBQ to cook up your delicious, freshly caught fish. Pop on some music, and enjoy the serenity of the cool evenings in the Victorian High Country.
Sunday morning
For the early risers, drive 15 minutes up the road towards Mt Buffalo to Ladies Bath Falls. Walk 500m in to the spectacular falls which are generally deserted early in the morning. If you are courageous jump in for a swim in the refreshing (icy!) pool under the falls.
Either head back to the kilns for breakfast, or pop in to Bright to one of the many cafes for brunch.
Sadly checkout is 11am, but that doesn’t mean your day is over. Once you’ve packed up, drive out to historic Wandiligong for a morning out before heading home. Get lost in the Hedge Maze, or go chestnut picking at Wandiful Produce Cafe and Chestnut Farm. And of course don’t miss out on stocking up on your apples at Nightingale Bros Apple farm.
Sunday afternoon
If you have time, finish off your weekend with lunch at the Wandi Pub. Top tip – try their award winning chicken parmy! They have live music sessions on Sunday afternoons.
After lunch we wish you farewell, a safe journey home, and hope to see you back at the Kilnhouses soon.