I'd made two previous trips to this regional Victorian city, to see exhibitions at the Bendigo Art Gallery - The Golden Age of Couture and Modern Love: Fashion Visionaries from the FIDM Museum LA (do you notice a pattern here?) Literally, I had only been to this Gallery and left Bendigo almost immediately. So when another opportunity to visit and see a little more of this regional Victorian town came up, I grabbed it. I was dropping hints for a wedding invite all over the place (sorry LG).
Here are my top recommendations for Bendigo:
Where to stay - The Schaller Studio
There were a few options of places to stay for this weekend getaway but of course I waited til the last minute and most were booked. Except The Schaller Studio. Located on the fringe of the city centre, it's a pretty cool, modern place. Tiny rooms, but awesome amenities (EVO hair products anyone?) and a pod coffee machine per room to boot. It was the vibe that got me though - artist Mark Schaller, who the hotel is named for, has his works on display throughout and it's pretty great. Guests are even encouraged to get arty in the cafe/ bar downstairs. Top notch.
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| Artwork by Mark Schaller |
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| Sculpture by Mark Schaller |
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| Amenities! |
How to relax - Get a massage
We made the bold move to drive from Yorke Peninsula to Bendigo - one rural area to another - which took 10 hours each way. Great road trip, not so great on the back. Before we left, we booked a massage at Refresh Day Spa to work out the kinks. Blisssssssss.
Where to eat brunch - Old Green Bean
My perfect eatery is one that combines food with vintage delights. Old Green Bean does this very thing. Coffee then browse - is there no greater cafe experience?Where to eat hungover - Grill'd
Burgers and the like. Sweet potato fries. Grease upgraded.
How to spend a day - Attend a Wedding!
There is truly nothing better than celebrating love. This was especially true at this event, given there was a nasty racist rally occurring that same weekend in Bendigo. It felt important to send out the loving vibes into the world to diminish what is needless hate that people harbour. The couple chose a lovely little church in Axedale, conveniently located next to the Axedale Tavern - the most idyllic little country pub, and we watched a thunderstorm come over the sunny blue sky before heading to Bendigo for the reception. Then we drank and ate a degustation menu to die for! Truly an awesome celebration.
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| Church on a hill in Axedale |
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| Getting ready to degustation |
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| Just a little something... |
How to spend half a day - Visit Castlemaine
Only 30 minutes from Bendigo, Castlemaine is a cute little historical town with botanic gardens and old buildings. The Old Castlemaine Gaol atop a hill is worth a look and sit down for a cold beer or cider to look over the town.
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| Golden oldie |
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| Castlemaine Botanic Gardens |
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| Steel bars at the Old Castemaine Gaol |
How to spend half a day - Bendigo Pottery
Bendigo Pottery is the oldest working pottery in Australia, but offers so much more than that. I mean, ceramics are pretty cool anyway, but there is a vintage flea market, artist's studios and demonstrations. Easily could spend a whole day there - half a day works too.
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| Bendigo Pottery |
How to get a round - Wander
While having a car was helpful, it's so easy to get around Bendigo by walking or by bike. It's a city, but it's not huge. I love wondering around, finding hidden treasures. I discovered great little op-shops. I got side tracked by all the weather board houses (what is it about Victoria and weather board? Like, as soon as you cross the boarder) I got confused by the palm trees. It was awesome.
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| It could be Hawaii... it's not. |
So get to Bendigo if you can readers - try and time it with an exhibition. Or a wedding.
E x
Bendigo has dozens of op shops.
ReplyDeleteI know, and I only got to see three! Need to make another trip I think! :D
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