Gold fever
a city with a heart of gold, literally. Bendigo was founded on the gold rush of the 1850s and manages to embrace its history while moving forward with thriving arts and hospitality industries. Melburnians may know it intimately but there’s plenty to discover for interstate travellers.
a Saturday morning Food Fossicking tour, where a passionate local will take you to some of the city’s best foodie spots. Enquire at Bendigo Visitor Information Centre.
Marong Family Hotel, where the paddock-to-plate philosophy is alive and well, with a big focus on local lamb – it’s roasted, added to pizza and salad, in souvlaki, and the hero of the ‘whopping’ burger. For non-lamb lovers, there are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes. This 100-year-old hotel doesn’t just wow on the plate though, it’s a large part of Bendigo’s history and was once used as a gold-washing site.
BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo (formerly Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park), where you’ll find stunning new glamping tents. The luxury camping includes a queen four-poster bed, two single beds, lounge area, air conditioning, a bathroom, kitchen, and an outdoor entertaining area. bendigoregion.com.au
Bush bathing
an outback region where friendly locals welcome you with arms open into their one-street town. Linger a while to discover why this makes a great stop on a long road trip.
a refreshing dip in some of the most Instagrammable baths Down Under, at Julia Creek Caravan Park. We love the twin-bath set-up as not only is there a spot for end-of-day bubbles and nibblies, but the sunset views into the desert are spectacular.
the caravan park, where between April and September the managers host ‘bush dinner’ nights. Dinner is cooked up by a local non-profit community group while campers share tales from the road.
the caravan park has 40 powered sites, with space for big rigs, plus large unpowered grass sites for tents and self-sucient caravanners, and cabins. Be sure to grab one of the complimentary cruiser bikes to explore town and ask about the Artesian Bath Experience – it’s a must. atthecreek.com.au