{"id":29887,"date":"2013-12-01T07:56:24","date_gmt":"2013-11-30T21:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=29887"},"modified":"2015-03-12T09:28:32","modified_gmt":"2015-03-11T23:28:32","slug":"a-lastminute-getaway-to-bendigo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/a-lastminute-getaway-to-bendigo\/","title":{"rendered":"A lastminute getaway to Bendigo"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What do you think of when I say \u2018Bendigo<\/a>\u2019?<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Do you think of beautiful mansions dating back to the 1800s, lush parklands, trendy cafes, shops and restaurants that rival Sydney<\/a> and Melbourne<\/a>?
\nNo? You\u2019re not alone. Until recently, Bendigo for me was just a small country town that found fame in the time of the Australian gold rush. But with an open mind and plenty of curiosity, I was quickly educated on the regional Victorian city (yep, city!).<\/p>\n
\"Bendigo<\/a>

The original Bendigo Bank<\/p><\/div>\n

Arriving early on a sunny Saturday morning, lastminute lovely Adiba and I are excited to explore somewhere new, especially when it means leaving dreary Sydney behind us. The weather gods are on our side!<\/p>\n

We are blown away by the architecture and the lush green gardens that surround the city. The impressive buildings date back to the time of the gold rush (1850-1900) when people found gold and made it big. As a result, their houses grew larger to reflect their wealth.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I wouldn\u2019t mind living here!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Church<\/a>

\u2018Grand\u2019 is an understatement!<\/p><\/div>\n

Something I find interesting is the large Chinese population in Bendigo, who immigrated during the gold rush. To celebrate the importance of Chinese culture in Bendigo\u2019s history, there is a Chinese precinct in the city, as well as an annual parade at Easter time, where an imperial Chinese dragon is paraded through the streets. The Bendigo Easter Festival<\/a> attracts thousands each year.<\/p>\n

\"Golden<\/a>

The Golden Dragon Museum<\/p><\/div>\n

While in Bendigo, here are a few things that you just HAVE to do:<\/p>\n

Where to eat<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mason\u2019s of Bendigo<\/strong><\/p>\n

A mere fifteen months old, Mason\u2019s of Bendigo<\/a> is equally as good, if not better, than many high-end restaurants in Sydney. And believe me; I\u2019ve been to a few \u2013 case in point here<\/a> and here<\/a>.
\nWe are treated to a delicious selection of local produce that begins with Tataki of Warialda eye fillet, golden beets, bonito mayonnaise, kipfler chips and fried onion<\/em>, and ends with organic lemon tart with orange blossom Turkish delight, lemon curd and lemon macaroons<\/em>. We match this with a drop of local Bendigo wine \u2013 Shiraz Viogner, which complements the dinner perfectly.
\n\"Mason\u2019s<\/a><\/p>\n

The prices are reasonable and the service, exceptional. Not only do I suggest a visit, but I would recommend a trip to Bendigo just<\/em> for this restaurant! But of course I do have more recommendations… ;).<\/p>\n

Percy and Percy<\/strong>
\nAn old corner store, Percy and Percy<\/a> has been repurposed into a rustic cafe that lives on a leafy residential street. This makes it seem like a local\u2019s secret that we happen to stumble upon. And I\u2019m so glad we do!
\n\"Percy<\/a><\/p>\n

With good coffee, great breakfast and a display fridge full of delectable treats, this cafe is a must in Bendigo \u2013 but get there early because it fills up quickly!<\/p>\n

Borchelli Ristorante<\/strong>
\nChequered red and white tablecloths can either mean authenticity or tackiness and I\u2019m very pleased to find that Borchelli Ristorante<\/a> is the former \u2013 an authentic Italian restaurant situated in the centre of Bendigo.
\n\"Borchelli\"<\/a><\/p>\n

With a huge selection of pizzas, pastas, mains and salads, you could come here every day and eat something different. And its close proximity to vintage shops and the Art Gallery mean the choice is easy.<\/p>\n

Where to drink<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wine Bank on View<\/strong>
\nA short walk from Borchelli Ristorante, Wine Bank on View<\/a> is exactly what it sounds like; a wine bar in a bank. Or a bank of wine? Well, both really. Wine Bank fames itself on having over 1000 different types of wine \u2013 an accolade that few can claim.
\n\"Wine<\/a><\/p>\n

The place is packed on a Saturday evening, and as we score ourselves a seat with a view of the Bendigo Art Gallery, we realise we\u2019re on to a good thing. Ordering a glass of local wine each (a Shiraz for myself and a Pinot Gris for Adiba), we settle in to the balmy evening. Be sure not to skip this one!<\/p>\n

Brewhouse Coffee Roasters<\/strong>
\nBrewhouse Coffee Roasters<\/a> don\u2019t sell wine, but they do sell great coffee that they roast on site. And with Bonsoy<\/a> on hand? That\u2019s all it takes to win me over.
\nAll coffees come with information on where the beans come from and the process they\u2019ve gone through. This is a small detail that rarely accompanies my morning coffee, and one that I really appreciate. You can tell a lot of love has gone into this place.
\n\"Brewhouse<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Quest Bendigo Central<\/strong>
\nQuest Bendigo Central<\/a> is conveniently located just minutes from the centre of town, and at only twelve months old, it makes for a very stylish stay.
\nWe are spoilt with two bottles of Bendigo\u2019s finest wine and a sample pack of chocolates from local chocolaterie, Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates<\/a> upon our arrival. Yum!
\n\"Quest<\/a><\/p>\n

Comfy beds, modern decor and small touches like the \u2018grab and go\u2019 breakfast packs, as well as the friendly service, make Quest Bendigo Central a no-brainer.<\/p>\n

What to do<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bendigo Art Gallery<\/strong>
\nEstablished in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery<\/a> is one of the largest and oldest regional galleries in Australia. It\u2019s rapidly gaining worldwide attention as many exhibitions are moving straight from London and Paris to Bendigo, making it a national attraction in its own right.
\n\"Bendigo<\/a><\/p>\n

The Gallery\u2019s collection is extensive with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800’s. There\u2019s also a variety of newer exhibitions including Grace Kelly: Style Icon<\/a>, which drew over 150,000 people through its doors.<\/p>\n

The Gallery is currently showing the Modern Love exhibition<\/a> that recounts the most instrumental fashion designs and designers over the last 40 years. Modern Love runs through to the 2nd of February, 2014. Want to know more? lastminute lovely Adiba reviews it here<\/a>.
\nBendigo Pottery<\/strong>
\nAt over 150 years old, Bendigo Pottery<\/a> is the oldest working pottery in Australia, and has one of the most significant collections of historic, wood-fired kilns in the world. No longer used, the ten old kilns are now part of the Interpretative Museum and one of the circular kilns has been converted into a theatrette. You can sit inside the kiln to watch films that recount the history of Bendigo Pottery.
\n\"Bendigo<\/a><\/p>\n

After being taken on a tour of the enormous warehouse, gallery and store at the Pottery, Adiba and I have our very own wheel-throwing lesson (AKA pottery lesson). It looks easy, but believe me \u2013 it\u2019s harder than it looks! Or was that just me?<\/p>\n

Over to you! Have you been to Bendigo? Do you have any tips?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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