BENDIGO - FROM SOUTH TO NORTH
It is a wonderful time of year to be out on the road, enjoying the open road and the sunshine. But also, the roads are busy, with everyone racing to get to their destination. We have opted to stay home for a bit longer so now I can give you an idea of travelling through me home town.
I am a born and bred Bendigonian. I have seen many changes and a city that has grown and evolved.
Bendigo Visitor Information Centre - Explore Bendigo
Bendigo is a tourist destination, especially for those who love to wander our streets and enjoy gazing at our old buildings.
Travelling from the southern side you will traverse through the big Ravenswood roundabout. This is where you can bypass Bendigo if you are heading to the Marong or Mildura region. The road will then rise up what is commonly known as the Big Hill. The hill itself has the geographical name of Mt Herbert. You will have passed St Annes vineyard on the left.
Wine and Port Barrels - Family Winery | St Anne's Winery
When you start passing the homes you may see the A Line village. A very small cabin and caravan park, and the only one on the south side of Bendigo. I cannot review this accommodation business as I am unfamiliar with anyone who has stayed there.
Kangaroo Flat is a growing suburb. Shopping is available at Lansell Square but access with a caravan in tow can be difficult at busy times.
After you have travelled through the strip shopping section of Kangaroo Flat you will find the lake and toilet block, opposite APCO. This is a good area to pull into if you are in need of a break. And quite often there is a coffee van or the elderly local selling his fruit and vegies.
Golden Square is the next suburb. Also, on the left, another small park with a toilet block. Only trouble is parking is a bit limited so you would need to park around the corner. You may notice the steel statues which commemorate the ladies who are purported to have found gold in the creek in Golden Square, which then triggered the Bendigo gold rush. Woolworths is also just on the next corner.
Heading through the centre of Bendigo, you can marvel at the age of some of the buildings. Our very large Gothic cathedral will be on the left. At present they are doing some building works along High st so there is some hoarding in place.
Further along we have the entrance to Rosiland Park, and then the RSL building. And on the right, we have the well-known Alexandra fountain.
The tourist information centre is in the old post office, and on the opposite side of the road is the Shamrock Hotel. If you are staying in Bendigo perhaps you could find time for a cuppa, or you may even be lucky enough to be there when the upstairs balcony is open.
Bendigo RSL
Further on you will pass St Killians church, on the left. And as the traffic starts to lessen, you will arrive at Lake Weeroona. Yes there are toilets there, and often coffee and food vans. But parking for caravans is limited. You can go a bit further on and perhaps find a park just over the train line.
The arch of Triumph
As the you are still travelling north most of our old buildings have disappeared, but the northern suburbs are growing. There is a caravan park, in White Hills, just off the main road, to the right, near the racecourse. White Hills also has the very relaxing Botanical Gardens. It is always a refreshing time to wander around and admire the plants. Toilets are also in the gardens but if you are towing a caravan finding a park maybe a struggle.
A mural on the wall of the BP service station in Epsom
Also as you head through Epsom you will find another caravan park on the left.
Huntly is our northern most suburb. As you enter there is another small park, on the left, with a toilet block accessible. A couple of hundred metres on is Georges bakery, again on the left. This is one of our stops if we are heading north. Well who doesn't need a nice traveller. Huntly hotel, on the right, is also a great place for meal.
So there you are, just a bit of information on the road through Bendigo from south to north.
Enjoy your travels everyone and please drive safely.
Poppet heads still dot the landscape
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| The chapel at Bendigo cemetery |
