Victoria is the ultimate weekend getaway state. With its coastline, beautiful winery spots and varied landscape, there is such a diverse range of environments and beautiful places in which to explore, eat and drink.
The Bendigo region is one such place. With its fantastic and abundant produce, wineries, rich history and the Bendigo community’s passion for delicious food, Bendigo is the perfect setting for a weekend away to forget your metropolitan weekday troubles. We recently headed down during the Heathcote Food and Wine Festival weekend to check out what Bendigo currently has to offer.
The Schaller Hotel
One of the more prominent legs of Australia’s Artseries Hotels, The Schaller hotel is an ode to artist Mark Schaller’s bold and brilliant artworks. Completely adorned with sculptures and paintings by the artist commissioned especially for the hotel, The Schaller is Bendigo seen through the artist’s lens. With beautiful rooms, a gorgeous restaurant downstairs in The Pantry and a fantastic, beautifully styled lounge area, the Schaller is definitely the go-to accommodation in the Bendigo region.
http://www.artserieshotels.com.au/schaller/
Bendigo Art Gallery – Toni Maticevski Exhibition
Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the most prevalent regional art galleries in Australia. Boasting a permanent collection that focuses on Australian and International 19th century art, and a fantastic back catalogue of both local and international exhibitions that have drawn audiences from across the country, the Gallery is worth a visit to Bendigo alone.
We went to see the stunning Maticevski exhibition, which is a comprehensive selection of gowns, jewellery and other pieces by prominent Fashion Designer Toni Maticevski. Including dresses worn by the Crown Princess Mary, Kim Kardashian, and costumes worn by the Sydney Ballet, as well as incorporating a host of awesome multimedia aspects, this is in exhibition worth going to!
http://www.bendigoartgallery.com.au/Exhibitions/Now_showing/Maticevski_Dark_Wonderland
Heathcote Wine and Food Festival
The wonderful wine-focused Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a prominent event on the Bendigo food and beverage calendar. While there are various stunning wines from across the region, the main focus is the famous Heathcote Shiraz – and you will find it in various stunning incarnations in the festival’s annual lineup.
Including fantastic food, music and entertainment and set against the stunning backdrop of the Heathcote region landscape, the Wine and Food Festival is a beautiful day out for young and old alike.
http://www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au/festival
Dinner at Rocks on Rosalind
Rocks on Rosalind is one of Bendigo’s most popular restaurants. Located inside the historic bank building, the setting is incredible and you are drawn into Bendigo’s history as you eat.
We tried the 10-course banquet which is one of the most reasonably priced banquets I’ve ever had for $50 a head – notable aspects included the Seared Scallops with wakami wasabi foam, salmon roe, black vinegar, ginger & sesame; and the delicious Quatro Cotechino, pork, cinnamon & nutmeg sausage, walnuts, goats cheese and spiced dressing. Delish!