posted on 30 Oct 20 | by Explore Bendigo

It’s Time To Get Out & Explore The Great Outdoors…

If you’re anything like us, we love our favourite locations to hit as our go-to outdoor spots, but every now and again we’re looking for somewhere new to explore or a change of scenery.  So, whether you’re a local, first time visitor or a regular visitor to the Bendigo and Heathcote area, we’ve picked out five top outdoor spots that you might not know about.  

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#1 Crusoe Reservoir @ Bendigo

Nestled on the edge of Bendigo and surrounded by the Greater Bendigo National Park, Crusoe Res offers an abundance of space and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.  Where do we start? If you’re a water lover it’s the perfect spot for paddle boarding, canoeing and fishing.  For those of you that love hitting up trails, they’re ideal walking, running and cycling here and accessible for the whole family.  And nature lovers will find the extensive native vegetation and wildlife ideal for bird watching, relaxing, and photography.

Our Favourite: the hidden pine forest. Perfect for photo shoots and picnics.
 

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#2 Pink Cliffs @ Heathcote

This geological reserve is a remarkable area on the edge of Heathcote, just a short 40-minute drive from Bendigo.  Once a gold mining site in the late 19th century, the miners used a hydraulic sluicing method which uses high pressure jets of water to blast large areas of the earth, washing away the top layer of the earth and revealing the dramatic, colourful cliffs and gorges you see today.  It’s a beautiful and unique area to take a walk, spot wildflowers, take unforgettable photos, learn more about the site and more.

Our Favourite: the colours are incredible and always changing at different times of the day and times of the year.  
 

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#3 One Tree Hill @ Bendigo

Part of the One Tree Hill Regional Park in Spring Gully, One Tree Hill features some great walking tracks through the bushland or alternatively you can walk the sealed road to the peak.  Either way, this 3km uphill walk is a challenging one but you’ll reap the rewards with awesome views from the lookout.  Visit around sunrise or sunset and you’ll get the best views over Bendigo and some pretty wicked photos.

Our Favourite: reaping the rewards of colourful sunset views.
 

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#4 Campaspe River @ Axedale

This quaint space in Axedale will have you day dreaming from the moment you arrive as the country air and peacefulness take over.  There’s so much to love about this little area.  The Campaspe offers relaxation as the water runs down the river, it’s a great spot for fishing, bird watching, photography and a gorgeous picnic on the banks. Be sure to check out the Platypus Compass sculpture created by local artist Yvonne George and adjacent to the river is the O’Keefe Rail Trail travelling to and from Bendigo to Heathcote, with riders and walkers sharing the trail.

Our Favourite: platypus spotting in the river shallows.
 

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#5 Viewing Rock @ Heathcote

For spectacular views across the Heathcote region and beyond, be sure to check out Viewing Rock Lookout with its rocky outcrop atop the mountain ridge. At the peak you’ll find a large flat rock that stands out on angle, perfect for climbing and getting the best views and photos.  The circuit walk to features the historical Powder Magazine and Devil’s Cave, all while being surrounded by beautiful Australian bushland and native wildlife.

Our Favourite: you’re bound to spot native wildlife along the walk.