posted on 04 Dec 20 | by Explore Bendigo

Believe It Or Not, Summer Is Here!

Sunny days are here to stay, warmer weather means more time outdoors and finding cool things to keep us entertained. And better yet, with restrictions easing even more, we’re set to see more businesses and opportunities presenting themselves just in time for the holiday period. So whether you’re staying local or looking to visit Bendigo this summer, here’s an awesome list of experiences, places to visit, things to keep an eye out for and ice cold treats. Enjoy!
 

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Check Out The Latest Exhibitions

Calling all culture vultures! Bendigo Art Gallery is back at it this summer with another Australian first exhibition, Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion, a selection of garments and textiles by First Nations designers and artists from around Australia. It shines a light on growing industry and celebrates Indigenous art, history and culture through the lens of contemporary fashion.  Now showing at Bendigo Art Gallery until 17th January 2021. You’ll also find the Paul Guest Prize showing at Bendigo Art Gallery until 7th February 2021. 
 

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Cool Treats

Keep cool and enjoy the summer heat with a handcrafted ice cream from the team at Favourite Flavours located in the Lake Weeroona precinct. Choose from traditional flavours and crowd favourites, to locally-inspired flavours and fresh fruity gelato. Yum! 
Keep an eye out this summer for their wandering ice cream carts coming to a park near you.
 

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Have A Laugh

The team at Bendigo Comedy and Handle Bar are joining forces to bring you ‘Handle Bar Comedy’ live from the beer garden that is Handle Bar, throughout the summer months. Grab your mates, enjoy a few local brews and a good laugh.

 

Check out their gig guide here.  
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Catch A Movie Under The Stars

Sit back and relax in the comfort of a bean bag chair set amongst the festoon lights and stars above while you enjoy a glass of a local beer, wine or cider along with a dessert plate in the private courtyard of Mister Grimsby. Movies will be showing throughout January and February 2021.

 

For more info, a movie schedule and bookings, click here.
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Make A Splash

If you’re looking to cool off in the water, Lake Eppalock is sure to keep you busy for a day session of swimming, fishing, boating, paddling or for those looking to a little more action, jet skiing.  
Or if you’re looking for something a little calmer, check out Bendigo’s newest pool at Kangaroo Flat’s Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, fully equipped with a 50m swimming pool, splash park, gym, spa and café.
 

Looking for more fun and activities on the water? Click here.
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Quench Your Thirst

There are some uber cool spots to hang out and enjoy a refreshing drink.  Passionate bartenders, makers and brewers will keep you satisfied with a great range of local wines, craft beer and ciders to choose from, plus beautifully handcrafted cocktails and signature drinks.  Top gathering spots for a drink during summer include GPO, Handle Bar, Ms Batterhams, Nimbus Rooftop Bar, The Dispensary Bar & Diner, The Rifle Brigade and Wine Bank on View.
If you’re a wine lover at heart, Bendigo and Heathcote are home to more than 55 boutique wineries. Or for those that prefer a crafty ale, check out our breweries Cornella Brewery, Palling Bros. Brewery and Tooborac Hotel & Brewery. Another favourite is The Hop Supply Co. who have got you covered with an awesome range of specialty drinks to take home and enjoy!
 

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Live Music In Cool Spaces

If you’re like us, we’ve missed our live music, but it is ramping back up throughout the city and beyond this summer with some awesome new gigs in some of the city’s best spaces.  Local favourites include Chancery Lane, Handle Bar, Palling Bros. Brewery, The Rifle Brigade, and The Shiraz Republic.


 

If you’re chasing more things to do after dark, click here.
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Enjoy A Big Day Out Indoors

Bendigo has plenty of indoor attractions and activities for all ages, stages, interests and abilities on offer.  Some of our top picks include Bendigo Pottery, Breakout Bendigo Escape Games, Discovery Science & Technology Centre, Golden Dragon Museum, and The Zone.


 

For more info on Bendigo’s attractions, click here.
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Keep Cool

With the weather heating up you might be seeking a cool place to relax or enjoy a fun time out.  Our top pick is to go underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine where it’s 14 degrees and cool all year around.