Visit a living, breathing goldfields community in the historic suburb of Eaglehawk. Once an independent borough, this thriving pocket 8km north of Bendigo takes great pride in its rich civic offerings, such as the impressive Eaglehawk Town Hall – now a treasured community-run art house cinema.
The hall takes centre place in Brassey Square and is flagged by the town’s original post office and mechanics hall – now the public library. Behind these postcard-worthy sights is the heritage court house and log lock up – one of few remaining original timber goal houses. Both are open to visit on Sundays, and the court house now boasts a heritage museum.
There’s plenty of family fun to be found beyond the main street, in the newly-revived sports complexes, heated pool and heritage-listed Canterbury Park – one of the prettiest in Bendigo.
View a local football or cricket match from the William Vahland-designed grandstand and check out the brand new million-dollar clubrooms beside. Eaglehawk has one of the region’s biggest play spaces. This $1.3 million City of Greater Bendigo project is custom designed to cater for children from babies to teens beside the picturesque Lake Neangar. It gives a creative nod to Banjo Patterson’s iconic character Mulga Bill of Eaglehawk.
Once you’ve looped the lake, venture next door to walk Lake Tom Thumb, surrounded by native flora and home to many waterbirds. If you’re visiting in March don’t miss the annual Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival, which is a true celebration of culture, heritage and community. Think art and craft exhibitions, family entertainment, floral displays, sidewalk astronomy, relay races and one almighty march down the main street for a much-loved procession.
Enjoy classic pub fare and country-style bakeries, cafes and a traditional shopping strip, all housed in a unique heritage streetscape.