Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
Proin et lectus consequat, auctor lectus eget, faucibus nisi. Nam ultricies interdum neque nec faucibus. Sed tincidunt porta ante, ut sagittis neque dignissim et.
Visit RegionIf you're looking for unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts, look no further than the Loddon region's wonderful businesses, artisans, and makers. Choose from gift vouchers for a relaxing weekend away, to locally sourced produce hampers, vintage treasures, and one-of-a-kind artworks that will add character to any space. You'll find something special for everyone on your list.
Not only will you be giving a truly unique gift, but you'll also be supporting local businesses and communities in the Loddon Valley region this Christmas.
A weekend getaway for you and your special someone could be the perfect gift. Why not switch off and spend some alone time at one of our quaint cottages, homesteads and BnBs such as Rostrata Country House, Learmonth’s Place, Kurracaburn Heights and NAB&B.
One stop shop for tasty local produce and handmade textiles in Boort. At the Country Shop, you will find three innovative and successful businesses operated by owners Ian and Marilyn:
• Simply Tomatoes: A variety of tasty award winning green tomato products and preserves.
• Country Wool Bedding: Woollen quilts, pillows, under-blankets and customised bedding
• Woolly Warmers: Therapeutic heat pads to fit various parts of your body, made from locally grown wheat encased in wool.
The Country Shop -Boort
If you are looking for unique and high-quality vintage items, Inglewood Emporium is the perfect place. They offer a wide range of options, from collectibles to clothing and antique furniture. You can find rare and one-of-a-kind pieces that can add character to your home or wardrobe and make for thoughtful and memorable gifts this Christmas season.
Inglewood Emporium - Vintage Collectables
If you're looking for unique and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, you'll want to check out Fusspots Vintage and Collectable store. Offering a wide range of vintage wares and collectable items will surely delight anyone on your gift list. The store is open from Thursday to Sunday, so you'll have plenty of time to browse and find the perfect presents.
The store offers various vintage items, including antiques, collectibles, toys, and pre-loved furniture. You're bound to find thoughtful gifts for your loved ones at Sharps Bazaar this Christmas.
Sharps Bazaar
The Eucy Blue store is ready for Christmas. Produced in the town of Inglewood using Eucalyptus oil from the Loddon Valley, Eucy Blue has a fantastic range of items for gifts and stocking fillers this Christmas – From Essential Oil Reed Diffusers, Blue Mallee Candle, Candle Tins, Bath Salts, Liquid Soaps and Handmade Bar Soap. Online and in store at the Inglewood Eucalyptus Museum until stocks last.
Eucy Blue
Are you seeking local produce this Christmas?
Bridgewater Farmhouse Kitchen in Bridgewater has an extensive range of products from the Loddon Valley and its surrounds. Buy individual products or select from a range of premade hampers, such as the luxury gourmet Christmas hamper, traditional Christmas celebration hamper or a sweet tooth hamper, perfect for friends and family.
Gift vouchers available are also available.
Treat your loved ones to a night or lunch at the Bridgewater Hotel Loddon River. Featuring locally sourced produce and wines, They can enjoy a meal in the impressive beer garden with stunning views of the Loddon River.
Bridgewater Hotel Loddon River
Gold Nugget Hunter Tours offer practical skills essential for finding treasure and experiencing the thrill of gold detecting. Tours are customised, whether you're a novice, a seasoned prospector honing your skills, or someone seeking local insights and recommendations on the best places to explore.
The Loddon Shed is an exceptional online shop showcasing the leading local produce grown in the Loddon Valley. You can have award winning local wines and produce delivered to your door at the click of a button. Best part is you will be supporting local businesses at the same time. Visit The Loddon Shed to explore the range.
Need a Christmas cake or pudding for Christmas lunch?
Why not pop out to Pyramid Hill to the Coffee Bank for lunch with a spot sightseeing and Christmas shopping! With tasty homemade Christmas cakes, puddings and other local goodies, the Coffee Bank has you sorted this Christmas. So pop in quickly to ensure you don’t miss out.
Producers of first class extra virgin olive oil and table olives. Salute Oliva also offers a range of preserves and olive oil soap. Their semi dried olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil won the Champion Trophy at the Australian International Olive Awards in 2021! Check out their website for a range of hampers and products available.
At the Wedderburn Community House you will find local sourced goodies perfect for stocking stuffers or last minute gifts. Some items on offer include stunning handmade jewellery, wooden bowls, candles, historical books, homemade sauces, and other local produce items. All conveniently located at the Loddon Visitor Information Centre so you can also gather information about the region while you shop.
https://wedderburnch.org.au/
Looking for a one of a kind gift?
Secret Platypus is the place to shop for unique clothing and bags made from fabrics designed by various women artists. These can either be purchased online or by popping into the store in Bridgewater on Loddon which also contains locally made products such as soaps, leather work and etchings.
For the perfect unique Christmas gift, visit Octopus and Queen in Tarnagulla.
You will find something for everyone at Octopus and Queen! From quirky homewares, decorative chinaware, ramekins, assorted quirky ornaments, planter boxes to garden metal art.
Looking for some mouth-watering treats to make your Christmas season extra special? Cousin Jacks sells a wide range of delicious baked goods is available, including fresh and flavorful Christmas cakes, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, and delightful gift packs.
For lovers of plants and gardens, Bridgewater Nursey and Wedderburn Produce and Garden have a beautiful selection of both indoor and outdoor plants, as well as pots, garden accessories, and ornaments - perfect as gifts for yourself, friends or loved ones.
Bridgwater Nursey
Wedderburn Produce and Garden
Beautiful original artworks by Ainsley McPherson, a great range of gifts, works from other artists, and garden ornaments will make the perfect unique Christmas gift.
offers an impressive range of high-quality products perfect for gifting or decorating your home, including adorable baby clothing, toys, diffusers, wrapping paper, festive Christmas cards, and more.
If you visit the region or friends and family over the Christmas break and are in of some last-minute goodies - the local Boort IGA, Inglewood IGA and Randall's Foodworks supermarkets have a range of Christmas food, gift wrapping, toys, and indoor plants.
Loddon Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land comprising the Loddon Shire Council area.
The Council would like to pay respect to their Elders both past and present.
