Play Like You Used To – Autumn in the Loddon Valley

Experiences That Bring Play to Life

Try your hand at gold prospecting with Gold Fever - Loddon Gold Experience, where you can learn the basics, hear the stories of the region’s goldfields and finish with a fun token hunt.

Head to Spanner Man Sculpture Gardens, for something completely different, explore over 40 sculptures made from spanners, enjoy beautiful gardens, unique birds and farm animals and a relaxed day out.

Or take to the water with Bendigo Watersports Retro River Paddle, combining fresh air, movement and a whole lot of nostalgia!

These experiences are all about getting involved, trying something new and embracing the spirit of the season.

Discover Your Own Hidden Treasures

Remember rummaging through markets and op shops, hoping to uncover something special?

Inglewood’s vintage and collectable stores are made for that kind of treasure hunt. From timeless jackets and hats to nostalgic homewares, antiques and curious keepsakes, there’s always something waiting to be rediscovered.

• Inglewood Emporium
• Sharps Bazaar
• Fusspots

Explore more, win more!

This autumn, there are plenty of ways to get involved, with a series of interactive competitions designed to encourage people to explore the region in a fun and engaging way.

The Play Passport invites visitors to travel between locations and experience some of the region’s standout attractions, while the Duck & Seek competition adds a playful element to exploring, encouraging people to get out and discover different towns and spaces along the way.

We’re also running our LEGO competition, which brings a creative twist to the campaign, inviting participants to capture their LEGO figures out and about across the Loddon Valley whether that’s in nature, at local attractions or within our towns.

With some amazing prizes up for grab, these competitions are a must for both visitors and locals!

Play, Refuel & Roll Through Eddy’s

If you’re out exploring this autumn, make sure to pull in at Eddy’s Garage, a spot that perfectly captures that nostalgic, road-trip feeling the season is all about.

With its vintage vibes, incredible food and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that invites you to lean in to a little bit of fun! Whether you’re stopping in for a bite, a coffee or just to soak it all in, Eddy’s Garage is a reminder that sometimes the best part of exploring is the unexpected stops along the way.

It’s all part of the Loddon Valley experience, where a little bit of play meets a whole lot of character!

Outdoor Adventures – Before Screens, There Were Hills to Climb

Before screens and schedules, there were mountains to scramble, lakes to circle and dirt tracks to follow.

North of the Loddon Valley you'll find some outdoor play spots that stick with you.

• Little Lake Boort - is perfect for a relaxed afternoon ride or walk and if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a canoe and get out on the water.

• Pyramid Hill - invites you to take the base loop or climb to the summit for sweeping views that stretch for miles. Please note that the track to the summit is steep in sections and requires some rock scrambling to reach the top.

• Mount Hope - (short drive from Pyramid Hill) is a hidden granite outcrop that feels like something you’ve stumbled upon yourself - quiet, raw and beautifully unexpected.

A Sensory Throwback in Inglewood

Some smells take you straight back in time.

At the Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, you can step into one of the region’s most iconic industries and experience it for yourself. Watch eucalyptus leaves transform into oil, explore the historic displays and take in that unmistakable scent that feels both nostalgic and uniquely Australian.

Afterwards, enjoy a refreshment at the café and browse locally made eucalyptus products to take a little piece of the experience home.

(*Distillation demonstrations available for group bookings.)

Join in on the fun!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking to see your region a little differently, the Loddon Valley is ready for you this autumn.

Play more. Explore further. Stay a little longer.

Discover everything happening across the region: Here