Skating and electric wonderland light up Bendigo these school holidays

HARGREAVES Mall and Rosalind Park are the places to be these school holidays, with two major attractions now in full swing.

The pop-up ice skating rink in the mall, and Electric Wonderland at Rosalind Park, are running until the end of the school holidays on Sunday 14 July.

Stars on Ice are operating the rink in the centre of the mall which measures 25 metres by 10 metres, with 130 milimetres of thick ice.

Electric Wonderland, produced by audio-visual specialist Power AV, features installations including a 40-metre replica of Sacred Heart Cathedral with thousands of heart-shaped fairy lights, laser lights, interactive pathways, illuminated sculptures and a magical garden.

The city’s tourism and major events manager, Terry Karamaloudis, said there was something for people of all ages to do during the holidays.

“Get your skates on for the ice rink in Hargreaves Mall and glide on the ice for a school holiday experience with a difference,” he said.

“Stars on Ice have skates for all sizes and push-along penguins for novices so everyone can have a go.

“After dark, head to Rosalind Park and be immersed in Electric Wonderland which has become a must-see attraction for Bendigo that is reimagined each year to the delight of residents and visitors.

“While you’re out in the city centre with family or friends, this is also an opportunity to support local hospitality and retail businesses before or after events if you can.”

The rice rink is open daily from 10am to 9pm, and Electric Wonderland is open from 6pm to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and 6pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday.They are both part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s three-year Hargreaves Mall Action Plan designed to encourage more people, more often to the city centre as a destination of choice for businesses, residents and visitors.Mall-based businesses that will stay open later during the two activities include Heavenly Melts, Hudson Coffee, The Original Pie Shop and Toppers Cafe.

Skate sessions on the ice rink run for 45 minutes and start on the hour. Tickets are available online at bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/stars-on-ice or at the gate.

Tickets for Electric Wonderland are available at bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/electricwonderland. Tickets may be available at the gate if sessions are not sold out.