Lots to do this spring

LOOKING for things to do during the school holidays and throughout spring? There’s an extensive program of local events and activities.

A major event is today’s free Harvest Moon Festival hosted by the Bendigo Chinese Association at the Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct from 3pm.

Already in progress is a full schedule of free family activities including Bloom After Dark, a gnome hunt in Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Gardens, and a series of interactive events in Hargreaves Mall.

Spring is tulip time in Bendigo, with more than 43,000 tulips in a rainbow of colours on display in Rosalind Park over the holidays and Bloom After Dark’s night activations from 6.30pm daily throughout the holidays.

That program includes glowing tulip beds and giant interactive flowers along Pall Mall and the immersive soundscape of Sonic Bloom at the Conservatory until 9.30pm every day.

To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon, the Yi Yuan Gardens at the Golden Dragon Museum come to life from 6.30pm to 9.30pm every day with a tunnel of Chinese lanterns and floating flowers in the water.

The main attraction is a 10-metre-long illuminated Chinese dragon with sound and effects nearby adding to the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, a fun activity for families is a hunt for 12 cheeky gnomes at the Village of Gnomes at the Canterbury Gardens precinct.

A map can be downloaded to help find the gnomes, which are located on a trail through the gardens to the Eaglehawk Playspace. The Village of Gnomes is on until Sunday 6 October.

As part of the Bloom program, people can get close to nature with the City of Greater Bendigo’s climate change and environment team’s array of workshops, walks and talks.

All events are free and include Breakfast with the Birds, Plants and their Pollinators Walk, and Nature by Night. Bookings are necessary.

“The spring school holidays is a perfect opportunity to make the most of the free outdoor adventures and activations that will keep the kids entertained,” said City strategy and growth director Rachel Lee.

“It also encourages visitors to book with our local accommodation providers and extend their stay so they can see and enjoy Greater Bendigo during the school holidays, perhaps take in a show, dine, and shop.”

Visit bendigoregion.com.au for more information.