LOOKING for things to do during the school holidays and throughout spring? There’s an extensive program of local events and activities.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The main attraction is a 10-metre-long illuminated Chinese dragon with sound and effects nearby adding to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a fun activity for families is a hunt for 12 cheeky gnomes at the Village of Gnomes at the Canterbury Gardens precinct.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
All events are free and include Breakfast with the Birds, Plants and their Pollinators Walk, and Nature by Night. Bookings are necessary.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n