Residents and visitors can rediscover the joy of play this autumn through a vibrant Play Bendigo Region destination campaign celebrating nostalgia, retro fun, and immersive experiences across the Bendigo Region*.
Over 60 events and experiences are featured in the program to entice visitors and residents to put down their mobiles and discover a renewed connection through traditional play and the joy that it brings.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the campaign was a wonderful reminder that there is no age limit to having fun and being playful.
"This campaign turns the Bendigo Region into one big, connected play zone, full of nostalgic references to spark childhood memories and rediscover a sense of fun through games, interactive adventures and brainteasers," Cr Prince said.
"There are many free experiences in the program such as Hop, Scotch, Jump along View Street, Bendigo, Inglewood Main Street and Heathcote High Street (near the playspace), Dragons and Ladders at the piazza in Rosalind Park, Duck and Seek at various locations, Floor is Lava on Pall Mall, an Imaginary Jungle with augmented reality animals and plants in Hargreaves Mall and much more.
"The free Play Passport invites you to explore other places in the region including new discoveries and old favourites that you may not have visited for a while. Complete the passport to go into a draw to win a fantastic 'Tram Driver for a Day' experience from Bendigo Tramways.
"Thank you to all those involved in this exciting destination campaign to attract visitors and entice more locals to explore the incredible offerings in our own region. Local hospitality and tourist attractions are joining the fun with nostalgic flavours, trivia, cocktails, and retro-inspired play themes.
Loddon Shire Mayor Cr Dan Straub said the Bendigo Region program captured many immersive and unique experiences.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Loddon surrounds with some exciting events such as the Rheola Charity Carnival on April 6, a Retro Paddle on the Serpentine creek on April 11 and May 3, the amazing Spanner Autumn Outdoor Adventure at the Spanner Man Sculpture Garden on April 18, and the chance to prospect for gold with the Gold Nugget Hunter on April 18 and May 16 as part of the Gold Fever - Loddon Gold Experience," Cr Straub said.
"Loddon Shire Council is proud to partner with the City of Greater Bendigo to showcase incredible events across the Loddon region.
"By working together to promote our towns, experiences and local businesses, we're encouraging more visitors to explore the wider region, supporting local businesses and helping grow our visitor economy."
*Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon is the evolution of the Bendigo Tourism Board, recognised by the Victorian Government as the Visitor Economy Partnership (visitor economy lead) for Greater Bendigo, Heathcote, and Loddon.
