Those of us who are fortunate to live in regional Victoria have empathised with our metropolitan cousins stuck in the longest and toughest lockdown in the world. We now rejoice with them that most restrictions on their lives has been lifted. To say they’re excited is an understatement. Reports on the first day are of large crowds in shops, cafes serving coffee from the early hours and (not so good) lots and lots of road traffic. The euphoria will settle and a new normal will prevail, which means that from 8th November, we will be welcoming city dwellers to our towns again. Needless to say that we trust them to follow the Covid rules while they enjoy everything that our fabulous towns have to offer.
Ballarat tourist attraction Sovereign Hill will reopen to locals and regional Victorians on 31 October with new ticket prices and a range of hygiene and social distancing measures in place. To welcome visitors back, adult tickets will be $39, childrenĀ $20 and a family of four, five or six $99. Tickets must be pre-purchased online. For more details
If the great outdoors is more your scene, there are some superlative camping spots throughout the Central Victorian region, such as this one in the Pyrenees Shire near Beaufort surrounded by natural beauty and local wildlife. http://visitpyrenees.com.au
There is a multitude of fabulous walking tracks throughout the region, even close to Ballarat. The Woowookarung Regional Park is located in the suburbs of Ballarat East, Canadian and Mount Clear. Offering recreational, natural and cultural experiences in local bushland.
One of the most attractive walks, that isn’t too long is the Le Gerche Walk in Creswick (pictured) and there are many more. To find out where to go, check out Parks Victoria here
Marie and Paul Williams, that clever couple from Le Peche Gourmand, that popular French patisserie in Creswick’s main street are planning a pop up Gelato bar – opening on 6th November to run for the summer season. Can’t wait!
It’s hard to believe that we’re galloping toward Christmas and Simone Broad from Olicartia and Miss Northcott’s Garden in Creswick is working on a Pop Up Christmas shop opening mid November. Tues-Fri 11am to 4pm, Sat. 10am to 2pm
Running from 24 October over 6 weekends to 29 November plus the Monday, Tuesday of Melb Cup. Entry $7, Children Free. Group bookings available weekdays only. Details here
Each Friday, local host, Kathie Bolitho, chats to three winemakers from the unseen corner of a historic Bendigo building. You will enjoy a live-stream wine chat with a pre-purchased wine pack. For more