As the landscape bursts into colour and the days grow longer, a vibrant calendar of events is unfolding across the region, bringing together spectacular gardens, golden canola fields, art, fashion, food, wine, markets and stories from the past.

For experience seekers travelling from Melbourne and regional Victoria, spring is the perfect excuse to hit the Calder Freeway and turn a day trip into a weekend escape. With events running from now through to October, there’s a new reason to visit around every corner.

Colour your world with Bloom

Spring arrives in full technicolour with Bloom, a celebration of flowers, food, markets and experiences running through to the end of October.

In Bendigo, the Annual Tulip Display transforms the city into a sea of colour, with brilliant blooms providing a spectacular backdrop for a spring stroll. It’s the kind of experience that invites you to put the camera away for a moment and simply wander, taking in the scent, colour and energy of the season.

Lose yourself among fields of golden canola and soak up the beauty of spring in the Bendigo Region. Image: Explore Bendigo

For an even bigger dose of spring scenery, head beyond Bendigo to the Cornella Canola Walk, where fields of brilliant yellow create a striking contrast against the Victorian landscape.

With experiences scattered throughout the Bendigo Region, Bloom is an invitation to slow down, breathe in the fresh spring air and see where the road takes you.

A season stitched with style

Spring also brings a stylish new addition to the calendar, with the PayPal Australian Fashion Festival’s Bendigo Fashion Series putting creativity and design in the spotlight.

It’s another reason to look beyond the region’s well-known food, wine and heritage experiences and discover its creative side, with fashion joining the line-up of events designed to inspire a weekend away.

Step back in time and discover 175 years of gold, stories and heritage that shaped the Bendigo Region. Image: Explore Bendigo

Step into 175 Years of Gold

From September 19 to October 4, the region’s golden history takes centre stage with 175 Years of Gold.

Gold is woven into the fabric of the Bendigo Region, from grand heritage buildings and historic streetscapes to the stories of the people who arrived in search of their fortune.

The anniversary celebration offers visitors a chance to delve deeper into that colourful past and discover how the gold rush helped shape the place you can explore today.

It’s history you can see, walk through and experience – making it an ideal addition to a spring itinerary.

Follow the art trail

From October 2 to 4, the Loddon Valley Arts Trail opens the door to another side of the region, inviting visitors to explore studios, exhibitions, workshops and creative spaces across the Loddon Valley.

Step back in time and discover 175 years of gold, stories and heritage that shaped the Bendigo Region. Image: Explore Bendigo

The three-day celebration is a chance to meet artists, discover handmade works and see the landscapes that inspire them, while travelling between venues at your own pace.

Pair it with a long lunch, a scenic drive or a stop at a local producer and you’ve got all the ingredients for an autumn-style arts escape – except with spring sunshine and longer days.

Come hungry

Foodies are also well catered for this spring.

On October 3, the Vegecareian Festival celebrates plant-based food and sustainable living, bringing together flavour-packed dishes, cooking demonstrations and ideas for eating well.

Feast your way through the Vegecareian Festival, where delicious plant-based flavours and sustainable living take centre stage. Image: Explore Bendigo

The following weekend, the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival takes place on October 10 and 11, offering the chance to sample the region’s celebrated wines alongside local produce while soaking up the atmosphere of one of Victoria’s most enticing food and wine destinations.

See spring in a whole new light with Bloom After Dark, as Bendigo’s blooms take on a magical glow after sunset. Image: Explore Bendigo

Bloom isn’t just a daytime affair, either. As the sun goes down, Bloom After Dark offers a different way to experience the season, while the Bloomin’ Good Market brings together local makers, food and plenty of reasons to linger.

For another vibrant celebration, the Harvest Moon Festival brings Bendigo’s community together to celebrate Chinese culture, family, gratitude and prosperity, with traditional lion dancing, multicultural performances, delicious food and mooncakes. 

Make spring a reason to stay longer

The real appeal of spring in the Bendigo Region is the sheer variety.

You can spend the morning wandering among tulips, drive through glowing canola fields in the afternoon and settle in for local wine and a memorable meal by evening. You can fill a day with art and heritage, follow a food trail or simply take the scenic route and see what you discover along the way.

Pack your weekend bag and escape to a Bendigo Region bursting with colour, flavour, creativity and springtime adventures. Image: Explore Bendigo

And with events continuing throughout September and October, there’s no need to squeeze it all into one visit.

This spring, make a plan, pack the weekend bag and take the Calder Freeway towards a region bursting with colour, creativity, flavour and stories.

Make your visit a weekend or getaway to remember in the Bendigo Region. Plan your trip now at bendigotourism.com