🇦🇺 Melb Winter Escape: A Perfect Day in Bendigo! 🚂

🚆 Transport: Caught the 9:00 AM V/Line (purple train from Southern Cross, G floor) Arrived at Bendigo Station by 11:00 AM 🍝 Lunch: Borchelli Ristorante 📍 13 Bath Lane (⚠️ The other location is closed!) Garlic bread 🥖 (soft & flavorful!) Pasta 🍝 & risotto 🍲 (decent, not mind-blowing) 50 AUD trio platter (huge portion—lasted us 3 meals! 😂) Missed the tiramisu 🍰 (too full!) Alternative: Thai food if you’re over "white people food" 🗺️ Itinerary: 1️⃣ Bendigo Art Gallery Paris-themed exhibition (paid, but gallery itself is free) Student discounts available! Bonus: The walk from lunch passed a stunning fountain ⛲ and adorable vintage shops (perfect for photos & shopping!). 2️⃣ Poppet Head Lookout Closed that day 😢 (normally offers panoramic town views) 3️⃣ Sacred Heart Cathedral 3:00 PM sunlight ☀️ through stained glass = heavenly vibes (felt like ascending to the afterlife 😇) 4️⃣ Rosalind Park A serene walk with lovely winter scenery. 5️⃣ Yi Yuan Chinese Garden Tiny but magical—sitting in a pavilion overlooking Bendigo felt surreal. Who built this slice of China in rural Australia? 🤯 6️⃣ Back to Melbourne Missed our train 🚂 → waited an hour (check timetables!!) 📣 Verdict: Exceeded expectations! A chill yet vibrant town—great for vintage shopping, architecture, and lazy exploration. Wear comfy shoes 👟 (you’ll walk a lot). #MelbourneDayTrip #BendigoWinter #VintageShopping #SacredHeartCathedral #TravelAustralia #MissedMyTrainButWorthIt ❄️✨