🇦🇺 Melbourne Winter Escape: Bendigo Day Trip ❄️🚂

🚆 Transport 9am V/Line (purple train at Southern Cross) → 11am arrival. Pro tip: Check return times—we missed ours and waited an hour! 😅 🍝 Lunch: Borchelli Ristorante 🇮🇹 📍 13 Bath Lane (the open one!) Garlic bread (soft, not dry!) + pasta trio ($50, lasted 3 meals!). Skip if craving spice—try Thai instead! 🗺️ Itinerary 1️⃣ Bendigo Art Gallery 🎨 Paris exhibition (student discounts!) + free general entry. En route: Chic vintage shops near the fountain—that lamp store! 💡✨ 2️⃣ Poppet Head Lookout 👀 Closed that day (sad!), but normally panoramic views. 3️⃣ Sacred Heart Cathedral ⛪ 3pm = golden light heaven (angelic vibes!). 4️⃣ Rosalind Park 🌳 Winter stroll magic—crunchy leaves + quiet paths. 5️⃣ Yi Yuan Chinese Garden 🏮 Tiny but touching—sitting in a pagoda, watching the Aussie sunset. Surreal! Verdict: ✅ Exceeded expectations! ✅ Art + shopping + serenity = perfect mix. ✅ 20,000 steps guaranteed—wear comfy shoes! 👟 #BendigoWinter #MelbourneDayTrips #ArtAndChill #HiddenGems #FujiFilmVibes 📸❄️