Best Towns Near Melbourne for Maple Leaf Viewing & Fun! 🍁

Bendigo is truly a hidden gem ✨ Just a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, this town boasts old European architecture and a vibrant festival culture. If you're free during the April Easter holidays, don’t miss their annual: 🎉 Easter Festival & Autumn Leaves Season � ⛩️ Bendigo Easter Festival When? April 18-21 Where? Rosalind Park & City Centre ✔️ April 18 🥚 Giant Easter Egg Hunt 85,000 hidden eggs scattered around the park—perfect for kids! � ✔️ April 19 🧨 Dragon Awakening Ceremony (11:00 AM) Traditional lion dances + 100,000 firecrackers—so epic! 🎆 🎮 Sonic Meet & Greet + Petting Zoo Great for photos & fun interactions! ✨ Torchlight Parade + Fireworks (7:00 PM) A must-see night spectacle—stay overnight for the full experience! ✔️ April 20 🐉 Grand Parade (12:30 PM) Featuring the world’s longest imperial dragon—"The Great Golden Dragon"—pure hype! 🎊 ✔️ April 21 Chill vibes with art galleries, markets, or a leisurely tram ride through town. ⚠️ Most events are FREE! (Only a few require tickets.) 🍁 Bendigo Autumn Leaves Season When? April-May (whole season!) The town turns into a real-life painting—every corner is Insta-worthy! 📸 ✨ Rosalind Park Vintage trams glide through golden tunnels—time-travel vibes! ✨ Lake Weeroona Lakeside strolls + falling leaves = perfect relaxation. ✨ Maple Valley (30-40min drive) A dreamy gradient of red, orange & yellow—great for photos & vlogs! ✨ Bendigo Botanic Gardens Arches, lawns, and autumn hues—ideal for picnics & chillouts. ✨ Pro Tips ✨ ✔️ Plan a 2-day trip to enjoy both festivals & foliage. ✔️ Check the schedule in advance to catch key events. ✔️ Perfect for families, couples & friends—fun & photogenic! That’s all, folks! 🚗💨 #AustraliaTravel #MelbourneEvents #BendigoEaster #LifeInAustralia #DayTripsMelbourne #FamilyTravel