🚂 Weekend Getaway from Melbourne Without a Car

📍 Bendigo Hop on the V/Line from Southern Cross Station—direct trip! (Pro tip: If you get motion sickness or travel in a group, arrive early to secure good seats!) 🎨 Relaxed & Efficient Itinerary (No Gold Mine Version) 1️⃣ Bendigo Art Gallery 🖼️ Navigate to the gallery—take the left path (no need to cross the road). Stop by Bayleaf (Greek brunch spot ☕🍰) for coffee/dessert. Walk to Alexandra Fountain ⛲—best photos at the traffic light (avoid the roundabout angle!). Enter the gallery (free entry, paid exhibitions ~$35—small space, may not be worth it). Exit through the back door—this is key! 2️⃣ Rosalind Park & Lunch 🌳🍝 The gallery’s back door leads straight to the park—great for photos! Many restaurants close by 3 PM—opt for Borchelli Ristorante (Italian, no reservation needed, but call for upstairs seating). 👍 Pasta = good | 👎 Juice = watered-down concentrate. 3️⃣ Sacred Heart Cathedral ⛪✨ Stunning architecture! Walk up the grand slope for epic photos. Circle the exterior before entering—ethereal light inside (photography allowed, stay quiet). 4️⃣ Tram Tour 🚋 ($15, buy online or on-site) Check tram times! Two options: A. 2:41 PM (Southbound) Route: 1️⃣Gold Mine (skip) → 2️⃣CBD → 3️⃣Tram Depot → 4️⃣Lake Weeroona → (optional stops) → back to CBD. B. 3:15 PM (Northbound) Route: 2️⃣CBD → 3️⃣Tram Depot → 4️⃣Lake Weeroona → (optional stops) → return. Be mindful of departure times—trams may run late! 5️⃣ Lake Weeroona 🌊🚶 Walk clockwise around the lake—serene & relaxing. Note tram return times to avoid missing your ride back! 6️⃣ Conservatory Gardens (Optional) 🌸 📌 Check P17 & 18 for tram maps & schedules. Stay flexible & enjoy! 😊 #MelbourneLife #StudyAbroad #Bendigo #TravelMelbourne #WeekendVibes