Victoria… I’m getting more and more drawn to you. Not fully, though. There are some voids that are waiting to be filled here. Maybe you can give me something like Bendigo. Your fourth-largest inland city throughout the country and your fourth-most populous city.
Well, when I heard of the word ‘Bendigo’, I didn’t think it’s a catchy name. Until the day I was there…
I have friends who currently stay there for work. They’ve been there for a year, I reckon. We met up in the CBD and they told us how they usually get to Melbourne. They drive but they always take the train that cost $10/trip. So they spend $20 for a round trip. At first I wasn’t interested but that day, I was confused of how to spend the day off, so my husband and I decided to go to Bendigo.
We took the train from Southern Cross Station. My husband was very sure we had to purchase a particular ticket. So to make sure, I asked the officer. She said we only need Myki card. I rolled my eyes to my husband. He asks me to ask people most of the time when he’s in doubt. Why doesn’t he ask by himself? I’m also lazy to interact with people most of the time.
Anyway, we got on to the train. It’s a different one with the one I ride in the city. The long distance train is more comfortable with softer chairs. There are folding tables like the ones on a plane where we can put our meals. The trip was smooth with beautiful sights along the way. The officer checked our Myki cards aboard.
It was quite a long ride. We arrived at Bendigo after 2 hours. But I didn’t feel like it’s a long journey. I always love being on a train because the view is amazing! When I walked out of Bendigo Station, I almost forgot to tap off. There’s no gate like in the Southern Cross so people are easily deceived by the invisible gate.
To be honest, I was confused when I got there. I didn’t have any specific destinations. So from the station, the first place I went to was Coles. I needed some snacks and water before walking around. After Coles, my husband and I just wandered around the city. I forgot what we searched for on Google Maps, I think it’s ‘Bendigo central’ or something. And yes, we ended up at the central.
We saw some beautiful buildings there and took a bunch of photos. There were some tourists as well. It was a public holiday, Anzac Day, that commemorated Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served. There are a lot of bouquets surrounding the monument at Bendigo Military Museum.
Right behind the building there’s a huge park. Just an ordinary park. We can find one everywhere in Australia. But autumn made it more special than the other parks. I don’t know why but the park was magical. Maybe because of the fallen leaves? Or the color of the trees? Or the cold weather? I don’t know. Everything completed each other. Plus, there’s a cute couple walking hand in hand.
I walked all the way through Rosalind Park and the next spot I found was also quite interesting. Too bad it’s closed on public holidays so I couldn’t see what’s inside the building. Taking photos in front of it is not a bad idea, though.
After spending some time at the Chinese Garden, my husband and I walked aimlessly towards the station. Oh yes, we were heading back. It was short, wasn’t it? Next time, I’ll probably spare a night or two to explore Bendigo more. But that day was enough for me to fall in love with the city. I mean, look at the photo below. It was still in the area of Rosalind Park at golden hour. I don’t know if it’s just me but every time I look at the photo, it gives me a magical feeling.
And let me show you something that amazed me at the time. It’s just a random tree by the side of the road. The color mixed perfectly with the sunlight. I’m so blessed to be alive to see this kind of view. We have to be grateful of every little things, don’t we?
That’s it. I hope you find this short article interesting. I’ll be back for more!
