Bendigo totally took me by surprise. I hadn't ventured much out of Melbourne (except to Portsea and Daylesford) so I used the Grace Kelly Exhibit as an excuse for a road trip. The exhibit itself is wonderful. I love that Grace was such a huge champion of wearing things more than once. If you buy something fabulous that you love, why shouldn't you wear it over and over again, year after year? Two issues I had with the exhibit though a) it is much too dark in there and b) the crowds. Despite timed entry it was absolutely overstuffed with people and a definitely got the sense that the person standing behind me was hurrying mealong. I would have loved to have been able to sit and watch the home video footage. Perhaps I will go back on a weekday?
If you get the opportunity to go to Bendigo, do make a reservation for a long lazy lunch at Wine Bank On View - wonderful food and great service. And being in the country, nobody will hurry you up. The restaurant is housed in an old bank building, built in 1876.
Bendigo is such a charming little city with rich history and significance. It's a very easy 2 hour drive from Melbourne. Will definitely be back...
