Wanting another reason to visit central Victoria to cycle or walk the O’Keefe Rail Trail? As well as the peaceful off-road natural environment of the rail trail, Heathcote, Axedale and Bendigo have much more to offer.

Vahland Fountain and Pall Mall. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

Vahland Fountain and Pall Mall. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

Bendigo has a number of iconic buildings, many from the 19th century gold rush era. Take a stroll around the CBD by night, see the city’s attractions light up the past and present.

Conservatory Gardens Bendigo. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

Conservatory Gardens Bendigo. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

 

Former Bendigo GPO, Pall Mall Bendigo. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

Pall Mall, Bendigo. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

 

Bendigo Town Hall. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

Bendigo Town Hall. 6 Mar 2017. Photo: G.Long

 

Axedale has now become the half way stop off point from the trail. If the Axedale Tavern’s quirky rooms with old photos on the walls could speak, many stories from the past would and can come to life while having a meal and a drink! Of course the Platypus Compass, located on the trail, is definitely worth a selfie!

Platypus Compass, River Reserve, Axedale Photo: G.Long

Platypus Compass, River Reserve, Axedale Photo: G.Long

 

Heathcote area is a wine makers delight, as it is ‘shiraz’ country plus many other varieties of wine locally produced. Boutique wineries and accommodation, cellar doors, restaurants, cafes and bakeries, there is even a locally milled natural timber rail trail shelter.

Heathcote Wine Hub 11 June 2016. Photo Lyn Furneaux

Heathcote Wine Hub 11 June 2016. Photo Lyn Furneaux

 

The Lions Club of Heathcote's O'Keefe Rail Trail shelter, 3 Jan 2016. Photo: Daryl Dedman

The Lions Club of Heathcote’s O’Keefe Rail Trail shelter, 3 Jan 2016. Photo: Daryl Dedman