We were going to just pass through Bendigo, but that didn’t happen. We got to town and discovered it was so beautiful. The old buildings, the gardens, everything. We decided to stay at the caravan park just out of town (a Big 4) but on the way there we chose to stay at the Showgrounds given it was very late and we would not get our “value for money” at the van park and would go there tomorrow. Early.
The Showgrounds weren’t the best but we met some very lovely people there. One lot from Newcastle just come off the boat from Tassie – so they had lots to tell us about. Another from Sunny Coast who didn’t mind a yarn either! The Monster Trucks were coming so for promotional purposes they had a few on display at the Showgrounds, so we got up close and personal.
We packed up in the morning and headed for Gold Nugget Big 4, chosen by the boys.
Upon check in I read a sign that said “Welcome crew from Discover Downunder”. Meant nothing to me. And ahead in the check in line were two blokes (camera man and sound man, so I was to find out later) in front of me from Discover Downunder.
We started chatting, as I do best, and he did say that if we were to hang around another day we might be on tv. I smiled and ended the conversation saying “Well if you need someone to test out any tourist attractions come and find me – I am with the car with the blue boat on top!”
We left the kids at the van park and Rod and I went down town. Alone. Oh it was so nice to walk around and look at whatever we wanted without kids. We even decided to have a hot lunch date at this Malaysian place. $8 for main dish, rice and can of softdrink. It was yummy. Poor kids.
The buildings were beautiful and old. There was a lovely waterfall piece in the centre of town and a tram line running through the middle of the main street. Just near town was the most incredible looking churches built in the late 1800s I think. Rod and I went inside. Not only did the steeple stand out for miles the finishes on the church were amazing beyond the time in which they were built. Inside there was a stain glass piece that covered the entire top balcony where the pipe organ and choir would be. The roof had time carvings and all the chairs that the priest and that sat on were of intricate detail. AMAZING!
Returning to home the boys went for a swim, don’t worry it was heated. I made some muffins, we potted around and just chilled out.
The next day we took the boys down town to show them some beautiful buildings; they were not interested. The other building we looked at was the Court House. Timber staircase, big heavy doors, stain glass, patterns in the roof – sensational. The Attorney General was also there the day we were. No idea who he was though. Lol.
We returned from our adventures and met our new friend John, who had parked up next door. While he was over having a chat the Producer, Melissa Fletcher, came over and asked if we would like to be on tv and if the kids could be filmed. WELL OF COURSE!
So chat, chat, chat, little bit of work, met Tim Smith (comedian and now host of show) chat, chat, chat, met Mark & ?? (camera man and sound man) chat, chat, chat, learnt that the car they were driving, black Land Rover Discovery, was the exact same one as the Queen was in, worth about $270K! Rod went for a drive around the park in it, I sat in the back, it was all very exciting. Eventually we got interviewed. We also organised nibbles for that afternoon. The boys were even given go karts for the afternoon to say thanks and we got caravan magazines.
After filming and before nibbles we met up with John again who showed us all of his goodies (gems, gold and coins) he had found over the years. He even gave the boys some (you could imagine their enthusiasm – NOT). They were so rude. He was so nice sharing many photos and stories with us about his life and kids.
We re-grouped for nibbles in their accommodation. Many hours and laughs later we left with lots of top spots to see in WA & SA. Hopefully we will cross paths again along the Great Ocean Road – watch this space to see!
The next day we began packing up with all good intentions of going and watching the crew film in front of the Chinese Museum; the other host Brooke had turned up too. It took a while between chatting and checking out their rig (a loan caravan from Majestic).
We eventually made it down to the Chinese Museum and watched a little filming – it was all very exciting.
PHOTOS: Bendigo
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