About
About Bendigo
Nestled in the heart of Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country, Bendigo unfolds a timeless story against the picturesque backdrop of native bushland and the Box-Ironbark Forest. Dating back to pre-European settlement, this region boasts lush landscapes, granite hills, and fertile soil – an ancestral home for the Djaara people. The Box-Ironbark Forest, a living testament to Bendigo’s profound connection with nature, silently witnesses the city’s evolution, embodying resilience in both nature and community.
In the tranquil embrace of the original native bushland, Bendigo’s captivating story intertwines the gold rush of 1851 with architectural marvels of the late 19th century. Today, as one of Australia’s largest inland cities, Bendigo seamlessly integrates its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and modern growth against the enduring backdrop of native bushland and the Box-Ironbark Forest. Embark on a journey through Bendigo’s remarkable narrative, where history and natural splendour converge in harmonious allure, unveiling tales of bygone eras and flourishing landscapes.
Weather
Explore Bendigo’s seasons through the eyes of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung People which comprised of six distinct seasons
Budjan-Tarr (Dry Season)
From December to March, Barramul (emu) time signifies the dry season, characterised by hot and arid weather in Bendigo. Emus pair up and lay their eggs during this period, amid the scorching sun.
Djilak-Djalak (Butterfly Season)
In April, during Ngaari (duck) time, the weather begins to cool slightly as autumn approaches. This season is marked by courtship and nest-making among ducks, coinciding with the emergence of butterflies and the opportunity to forage for Murnong (yam daisy).
Wai-kalk (Golden Wattle) Season
From May to June, Wai-kalk time experiences cooler temperatures in Bendigo. This is when the golden wattle blooms, signalling the onset of winter. It’s also a suitable time for crafting wooden tools like the datim-datim (boomerang) in the brisk air.
Gatjin (Water) Season
June to August is Gatjin time, representing winter in Bendigo. Historically aligned with rain and water abundance, this season fills waterholes and causes creeks and rivers to overflow, creating a picturesque scene in the cooler months.
Lawan (Mallee Fowl) and Murnong (Yam Daisy) Season
Spanning September through October, this period marks the transition to spring in Bendigo. The weather warms as Lawan create nests and lay eggs. It’s also a time for collecting seeds and tubers from plants like the Murnong, symbolising the rejuvenation of flora and fauna.
Wirrap (Cod) and Giranul (Perch) Season:
From November into December, Wirrap and Giranul time corresponds to late spring and early summer in Bendigo. The weather warms up further, coinciding with the fish laying their eggs and the availability of kangaroo grass seed for harvest, symbolising the vibrant life of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the region.
Behind the design
Located in the heart of Bendigo, our lodges artfully encapsulate the charm of a wooden-clad Australian barn house, seamlessly woven into the tapestry of our local Box-Ironbark Forest setting. Designed to harmonise with the urban landscape, our lodge establishes an authentic connection to nature, with expansive windows welcoming natural light and providing glimpses of our lush native garden. What sets Bendigo Lodges apart is our unwavering commitment to sustainability, as our retreat operates exclusively on renewable solar energy, features materials with a minimal environmental footprint and a regenerative native garden which showcases plants from our local Box-Ironbark Forest.
To our guests, Bendigo Lodges is more than a sustainable boutique lodge; it’s a retreat, a hotel, a B&B, and a testament to our commitment to sustainable design principles. We eschew labels, valuing the unique experience our lodge offers. We extend an invitation to our guests to immerse themselves in our personalised accommodations and see Bendigo beyond its gold mining heritage, embracing the city’s multifaceted identity.
Sustainability at the core
Bendigo Lodges embodies our commitment to sustainable living, seamlessly integrating eco-conscious design into every facet of our lodges. From the initial architectural blueprint, crafted by our local builder to capture the essence of the Box-Ironbark Forest, to our daily operations, sustainability remains at our core.
Our lodges, fully powered by renewable solar energy and supported by cutting-edge Tesla Powerwall batteries, operate with a minimal environmental impact. In our dedication to community and environmental stewardship, we collaborate with Australian designers and prioritise sourcing produce and materials from nearby suppliers, effectively reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a profound connection to our local community. At Bendigo Lodges, sustainability is not just a goal – it’s ingrained in every detail of our eco-conscious approach.
