HOW deep is your love this Valentine's Day?
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Step away from the commercialism, give up the giant teddy bears and see what central Victoria has to offer.
We have compiled a list of the various parks, lakes and community events open for you and your significant other.
MARKETS
POP-UP SHOP
Love is all you need... love, flowers and macarons.
This Valentine's Day, surprise your loved one by picking up some delicious blooms and mouthwatering macarons.
There are various macaron packs available and different sizes of flowers, perfect for anyone and everyone.
Where: Hargreaves Mall, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.
When: From 9am to 5pm.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a free performance by two of Bendigo's talented performers.
Summer in the parks will host Sherri Parry and the John Grossman Project this Valentine's Day.
These performances will make you want to get up and dance with that someone special.
For more information, phone 5434 6000.
Where: Canterbury Park Gardens, Sailors Gully Road, Eaglehawk.
When: From 6.20pm to 8.30pm.
COBB AND CO CARRIAGES
Enjoy a ride on a Cobb and Co Carriage this Friday.
This romantic ride will allow your mind to wander, thinking about your loved one and the beautiful city you're in.
Lasting about 20 minutes, you won't lose the loving feeling as you travel through the streets of Bendigo, viewing the historic sites and beautiful gardens.
Price: $70 for a Valentine's Day romantic carriage ride.
For more information email tourism@bendigo.vic.gov.au or phone 5434 6060.
Where: Sidney Myer Place, Bendigo.
When: Starting from 6pm.
BENDIGO POTTERY
We have all watched the famous scene in Ghost and imagined our hands wrapped with another's while making pottery.
Experience the history of Australia's oldest working pottery with demonstrations, hands on activities and more.
The pottery has a lot to offer with a museum, the chance to learn about production processes and machinery, the antiques and collectables centre, an art studio and the chance for a coffee or light meal during your visit.
There will be extensive sales, demonstrations, lessons and activities for lovebirds of all ages.
For more information and booking times, click here or phone 5448 4404.
Where: Bendigo Pottery, Midland Highway, Epsom.
When: See website for all details.
CENTRAL DEBORAH GOLD MINE
To many people, the Central Deborah Gold Mine might not seem like a romantic place to visit.
To those who love gold mining history and experiencing something new, it definitely can be.
Experience the mine with different levels, starting at the surface and eventually heading all the way into the darkness to 228 metres: Nine Levels of Darkness.
Explore the underground tunnels of a real gold mine and take your relationship to new depths.
For more information, click here or phone 5443 8322.
Where: 76 Violet Street, Bendigo.
When: See website for details.
MAMA KIN SPENDER AND MACAPELLA
Fill your heart with love and join Mama Kin Spender and local 40-piece choir Macapella for one night only.
Mama Kin Spender continues to captivate audiences with their duo of guitars, drums and harmonies.
This performance will also feature a chorus of singers, Macapella, which will bring the whole performance a blend of garage folk and soul.
Mama Kin Spender team up with local choirs to celebrate the sounds and feel of the places they visit.
For more details and tickets, click here.
Where: Theatre Royal, Hargreaves Street, Castlemaine..
When: From 9am to 12.30pm.
GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY
This steam train experience links the historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon.
Enjoy the scenic sights, sounds and movement of a historic steam train.
The trip can be enjoyed from your own compartment where you can open the windows, hold your partner's hands and feel the wind through your hair.
You can also book in the first class art deco and Edwardian parlour carriages for a touch of old time glamour.
Upon arriving in Maldon, you'll have a few hours to explore the streets, share a meal together and shop for that perfect gift before returning back to Castlemaine in the afternoon.
For more information and to book, click here, email info@vgr.com.au or phone 5470 6658.
Where: Kennedy Street, Castlemaine.
When: See website for all details.
TWILIGHT PICNIC
Who says romance is dead when you have children? This event is a perfect example that this is not true.
Bring the whole family to the playgroup for a picnic dinner.
Enjoy a few drinks and allow your children to play before their bedtime.
For more information, click here.
Where: Woodend Playgroup, Forest Street, Woodend.
When: From 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
PARKS AND GARDENS
CANTERBURY GARDENS
Canterbury Gardens boasts 35 acres of gorgeous historic gardens alongside the Eaglehawk Creek, with some original relics still intact.
The central feature of the gardens is the ornamental water fountain with sculptural eagles as a reminder of how Eaglehawk got its name.
The gardens are also known for their extensive Dahlia collection and colourful annual displays.
These gardens will have you believing that heaven really is a place on earth.
Where: High Street, Eaglehawk.
ROSALIND PARK
Enjoy 60 acres of grassy open spaces right in the heart of the Bendigo CBD.
Transformed during the gold rush era, Rosalind Park features leafy trees, ornate statues, a historic conservatory, fernery and much more.
Where: Gaol Road, Bendigo.
BRIDGEWARD GROVE
Bridgeward Grove is open every Wednesday or by planned appointment.
The grove features olive and olive oil tasting, seasonal preserves, art exhibitions, masterclasses and much more.
For more information and to take a stroll this Valentine's Day, phone 5432 2291.
Where: 170 Englishs Road, Goornong.
BOTANIC GARDENS
Enjoy wide open spaces and beautiful gardens at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens.
The Bendigo Botanic Garden was planned during the early days of the gold rush, with land alongside the Bendigo Creek officially set aside in 1857.
The gardens are open every day from 7.30am to sunset.
For more information, click here.
Where: Midland Highway, White Hills.
BUDA HISTORIC HOME AND GARDEN
Buda Historic Home and Garden is a great piece of heritage of the goldfields region.
The collection within the house is rotated regularly, with themed exhibitions, while the garden constantly changes with the seasons.
Displayed in the home are original fittings and furnishings, personal effects belonging to the Leviny family and a collection of decorative and fine arts.
The gardens at Buda are an example of a late 19th and early 20th century suburban garden and features many original plantings along with unique structures.
Adults $12. For tickets and information, click here.
Where: 42 Hunter Street, Castlemaine.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 5pm, Sundays 10am to 5pm. Groups by appointment.
CASTLEMAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS
Castlemaine's Botanical Gardens are the perfect place for a romantic walk around the lake.
The gardens are home to an impressive collection of native and exotic trees, centred on an ornamental lake.
The heritage-listed Castlemaine Botanical Gardens provides a glimpse of a 19th century designed landscape.
Where: Walker Street, Castlemaine.
LAVANDULA
This historic Swiss Italian farm is set on 100 acres and offers gardens and grounds for all to explore.
Take your loved one down a path with many delightful surprises awaiting you.
There are cafes, a gift shop and tours of the original farmhouse available.
For more information click here, phone 5476 4393 or email mail@lavandula.com.au
Where: 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat.
LAKES, RESERVOIRS AND WALKS
CRUSOE RESERVOIR
Crusoe Reservoir is a popular destination for cycling, walking, jogging and fishing, and this Valentine's Day, it's the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with your loved one.
Surrounded by the Greater Bendigo National Park, Crusoe Reservoir is known for its landscape, indigenous vegetation and cultural heritage.
All abilities access is available on the wide paths and there are accessible toilets, parking, tables and seating also.
Where: Crusoe Road, Kangaroo Flat.
KENNINGTON RESERVOIR
Kennington locals enjoy the reservoir for bushwalking, fishing and scenic picnic spots.
The reservoir is known for its wildlife, indigenous vegetation and walking tracks.
Where: 2 Reservoir Road, Kennington.
LAKE WEEROONA
Lake Weeroona would be one of the more popular lake parks in Bendigo.
The Lake is known for its adventure playground, various rowing activities, its flora and fauna and scenic lake.
Where: 292 Napier Street, Bendigo.
LAKE NEANGER - LAKE TOM THUMB
Located in Eaglehawk precinct and developed as a recreation area in 1883, these lakes provide a natural wilderness to explore.
The path around the lake is sealed and lit up at night, to allow all to enjoy an evening stroll.
Other features include a picnic shelter, boardwalk, tables, chairs, barbecue, skate park and play space.
Where: 20 Simpsons Road, Eaglehawk.
CREEK TRAIL
Experience Bendigo's history and various attractions by riding or walking along the Bendigo Creek Trail.
The trail heads through Crusoe Reservoir all the way to Bendigo Pottery and showcases various Bendigo icons, grand buildings and gold mining history.
For a full map and more information on the trail, click here or phone 1800 813 153.
Where: Throughout Bendigo.
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