Get Busy in Bridgewater and Surrounds

Bridgewater-on-Loddon is often called the gateway to Loddon Valley.

36k along the Calder Highway out of Bendigo, its hotel and bakery are popular touring stops.

We’re opening up the Memorial Hall for a busy exhibition and market: Crafty Arts has everything from fine-stitched embroidery, to quilts and weaving, yarn dyers, felt makers, mosaics, Bridgewater’s famous knitted berets, ceramics and even corn dollies. Nearby, in the old Railway Station building, another first: A Kind of Magic is an exhibition of the artwork of four Central Victorian children’s book illustrators. You can meet the artists, and there’s books as well as artwork on show.

A short walk back along the main street, Bridgewater plant nursery is opening up the adjacent small building for a show called Blooming, with three artists exhibiting delightful floral paintings and ceramics.

In the mood to linger a little longer in Loddon? It’s just 7ks to Inglewood, where you’re spoiled for choice, while looping back along the road to Tarnagulla (with a stop at Mal Gilmour’s studio as you leave Inglewood) you’ll find the Secret Garden of artworks in the Octopus & Bear collectables shop. Heading on to Newbridge, the Hotel is hosting well-known artist Kerry Punton alongside ceramicist Kim Saxton, for New Art in Newbridge: on Saturday Conor Park will be on site, offering tastings of their splendid range.