Things to do & see

 The Bridgewater River Walk in Bridgewater-on-Loddon, Victoria, follows the picturesque Loddon River. The town has a rich history, with remnants of its past visible along the trail. You can explore the swimming hole, fishing area, and picnic spot near the weir. The island walk offers beautiful views of cascading rapids, River Red Gums, and the still-operational flour mill. On the eastern bank, stroll along the Loddon River, popular for water skiing, and admire wooden figures carved into the foreshore. The Bullabul track connects Bridgewater to Inglewood, passing through diverse environments and historic sites. Both towns offer attractions worth exploring. 

The idea to build a Great Stupa on the property in Bendigo was the vision of Lama Thubten Yeshe. The idea to base the design of the stupa on the Great Stupa of Gyantse, was the vision of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa were the founders of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, being built near Bendigo Australia, is 50 metres square at its base and nearly 50 metres high. This makes it the largest stupa in the Western World.

https://stupa.org.au/self-guided

 The Eucalyptus Distillery in Inglewood refers to a distillery located in the town of Inglewood, Victoria. 

The Eucalyptus Distillery is known for producing various products derived from eucalyptus trees, particularly eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of eucalyptus trees and has numerous uses, including as an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cleaning products, and aromatherapy.

The distillery likely utilizes a distillation process to extract the essential oil from the eucalyptus leaves. Distillation involves heating the leaves to release the volatile oils, which are then condensed and collected.

https://www.eucymuseum.com.au/

 Kooyoora State Park is a beautiful natural park covers an area of approximately 11,084 hectares. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and recreational opportunities.

Within Kooyoora State Park, you can find the prominent Kooyoora Mountain, which is the park's main feature. Kooyoora Mountain offers breathtaking views from its summit, and there are several walking tracks and trails that allow visitors to explore the area. The park is also home to various granite rock formations, including huge boulders and outcrops, which add to its scenic appeal.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the park's diverse ecosystem, which provides habitats for several species. You may encounter kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species as you explore the park.

Kooyoora State Park offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as bushwalking, picnicking, birdwatching, and nature photography. There are designated picnic areas with facilities for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings. It's advisable to check for any park regulations or restrictions before visiting.

 Melville Caves is a popular natural attraction located within Kooyoora State Park in Victoria, Australia. The caves are a significant feature of the park and offer visitors a unique and interesting experience.

Melville Caves are a series of granite caves and rock formations nestled within the bushland of Kooyoora State Park. These caves have been formed through millions of years of weathering and erosion, resulting in fascinating rock formations, crevices, and caverns.

The caves are known for their cultural and historical significance to the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the traditional custodians of the land. They hold cultural and spiritual importance and are associated with ancient stories and traditions.

Visitors to Melville Caves can explore the area by following a network of walking tracks that lead to the various cave formations. The tracks offer different levels of difficulty, allowing both casual visitors and more experienced hikers to enjoy the caves. It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution while exploring the caves and their surroundings.

Aside from the caves themselves, the area surrounding Melville Caves provides scenic vistas of the surrounding countryside, offering stunning views from elevated vantage points.

 Within a 50km radius of Bridgewater-on-Loddon, there are several wineries where you can enjoy wine tastings and explore the vineyards. Here are a few wineries that are located nearby:

1. Water Wheel Vineyards (Bendigo, approximately 13km away): Water Wheel Vineyards is known for producing premium wines, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. They have a cellar door where you can taste their wines and learn about their winemaking process.
2. Harcourt Valley Vineyards (Harcourt, approximately 24km away): Harcourt Valley Vineyards offers a range of cool-climate wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Their cellar door provides tastings, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the vineyards and Mount Alexander.
3. Glenwillow Wines (Eddington, approximately 34km away): Glenwillow Wines is a family-owned winery specializing in cool-climate wines. They produce a variety of wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Their cellar door offers wine tastings and sales.
4. Shelmerdine Vineyards (Mia Mia, approximately 37km away): Shelmerdine Vineyards is known for its premium cool-climate wines, particularly their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They have a cellar door where you can taste their wines and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
5. Sutton Grange Winery (Sutton Grange, approximately 40km away): Sutton Grange Winery focuses on producing organic and biodynamic wines. They offer a range of wines, including Shiraz, Sangiovese, and Viognier. Their cellar door provides tastings, and they also have a café on-site.