It’s countdown to the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair and people are encouraged to plan ahead to make it easier to travel to and from the event during the long Easter weekend.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said residents and visitors needed to be aware about the road closures this weekend.
“We want to encourage the community to take a few minutes to think about how they plan to get to and from the festival and take on board the changes, such as the longer road closures close to the parade route and Easter activities,” Mr Karamaloudis said.
“One notable change will be the longer closure at Pall Mall from Alexandra Fountain to Bridge Street from 6am Friday April 15 until 6pm Monday April 18.
“With the Sherridon Homes Torchlight Parade and fireworks taking place on Sunday evening and the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade on Easter Monday, road closures close to the parades have been extended from 6am on Sunday until 6pm on Monday April 18.
“It also means some selected roads will be closed in the festival precinct at different times over the weekend and some may be closed for longer than in previous years. Detours will be in place.
“I encourage people to view our comprehensive road closure map on the Bendigo Easter Festival website so you can stay informed about how to travel to and from the Easter Fair.
“Local residents and businesses affected by the road closures have also received letters explaining the changes along with a map.
“The road closures are taking place to meet the needs of staging a special community event and to accommodate the influx of thousands of visitors to the city centre. Every effort is being made to make our exciting homegrown event run smoothly and safely.
“I wish to thank residents and businesses in advance for their understanding and patience, and for considering these temporary road closures during the long holiday weekend.
“If you have accessibility issues, I would encourage you to plan ahead so that you know where suitable parking is available. These are highlighted on the map. Disability parking permits should always be displayed if you are using these parking spaces.
“Along the parade route there will be designated viewing areas for people using motorised scooters and wheelchairs.”
These areas will be clearly signed, please be considerate and keep these areas clear.
- View Street (at the Mackenzie Street intersection)
- Alexandra Fountain
- Pall Mall (near Shamrock Hotel)
- Pall Mall (Easter Fair Way intersection, formerly known as Bridge Street)
- McCrae Street (Chapel/Bridge Street intersection)
Several car parks will have accessible parking (parade times only) which are marked on the accessibility Easter map.
- McCrae Street (near Chapel/Bridge Street intersection)
- Mitchell Street (Pall Mall end)
- Mackenzie Street (View Street end)
- Bath Lane (access via Mitchell Street)
Additional accessible toilet facilities will be in place throughout the festival precinct which are detailed in the accessibility map on the website.
Both multi storey car parks will be open free of charge for the whole weekend. Hargreaves Street Multi Storey Car Park will be open from 7am to midnight Friday to Sunday, and 7am to 7.30pm on Easter Monday. Edward Street Multi Storey Car Park will be open from 7am to 10pm Friday to Sunday, and from 7am to 7.30pm on Easter Monday.
Some car parks will be closed at various times throughout the festival, those affected include Queen Elizabeth Oval Car Park, Tom Flood Sports Centre, Mundy Street Car Park and McCrae Street Car Park. Bicycle parking is available in Rosalind Park (marked on the map).
Bendigo Tramways has a Park ‘n’ Ride shuttle tram on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Please visit their website for the timetable. You can catch the tram from Central Deborah Gold Mine, Lake Weeroona, Tysons Reef Hotel or Bendigo Joss House. Public transport will operate over the long weekend, however some bus routes will be affected due to road closures.
For more details on road closures, accessibility options and parking, please visit: https://www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au
