By Rama Gaind.
Balgownie Estate Bendigo has the choice of homestead or glamping tent accommodation – to ensure there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
Ernestine Carter, an influential fashion journalist of the 1950s and 1960s, wrote: “It is given to a fortunate few to be born at the right time, in the right place, with the right talents. In recent fashion there are three: Chanel, Dior, and Mary Quant”.
It’s said fashion is a manifestation of human art and communication. It helps us to artistically communicate who we are, where we have been, who we want to be and where we are going. The convergence of art and fashion is symbiotic. Everything that exists and surrounds us is a product of the society we live in.
Why not make the best of an opportunity where you combine fashion, travel and relaxation. You will be able to do just that, if you book the winter indulgence package on offer and stay at the Balgownie Estate Bendigo, in Victoria. The estate is Bendigo’s oldest working winery established in 1969 and home of boutique Balgownie wines.
When you stay there, you also have the opportunity to visit the Bendigo Art Gallery, for free, and view a retrospective exhibition – Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary – on the iconic British fashion designer Dame Mary Quant.
Bendigo Art Gallery, founded in 1887, is one of Australia’s oldest and largest regional art galleries. The exhibition, which is open until 11 July, brings together over 110 garments as well as accessories, cosmetics, sketches, photographs and even Quant’s own line of fashion dolls, known as Daisy dolls, a rival to Barbie. It explores the years between 1955 and 1975, when Mary Quant revolutionised the high street, harnessing the youthful spirit of the sixties and new mass production techniques to create a new look for women.
Balgownie Estate Bendigo’s winter indulgence package is available from June 1 to August 31, 2021.
The British fashion icon became an instrumental figure in the 1960s London-based mod and youth fashion movements. She was one of the designers who took credit for the miniskirt and hotpants, and by promoting these and other fun fashions she encouraged young people to dress to please themselves and to treat fashion as a game.
Quant personified the energy and fun of swinging London and was a powerful role model for working women. Challenging conventions, she popularised the miniskirt, colourful tights and tailored trousers – encouraging a new age of feminism.
Ahead of her time in marketing and promotion, Quant herself was the embodiment of the label. Her distinctive, photogenic style and playful energy made her the ultimate ambassador for the brand. From small boutique to international label, Quant revolutionised fashion with energy, flair and rebellion.
Balgownie package
Recently, there was a prestigious win for the Balgownie Estate Bendigo when it received the ‘Best Cellar Door with Food & Accommodation’ award in Australia – at the Gourmet Traveller WINE’S 10th Annual Best Cellar Door Awards.
Visit the Bendigo Art Gallery to view Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary, a retrospective exhibition on the iconic British fashion designer Dame Mary Quant.
The estate is a 33-hectare winery, retreat and restaurant property overlooking Myer’s Creek at Maiden Gully. It is a two-hour drive from Melbourne CBD (10-minutes from central Bendigo).
The estate’s well-furnished homestead accommodation offers unique, country hospitality, coupled with contemporary and luxurious style. Alternatively, you can opt for a unique experience in one of Balgownie’s luxurious glamping tents. Indulge in gourmet food and fresh seasonal local produce by Chef Luke Hards in the restaurant. Discover the extensive wine cellar selections. Enjoy the stunning views of the vineyard and the natural beauty of the Bendigo region – all less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne.
Starting at $190.80 per night and available for stays between 1 June and 31 August 2021, the package offers one night’s accommodation, breakfast at Balgownie Estate’s onsite restaurant and a bottle of Balgownie’s very-own Black Label Shiraz – on arrival.
Go sightseeing
As you escape to Victoria’s central goldfields region, also take the time to discover (or re-discover) Bendigo. Hit the road and explore your own backyard.
Steeped in history, art abounds in Bendigo and the city’s 2019 designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is an Australian first. It recognises the creativity and uniqueness of Bendigo’s thriving food and wine scene, and the strong community behind it.
Balgownie Estate is Bendigo’s oldest working winery established in 1969. The 33-hectare winery, retreat and restaurant property overlooks Myer’s Creek at Maiden Gully, 10 minutes from central Bendigo.
Originally a gold rush boom town, Bendigo is famous for its potteries and there’s even a gold mine you can tour. Hop-on and hop-off Bendigo Tramways offer tranquil touring, while you sit back and enjoy the views from a vintage tram car.
The flora and fauna at Bendigo’s Botanic Gardens is a must-see for those who love gardens, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral is a wonderful example of English Gothic architecture.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is one of the most educational attractions. It’s a unique spot offering a guided, subterranean tour of a historical mine, plus a gold panning activity. Explore the hidden underground tunnels and transport yourself to gold rush days of the 1900s.
Whatever options you choose – an underground mine adventure, sightseeing in Bendigo and the surrounds or learning more about a British icon – you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
As well, you may realise that style is a reflection of one’s attitude and personality. As Yves Saint Laurent said: “Fashions fade. Style is eternal.”
DETAILS BOX
Balgownie Estate Bendigo
46 Hermitage Rd, Maiden Gully VIC 3551
www.balgownieestatebendigo.com
Bendigo Art Gallery
42 View Street, Bendigo
