Bendemeer welcomes all visitors, campers and tourists
in whatever conveyance you travel in - please enjoy your stay
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"At
the top of the Moonbi ranges, where the Oxley Highway from Port
Macquarie meets the New England Highway, nestled on the banks
of the McDonald River, sits the village of Bendemeer.
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First
settled around the 1830's it was known then as the "Gateway
to New England" there being no other way of reaching the
Tablelands. Some of the original buildings are in still in use
and a historic walk map can be obtained from the Bowery Inn.
Today many travellers stop in the park by the river for a picnic
or to try a spot of trout fishing. At sunrise and sunset you
may climpse the platypus under the old bridge.
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There
is an active Community Development Association in Bendemeer.
Recently a working bee was held to clear a pathway and picnic
areas along the bank of the river for people to enjoy the tranquillity
and birdlife.
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At
one time there were many inns and hotels in our village. The
only hotel now operating is the Bendemeer Pub, a favourite destination
for a weekend break. Other accommodation around Bendemeer is
Farm Cottage B&B, Arlemont farmstay and the Riverside Caravan
Park,
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The
Bowery Inn now houses the Bendemeer Craft Co-operative and along
with the craft, provides morning and afternoon teas and light
lunches.
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Each
year in Bendemeer the ABCRA rodeo, the garden show and art show
are held. Every three years the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster is
celebrated. This year the Glen Innes Pipe Band led the parade
of Fergie Tractors down the main street, a spectacular sight!
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Twelve
minutes north of Bendemeer is Banalasta Visitor Centre, with
a cellar door, lavender and eucalyptus products.
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can join up to the Fossickers Way by taking the Halls Creek
Road to Manilla. Interesting geological strata can be seen in
the many cuttings along the way." |
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