Bendemeer
At the peak of the Moonbi Range is the vibrant village of Bendemeer.
First settled in the 1830's, Bendemeer was known as the Gateway to New England because its river crossing provided the only route to the tablelands. A bridge was built over the river in 1874 while the now disused timber truss bridge dates back from 1904.
Situated just off the New England Highway, the town hugs the banks of the trout-infested MacDonald River and is a convenient and quiet stop-over on the inland driving route, between Sydney and Brisbane.
The renowned Bendemeer Hotel is situated on the banks of the MacDonald River where visitors can sit back and enjoy a meal, or stay a night in this traditional two storey Federation Hotel.
The Old Bowery Inn in Caroline Street is a community cooperative hosting a wonderful collection of arts and craft, serving morning tea and light lunches each day and run by an army of hard working and enthusiastic volunteers. If you're feeling creative, stay a while and participate in one of their art or craft workshops.
Bendemeer has several festivals and events to fill the year's calendar including the ‘Annual Australian Bushmen's Campdraft Rodeo Association Rodeo'. 2008 saw the return of ‘The Colours of the Autumn Bendemeer Art and Craft Exhibition', after a two year absence and is now planned to resume each year in April.
If you are lucky to catch this event then it is well worth the wait because every three years the ‘Grey Fergie Tractor Muster' is celebrated in Bendemeer, with the next one anticipated for 2009. Hundreds of proud tractor owners gather to compare and show off their classic tractors and old style motors.
Fifteen minutes north of Bendemeer is Banalasta, a unique property where there's a lavender farm, the worlds largest certifies organic eucalyptus radiata plantation and vineyard producing wine under the Bickling Estate. Banalasta exports its oils to Japan, Germany and Hong Kong and there is a display of eight different types of lavender a short walk from the visitors centre.
Bendemeer is conveniently located just off the New England Highway so it is easily accessible to those who wish to discover the pleasant surroundings and intriguing history of this scenic little village.