Remembrance Drive

For the tourists and Swifties of the world

Just 15 minutes northwest of the town of Ballarat, Remembrance Drive is a place of honour for the men and women who enlisted their services during World War 1. Although built as an honourary tribute, the road and its surrounds could be a future Swiftie hotspot. Especially for those heading towards Melbourne for Taylor Swift's Era's Tour.

Driving down this road in the late summer of February 2023, on my way to Melbourne, I was astonished at the folklore and evermore aesthetic it presented me with. From Cardigan Village and Lodge (Cardigan) to Windermere Hotel, Ridge, School, area and Lake Burrumbeet (The Lakes); and the Avenue of Honour (Epiphany/The Great War), who couldn't become lost in it? But I'm not here to talk about the worldbuilding of the Swiftie-verse. Let's discover more about this Timeless stretch of road.

The Road

The Courier

Remembrance Drive is Australia's longest Avenue of Honour. Stretching 22km, 3771 trees were planted down the road on the 3rd of June 1917, with a plaque situated beneath each tree in dedication to the numerous men and women who enlisted their time and services during WW1. Initially, 23 different species of trees were planted down this stretch of road, many of which were traditional "European' or exotic deciduous trees that were quite popular during that time such as various species of Ash, Oak, Maple, Adler, Birch, Lime, Poplar and Elm. Unfortunately, many of these trees perished and a new planting was undertaken with Quercus and Fraxinus varieties.

Cardigan Lodge and Future Village

Tripadvisor

Found alongside the historic Remembrance Drive, Cardigan Lodge Motel provides not only accommodation but hospitality. Settled amongst the peaceful sprawling fields of Western Ballarat, the Lodge offers repose whilst still being close to the Ballarat city centre.

All are welcome at Cardigan Lodge including singles, couples, twins, family, sporting clubs, bus groups, social clubs, AFL supporters, Seniors, Friends who travel together, golfers and more.

Just 10 minutes from the Arch of Victory along Remembrance Drive, the Cardigan Lodge is no more than a 15-minute drive from Ballarat's closest shopping centre with cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and medical centres.

With 27 fully refurbished spacious suites, the Lodge only has one level with easy access to motel amenities including tennis courts and playgrounds.

Ballarat has plenty on offer for tourists to explore including Sovereign Hill, Wildlife Parks, theatres, cinemas, shopping, weekend markets, golf courses, cycling, tennis courts and more. Cardigan Lodge is also a great place to explore the Great Victorian Southern Touring Route, with day trips to Melbourne, the Grampians, Great Ocean Road, Shipwreck Coast, Geelong, wine regions, the Golden Triangle, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.

With years of experience in providing warm and friendly services, the Cardigan Lodge can't wait to welcome you with open arms. The Cardigan Village plan has been proposed for 2040.

Windermere

Wikipedia

A rural locality just 15km north-west of Ballarat on the railway line to Ararat. Most likely named after the English Lakes District of Windemere, it was known as The Bridges up til 1865.

Windemere has been related to Burrumbeet to the west and Cardigan to the south. Situated along the railway line to Ararat, the station and goods shed were established between 1885 and 1889.

In the 1860's a school opened in Windemere for the almost Presbyterian farming population. In 1909, its name was changed to Cardigan. Closer to Burrumbeet, a second school was renamed Windemere. The Hotel is somewhat renovated, being on the old Western Highway at Cardigan Village.

So, if you're going to be passing Remembrance Drive on your way to Taylor Swift's: The Eras Tour, be sure to stop at the attractions along this folklore/evermore-inspired road.