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Tony Ellwood,National Gallery of Victoria director.Credit:Luis Enrique

National Gallery of Victoria's Director,Tony Ellwood shares his favourite getaway spot.

What's your go-to destination for a weekend away?

Bendigo,in Victoria's Goldfields.

Where do you stay?

At theFountain View – boutique apartments in a stunning Victorian-era building. It's within walking distance of theBendigo Art Gallery and the beautiful gardens of Rosalind Park,two of my favourite places.

Why do you love it?

Bendigo is an easy drive from Melbourne and offers a wonderful blend of historic architecture with a vibrant contemporary art and design community.

How long have you been going there and who with?

I spent many of my younger years in Bendigo and my parents still live there,so I like to visit when I can. In 1996,I returned as director of the art gallery and I still have many friends there.

A favourite memory?

Seeing in the New Year in central Bendigo around the famous Alexandra fountain.

What's your go-to eatery?

Rocks on Rosalind offers an interesting selection of modern Australian cuisine,incorporating the region's produce. Like many of my favourite places in Bendigo,it is set within a stunning,heritage-listed building.

Best coffee?

I don't drink coffee,but the peppermint tea is always good at Cafe El Beso on View Street.

Your favourite local secret?

Gillies pies.

What does a quick getaway mean to you and why?

Art is central to my life;I don't see it as work. I like to visit Victoria's regional galleries,especially when I can take my time.

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