Free school holiday fun with Imaginary Jungle

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Hargreaves Mall will be buzzing with free children’s activities during the school holidays including an augmented reality experience Imaginary Jungle, bringing a vibrant playground of sound, colour and creativity to the Mall.

Locals and visitors are invited to discover a trail of six augmented reality jungle scenes as part of Imaginary Jungle. The free experience for families features quirky, surprising and never-before-seen creatures and plants. Using your device, you can explore an evolving landscape brought to life through soundscape, animated video and augmented reality.

Imaginary Jungle will also have a unique live projected digital puppet show with original live music on Saturday April 18 at 6pm in Hargreaves Mall.

Created by Bendigo artist Paul Fletcher, Imaginary Jungle has been supported by the City of Greater Bendigo to enliven the city centre through creativity and community participation.

Artist and creator Paul Fletcher said he hoped the project would spark joy and curiosity in the community.

“The project includes soundscape, animated video, augmented reality, participatory workshops and a live projected digital puppet show and music performance.

“My inspiration for this project comes from all around me in cities and gardens, forests and jungles, children’s and adults’ artworks. I love the idea of bringing the Mall to life with animation and sound, creating an experience of imaginary jungles full of life and energy.

“The project also aims to prototype a new exhibition model that can continue to grow in collaboration with organisations and individuals throughout the Greater Bendigo region.”

Imaginary Jungle runs until April 19. Other school holiday highlights include: 

  • Giant chess and family crafts on various days throughout the holidays
  • Music in the Mall including lunchtime jams from Andrew Farrell Piano Wizard (April 9)
  • Bendigo Art Collective Community Art Market (10am to 2pm, April 11)
  • Bit Sketchi – fun quick drawings and paintings with artist Kim Lowe (April 10)
  • Nature in the Mall – come and learn about nature and enjoy activities (11am to 2pm, April 15)
  • Imaginary Jungle live digital puppet show and music performance on April 18, 6pm to 7.30pm in the Mall 

To plan your school holiday fun, visit: