In the heart of the goldfields, Bendigo is rich in history, art, culture and regional charm with fun and interesting things to do. Bendigo is a great place to enjoy the best of both worlds with a wide range of sights and activities. From the authentic heritage attractions and gold mines to the gastronomic delights and arts scene, Bendigo offers a blend of action based activities, outdoor experiences, historical attractions, great food and wine. Whether you are a couple, family or looking for a weekend getaway, there is something for everyone to do in Bendigo.
Why Explore Bendigo
Just a 90 minute drive from Melbourne, getting to Bendigo is easy with a great network of clearly signed roads and highways. Either via the Calder Highway, McIvor Highway, Midland or Loddon Highway, there are plenty of charming spots to explore along the way. Driving through Castlemaine, Daylesford and Maldon, experience this stunning part of Victoria with its rural charm. There is also the option of direct bus services or the railway. Officially discovered in 1851 following the discovery of gold, Bendigo boasts a population of 124,000.
Within a short distance of Bendigo, Harlowe offers the best of both worlds with a stunning rural backdrop and close proximity to the township. Situated in the serene location of Huntly, the Harlowe community offers a place to live close to bushland and wetlands with the convenience of Bendigo a stone’s throw away.
See and Do
1. Explore the Central Deborah Gold Mine
Image credit: Central Deborah Gold Mine
Explore the tunnels of the Central Deborah Gold Mine in the deep underworld of Bendigo that operated during the gold rush boom of the 1900s. Learn about the conditions the miners worked in and see how the gold mine’s 929kg of gold was extracted. The delights continue on the surface of the mine with a treasure trove of mining equipment and heritage listed buildings where the mining operations took place.
2. Take a Bendigo Balloon Flight
Enjoy a one hour hot air balloon flight over Bendigo from the fields to the city, revealing stunning 360° views. Flights meet in the carpark of the Balgownie Estate Winery one hour prior to sunrise.
3. Immerse Yourself in the Local Arts and Culture
Enjoy the Bendigo arts and culture scene with a plethora of galleries, exhibitions and workshops. Known for its rich cultural scene, Bendigo is regional Victoria’s premier arts destination Bendigo is with galleries, street art, murals and installations. Visit the Bendigo Art Gallery, one of the oldest regional galleries in Australia with innovative exhibitions and events. Check out the street art where artists bring their projects to life on the walls of buildings with sculptures, murals and installations. Enjoy a performance or exhibition at the Capital and Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo’s premier theatres.
4. Ride the Blues Tram
Sit back and enjoy a ride on the famous Blues Tram listening to some of the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival’s finest talent aboard the tram. The 2.5 hour session departs from the Central Deborah Goldmine once a month.
5. Wander down Chancery Lane
Chancery Lane is one of Bendigo’s most popular laneways with gastronomic delights including global wines, boutique beers, coffee aromas and fabulous food. Formerly known as Dispensary Lane in recognition of the busy pharmacy that was located in the laneway, nowadays you can find fashion brands, cosmetics, salons and cafes for every foodie and fashionista. There is even street art in this European inspired lane.
6. Stroll through Picturesque Parks
Bendigo offers some stunning parks and gardens to stroll through or stop and have a picnic. In the heart of town, the Bendigo Botanic Gardens is a stunning oasis for relaxation. Rosalind Park, Lake Weeroona, and Strathdale Park provide green spaces for recreation, picnics, and enjoying nature.
7. Try Your Hand at Pottery
Bendigo Pottery offers a wide range of classes to try your hand at the pottery wheel. Bendigo Pottery was established in 1858 and offers a unique experience for visitors to experience pottery making while discovering the history of the famous pottery brand. One of the many Bendigo Pottery artists will ensure you take home a beautiful piece of pottery.
8. Walk or Ride the Goldfields Track
The Goldfields Track is one of Victoria’s best hiking and cycling tracks, a 210km track from Bendigo to Ballarat. Walk or hike part of the trail with shared paths through forest, pastoral countryside and historic places. For cyclists, the track flows in some places and in others jumps across rock ledges and sandstone. Walkers love the ever changing scenery, magnificent views and chance to spot the wildlife.
9. Take a Heritage Walk
Enjoy a heritage walk and immerse yourself in the stories of the past, while discovering stunning architecture and the history of the Sandhurst Gaol. The Bendigo Town Hall tour, the guide will show you through the current city council chambers and the Mayor’s table. The Sandhurst Gaol, beneath the Ulumbarra is a tour you will never forget with the symbiotic fusion between 1860s penitentiary architecture and clever contemporary design of the new building.
10. Take a Vintage Talking Tram Tour
The moment you step onto the vintage tram you will notice the craftsmanship of each vehicle. As you travel on the vintage tram, you will see everything the city of Bendigo has to offer. With so many parks, attractions, shopping and dining facilities, you can jump on and off the tram and visit each of them.
11. Check out the Golden Dragon Museum
The Golden Dragon Museum is a living history of the Chinese people of Bendigo with its wonderful dragons, processional regalia, and stunning textiles. Based on the Imperial Palace in Beijing, the stunning gardens are completely authentic.
12. Visit the Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Check out the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, with a plethora of fun activities to choose from.. In the centre of Bendigo, the Discovery Science and Technology Centre is right next to the train station, and ideal for kids and big kids to learn about science and play.
13. Visit the Bendigo Joss House Temple
The Joss House Temple is a Chinese place of worship that opened in the 1800s, and is one of the few remaining buildings of its type in Australia. The temple is a chance to learn about the Chinese immigrants of the gold rush era.
Food and Drinks
14. Feast on Local Food
Boasting a UNESCO City of Gastronomy status, Bendigo offers a diverse culinary scene with many places to eat and drink. From fine dining to pubs and casual cafes, popular places include The Woodhouse Bar and Grill, El Gordo, Borchelli Ristorante, and Wine Bank on View. Enjoy locally roasted coffee at Brewhouse Coffee Roasters and then head to the Dispensary Bar and Diner in Chancery Lane.
15. Winery Tours
The wine region of Bendigo offers robust full flavoured reds to elegant whites which can all be experienced on a winery tour. Known as a winemaker’s region, Bendigo boasts a myriad of cellar door outlets run by family members. Enjoy a winery tour to St Annes Bendigo and Sandhurst Ridge with Bendigo Wine Tours and Tri Bendigo Tour Self Drive.
16. Explore Bendigo’s Craft Beer Scene
Bendigo’s craft beer scene is thriving with top quality breweries in the city streets and laneways. Enjoy a cold beer and warm pizza at Bendigo Brewing or True Brew Bendigo. Then wander down to the Brewers Collective with everything from extra pale ale to chocolate milk stout.
Living in Bendigo
Living in Bendigo, you will enjoy the rural backdrop of nature with the convenience of city amenities. Bendigo boasts a rich history, great food, festivals and sporting events you can enjoy on a regular basis. There are plenty of schools and educational facilities at your fingertips and the community lifestyle is thriving.
If considering living in Bendigo, Huntly is just a 12km drive from the heart of the city centre, surrounded by protected bushland reserves, parks and wetlands. Harlowe in Huntly is a brand new real estate community offering affordable house and land packages and land for sale close to key amenities.
There are a plethora of things to do in Bendigo from enjoying a trip to the goldfields to tasting the local gastronomic delights, enjoying the arts and culture, and immersing yourself in its rich history. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, Bendigo has something to offer everyone.