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Bendigo Top 10 Things to Do
Bendigo is Victoria’s fourth largest city, and it is located 150 kilometres northwest of Melbourne.
It has a rich and fascinating gold history. Gold was first discovered in 1851, and it was once one of the world’s richest gold-mining towns.
Today, Bendigo is a vibrant, contemporary city with landscaped gardens, world-class museums and art galleries, and stunning architecture.
Bendigo Heritage Trams
Hop on one of Bendigo’s vintage talking trams for a unique experience. The talking trams operate 7 days a week and take you through the city centre, where you can sit back and learn about Bendigo’s history.
You can hop on and hop off at any of the tram stops along the way, and it's a fun and relaxing way to take in the sights. For more details, visit their website - click here.
Golden Dragon Museum
The Golden Dragon Museum is dedicated to Bendigo’s rich Chinese heritage. With interesting exhibits on Chinese cultural traditions, the gold rush and the dragon dance. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
You can also wander around the beautiful Yi Yuan Gardens and visit the Buddhist Temple. For more details and opening hours - click here.
Central Deborah Gold Mine
For a taste of Bendigo’s gold rush history, head to the Central Deborah Gold Mine. It is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.
You can explore the surface of the mine which has heritage-listed buildings and equipment that were essential to the operation of Central Deborah in its mining days. You can also see the “Hand of Faith” gold nugget replica in the Interpretive Museum.
You can also take a guided underground tour to explore the depths of this historic mine and learn about the gold mining process. For more details and opening hours - click here.
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
A true architectural wonder, the Great Stupa is a Buddhist Shrine and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is 50 metres high and the base is 50 metres square.
Located just outside Bendigo, this majestic Buddhist structure stands as a symbol of peace and spiritual awakening. Visitors can explore the stupa, meditate in the tranquil surroundings, and even learn about Buddhist philosophy.
The site also boasts beautiful gardens a stunning Jade Buddha statue and a chance to relax in the peaceful atmosphere.
It is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and 10.30 am to 5.00 pm on Weekends. For more details - click here.
Rosalind Park
Rosalind Park is a 60-acre oasis in the heart of Bendigo. With lush gardens, leafy trees, a fantastic playground, ornate statues, an outstanding water features and a historic conservatory to explore.
It is located on the corner of View Street and Pall Mall in the centre of Bendigo.
Poppet Head Lookout
For sweeping views of Bendigo and the surrounding countryside, make your way to the Poppet Head Lookout.
It was initially used at the Garden Gully Mine and relocated to its current location in Rosalind Park in 1931.
From the top of the Poppet Head lookout, there are panoramic views of the city and the rolling hills that stretch out in every direction.
Bendigo Pottery
Step back in time and immerse yourself in history at Australia’s oldest working pottery. Explore the museum, see artists at work, shop for pottery, enjoy a Devonshire tea in the cafe and wander around the lovely gardens.
Bendigo Pottery is open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (it is closed on Tuesdays). For more details - click here.
Lake Weeroona
Lake Weeroona is a lovely ornamental lake surrounded by parklands on Napier Street. It is popular with locals and visitors alike and you can enjoy a variety of activities, from cycling and jogging to fishing and picnicking. The lake’s walking track offers beautiful views and is perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Heritage Walk
Bendigo is known for its grand 19th-century architecture, with stunning examples of Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco buildings. Wander along the city’s historic streets and admire these impressive buildings. Buildings we loved include the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Town Hall, Court Buildings and the former Fire Station.
Bendigo Art Gallery
The Bendigo Art Gallery was established in 1887 and is one of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries.
It is open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and has an extensive collection of 19th-century European art and Australian art from the 1800s, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art. For more information - click here.
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