Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
Just for fun, we've put together a list of fun facts by numbers about our much-loved city of Bendigo. Learn about Bendigo's history, what we're know for and some awesome stats that put Bendigo on the map.
The number of artworks held at Bendigo Art Gallery.
Bendigo Art Gallery is is one of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries, and has cemented a reputation for its innovative international exhibitions including the likes of Grace Kelly: Style Icon, Bendigo Art Gallery and Twentieth Century Fox present Marilyn Monroe, Maticevski: Dark Wonderland, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion, and Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits.
Learn more about the Bendigo Art Gallery here.
The number of buildings and monuments designed by William Vahland in Bendigo.
Vahland travelled from northern Germany to try his luck in the Bendigo gold diggings in 1854 at the age of 27. He had no luck but discovered and harnessed his carpentry skills. His best known works around Bendigo include Bendigo Town Hall, Shamrock Hotel, Sandhurst Club, Alexandra Fountain and the Masonic Hall, now known as The Capital.
Learn more about William Vahland and his legacy to Bendigo here.
Australia’s oldest ongoing community festival, the Bendigo Easter Fair began.
In 2021, the Bendigo Easter Fair will celebrate its 150th year - a massive achievement. This family favourite sees the dancing lions, imperial dragons, Easter egg hunts, torchlight processions and parades bring the streets of Bendigo come alive.
Find out more about the Bendigo Easter Fair here.
The number of trams in Australia's oldest vintage tram fleet right here in Bendigo.
Operating since June 1980, Bendigo Tramways is iconic to our streetscape. The fleet includes the ever popular Vintage Talking Tram, Dja Dja Wurrung Tram and the Blues Tram.
To find out more about Bendigo Tramways their impressive fleet, click here.
The number of local coffee roasters manufacturing fresh quality beans in the Bendigo region.
There's nothing better than a caffiene heart starter to get your day going and Bendigo is full of options from our local coffee roasters to cafes and restaurants offering great brews in great locations dotted all over the city.
Click here for a list of awesome spots to grab yourself a coffee in Bendigo.
The number of hand-cut mirrors on the world's longest Imperial Chinese dragon, Sun Loong, housed in Bendigo's Golden Dragon Museum.
In 2019, Sun Loong retired and was replaced by Dai Gum Loong after his last parade at the 2019 Bendigo Easter Fair. Bendigo's Chinese history is a fascinating one that can be discovered all over Bendigo. Be sure to check out the Dai Gum San precinct in the CBD and start your exploration at the home of Sun Loong.
Find out more about Sun Loong here.
The year Australia's oldest pottery, Bendigo Pottery, opened.
Continuously operating from their current site in Epsom since 1863, Bendigo Pottery houses the most significant collection of ceramic wood fired kilns in the world. Today you can take a tour, throw a pot, see artists at work, or purchase from a broad yet beautiful range of ceramic wares.
Be inspired and get creative at Bendigo Pottery here.
The number of hectares of regional, state and national parkland in and surrounding Bendigo.
Bendigo's extended parkland is popular to locals and visitors alike for hiking, cycling, gold detecting, walking, bird watching and more.
Explore Bendigo's great outdoors here.
The year Sidney Myer opened the first MYER store, here in Bendigo.
Bendigo is home to a diverse range of shopping retailers from big brand names at Bendigo Marketplace to boutique stores, designer labels, homewares, kids stuff, books, and more. Pick up a copy of our Bendigo Dining & Shopping Guide to discover more and satisfy a little retail therapy.
Discover more of Bendigo's retailers and online shopping available from the com…
The amount of kilograms of gold mined in Bendigo between 1850-1900, making Bendigo the richest city in the world at the time.
The promise of gold and riches brought people from all over the world to Bendigo. There is evidence still standing today of the riches bestowed on Bendigo from gold rush buildings now reinvented into restaurants and accommodation, attractions and tours including Central Deborah Gold Mine, Golden Dragon Museum and Fortuna Villa, to sites including Hustlers Reef Walk and Rosalind Park.
Learn more about Bendigo's gold mining history here.
The number of wineries in the Bendigo and Heathcote region.
With historical records noting the planting of vines as early as 1855, the region has always had a reputation for making great wine. While Shiraz is perhaps the most popular grape grown in the area, other varieties are proving to be just as successful.
Find a list of our wineries here.Subscribe to Bendigo e-newsletter now to receive monthly updates on Bendigo's latest events, stories, packages and online only special offers. If the box below is not working, click here.
The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands across Bendigo.
We acknowledge and pay respect to their Elders past present and emerging.
