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.
When it comes to eating out, it takes a handful of key factors to keep your little ones happy. It’s all about offering a great spaces for them to roam around, play with others, and of course good food. Here’s some of our top picks for places that will allow you to sit long enough to enjoy your meal and keep the kids entertained too.
Gather for a family meal, breakfast, lunch or dinner at All Season’s Bistro, where you’ll find fresh, modern cuisine from an extensive menu. Kids can play on the free Xboxes or expend some energy in the indoor playground. This is a great option if your kids need entertaining. It’s also worth noting that they have a great range of specials each evening – Wednesday night kids meals are $5, there are $10 lunch specials Monday to Friday, $20 Parma nights and more.
If eating out with your family requires something a little more relaxed and casual, why not choose a picnic outdoors. Beechworth Bakery Bendigo is an awesome choice with a delicious range of pies, pastries and cakes. Indulge in everything from their famous beef pies, savoury sausage rolls or sample some sweet treats. A picnic can be fun, versatile and a great option for your kids to run a muck outdoors.
Bendigo District RSL is a fantastic dining and function option that caters for families of all ages. Their bistro menu offers all your classic favourites for young and old. What also makes it appealing for families is their awesome kids play area. You’ll find free entertainment ranging from educational games, retro arcades, a mounted iPad, an interactive floor projection game, and colouring tables. Plus, there’s also paid games of skill with the claw, car racing and whack a minion, for those looking for something more challenging.
For a dining option that is truly unique to Bendigo, be sure to check out the new Tram Café at Bendigo Tramways. You can sit in the driver’s seat, play with the controls as though you’re driving the tram and watch the trams roll in. Enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat while admiring the beautifully restored tram – the whole family is bound to love this one!
Who doesn’t love Italian food?! Borchelli is now at two popular locations, Bath Lane and View Street. You’re going to be hit with little Italy vibes from the moment you step foot in the restaurant. The whole family will love the welcoming atmosphere, complete with red and white check table cloths, alfresco dining, greenery, family photos and more. The menu features classic Italian dishes from pasta and risotto to saltimbocca and parmigiana, plus they have a great kid’s menu.
If you're looking for somewhere new to dine with the fam, make your way to Lakeside Hotel Bendigo for an evening meal. The location is opposite Lake Weeroona and they offer a delicious seasonal menu. A big drawcard this winter is their 'kids eat free' deal on Saturday evenings with every paying adult.
If an all-day breakfast and lunch menu is not appealing, we don’t know what is. The team at Nude Foods Breakfast Bar have you covered with an awesome range of meals for the whole family. The kid’s waffles are a popular choice with a milkshake on the side. Mum and dad can order a cheeky cocktail or coffee with a meal. The eggs benny and the Nude Food burger are crowd favourites.
If you don’t mind taking the short 35-minute drive out to Heathcote, Palling Bros Brewery is a great family-friendly option for lunch or dinner. They specialise in handcrafted artisan beer, with all their beers brewed onsite. Great for beer lovers, be sure to get a beer paddle and ask for a brewery tour. The menu caters for everyone’s taste buds, using locally sourced products. We love the beer garden on sunny days, complete with a kids play space, plus it’s dog-friendly.
If you’re searching for a café with awesome vibes, food, and great dining spaces, Percy and Percy is a great choice. We love that you can sit inside, out in the courtyard, on the grass or under the verandah. The menu is seasonal and guaranteed to tempt the taste buds, plus there’s always an abundance of sweet and savoury treats at the counter. The icing on the cake here are the little touches that everyone can appreciate. It’s the colouring pencils and pictures, and the tiny teddy biscuit that accompanies every hot drink – it’s a winner for everyone!
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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.
