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.
Get ready for a day filled with colour, creativity and hands on discovery as you journey from Melbourne to Bendigo by train. This easy, family friendly adventure begins the moment you board at Southern Cross Station. No traffic, no stress, just a comfy seat and a train ride straight into one of Victoria’s most historic and imaginative regional cities.
Once you arrive, Bendigo invites you to explore, play and be curious. From interactive science exhibitions and vibrant public art to heritage trams, gold rush stories and hidden laneways, every stop offers something new to spark wonder. Whether you're travelling with kids, friends or simply your own sense of adventure, Bendigo is the perfect place to spend a day discovering, building and exploring together.
Let’s go make some memories!
Start your day at Southern Cross Station, where hopping on a V/Line train to Bendigo is so simple. Services run frequently, seats are comfy, and the journey is scenic and relaxing. Perfect for families.
Even better? Public transport is free in Victoria for the month of April.
Once you arrive in Bendigo, it’s a short walk to Discovery Science & Technology Centre. Step inside and you’ll be welcomed by Curiosity: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks, a vibrant, hands-on exhibition celebrating imagination, innovation and STEM fun.
Kids and grown-ups can:
• Build, experiment and problem solve with LEGO®
• Enjoy interactive displays that spark curiosity and play
• Check out life-size models of the Mars Rover Perseverance and Ingenuity helicopter, a 7.5m tall replica of the NASA Space Launch System rocket and more!
No visit to Bendigo is complete without a stop at the Bendigo Sign.
Wander down Mitchell Street to the heart of Bendigo. The ever-changing artwork is currently decorated with colourful puzzle pieces, making it the perfect photo backdrop.
While you’re there, look down and you’ll find a giant Dragons & Ladders game right at your feet. Challenge your friends and family for a bit of playful fun.
Looking for more outdoor play? Discover Hop, Scotch, Jump! on the corner of Mackenzie and View Streets, or the Floor is Lava along Pall Mall.
For more nostalgic and playful experiences, check out Play Bendigo Region.
Hungry? Bendigo has you covered.
Wander along Mitchell Street, Pall Mall and View Street to find everything from cafés to international flavours. Think burgers, pizza and pasta, Asian fusion, and much more. There’s something tasty for every craving. Yum!
See Bendigo aboard one of the city’s iconic Vintage Talking Trams. Sit back and enjoy a 45-minute journey through Bendigo’s grand streetscapes as the tram travels past heritage buildings and local landmarks.
A highlight is the stop at Bendigo Tramways Depot & Café, a must visit for families and curious explorers. Check out the tram café, look up to spot the impressive LEGO® brick ceiling, and meet the newest resident LEGO® man tram driver. Who knows… you might even discover a sneaky treat along the way.
Hop back on the tram and enjoy the ride until you arrive at Central Deborah Gold Mine, where real gold rush adventures begin.
Step into the world of Bendigo’s miners and see what life was like both above and below ground. Try your luck panning for gold, explore the old engine room, wander through the gold museum, or gear up with a hard hat and head 61 metres underground. Down in the tunnels, you can operate a mining drill and spot glittering traces of real gold hidden in the quartz reefs.
Hop back on the tram and enjoy the ride as it carries you back into the heart of the city.
Jump off at Tram Stop 2: Charing Cross, then make your way toward the train station. You can head straight up Mitchell Street or add a splash of colour to your walk by wandering through Bath Lane, Pennyweight Walk, Valentines Walk and Dimples Lane. Each filled with character, street art, and little surprises.
Thanks for spending a day of curiosity and play in Bendigo. Safe travels. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
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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.
