How To Explore Bendigo On Loose Change

1. Take A Self-Guided Street Tour

Perfectly nestled between historic buildings and streetscapes, take a free self-guided street art walk through the city. A whole day can easily be spent exploring, and the best way is by foot. So, arm yourself with comfortable footwear, have a camera on hand and get ready to discover some of Bendigo’s most photographed pockets and ultimate selfie spots. Exploring at your own pace, you can start at Chancery Lane and meander your way through the city through to the Bath Lane precinct and finish on View Street.

2. Explore The O'Keefe Rail Trail

Walk or cycle through beautiful countryside, pass by waterways and over bridges on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. Travellers have been taking this historic journey from Bendigo to Heathcote since 1888, when the railway line first linked the towns during the gold rush. Enjoy the views and take advantage of rest stops in Axedale by the Campaspe River and Lake Eppalock.

3. Catch A Movie

Catch a movie at Eaglehawk’s historic Star Cinema. Formerly the Eaglehawk Town Hall, this community-run cinema serves up a daily dose of the best foreign and Australian films. Tickets start from $14 a person. The best part, picking out your very own cosy red sofa to snuggle up in.  

4. Go Outdoors

Get outdoors and explore one of Bendigo’s many parks and gardens, by foot or bike, picnic baskets and rug in hand. Some of favourite spots to explore include…

Rosalind Park for a leafy escape along Pall Mall with 60 acres of lush lawns, a fernery, authentic poppet head and lookout, ornate statues and gardens to explore.  

Lake Weeroona is a local favourite. Kids will love the all-new adventure playground, or you can enjoy a picturesque lap around the lake. 

Bendigo Botanic Gardens is a historic gardens with plenty of open spaces, perfect for picnics and parties, kids running around and plenty of play space. Added bonus, nearby within the same precinct is the Garden For The Future and Larni Garingilang Hub.

Canterbury Gardens is a beautiful cottage style gardens and well loved. Another bonus here is the nearby Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar, full of native birdlife, wildlife and gardens. 

Crusoe Reservoir sits on the edge of Bendigo and offers visitors the chance to catch a fish, see an abundance of birdlife, enjoy a paddle or walk. 
 

5. Discover The Great Stupa

Indulge in a little spiritual wellbeing at The Great Stupa, the world’s largest Buddhist Stupa outside of Asia. For as little as a donation on entry, you can wander through the Peace Park, view the Jade Buddha of Universal Peace, make a wish at the wishing well, grab a coffee at the Stupaview Café or stop in and browse the gift shop on the way out.

6. Jump Aboard A Vintage Talking Tram

Jump on board Bendigo Tramway’s Vintage Talking Tram. Learn about Bendigo’s history and the see the city’s key landmarks and monuments including Central Deborah Gold Mine, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Alexandra Fountain, Rosalind Park, the Old Post Office, Lake Weeroona and Bendigo Joss House Temple. 

A round trip takes approximately 45 minutes and is the perfect way to get your bearings and explore Bendigo’s beautiful streetscape. Tickets start from $7.50 for children and $12.50 for adults.
 

7. Visit The Impressive Bendigo Art Gallery

Make your way to the arts precinct on View Street to Bendigo Art Gallery, one of the oldest and largest regional art galleries in Australia. Open daily and free to the public, view their extensive collection, with everything from 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800s, alongside a growing collection of contemporary Australian art. 

Keep an eye out for visiting or exclusive exhibitions on show throughout the year (tickets and costs may apply).

8. Run A Muck At A Playground

For the littlies, there is an abundance of awesome playgrounds that are a must visit and they’re free! Be sure to check out some of our favourites…

Eaglehawk Regional Play Space at Lake Neangar or Strathdale’s Park Play Space on Crook Street. Both offer all abilities play spaces and coffee vans are onsite over the weekends to keep you caffeinated.

Bendigo Botanic Gardens is an ideal one for kids with a great imagination and love a fairy tale. Their Alice in Wonderland inspired playground is magical.

Wolstencroft Reserve Play Space is Bendigo’s newest playground with small timber climbing and balancing sections, plus a dirt BMX pump track.
 

9. Explore Bendigo's Chinese History

Bendigo is rich in Chinese history and culture. During the mid-1800s, 20% of Bendigo's population hailed from China. They came as miners and merchants, bring their customs, culture and beliefs to the goldfields. Today you can experience and explore some of these for yourself.

Head to Bendigo's Dai Gum San precinct, once a Chinese camp during the gold rush. Head into Golden Dragon Museum, home to the world's longest Golden Dragon, Dai Gum Loong, an extensive collection of Chinese artefacts, costumes, history and so much more. Make sure you wander in to nearby Yi Yuan Gardens and Kuan Yin Temple, home of the Goddess of Compassion. Tickets are $10 for children aged 5 - 16 and $16 for adults. 

Travel to the heritage listed Joss House Temple, a Chinese place of prayer. Standing for more than 150 years, it is one of Australia's oldest remaining temples of its kind, constructed with locally handmade bricks, painted red symbolising happiness, strength and vitality. Entry is on donation.

10. Head To The Markets

Bendigo is home to numerous markets throughout the year. Not only are they free to attend, they're family and pet-friendly. Check out our favourites to visit in Bendigo...

Bendigo Farmers Community Market is a must and a local favourite amongst foodies. You'll find them every second Saturday of the month, 9am - 1pm at Dai Gum San. Alternatively, drop in to their pop up mini market at The Good Loaf every Thursday from 3.30pm - 5pm. 

Bendigo Showgrounds Market is held every Sunday from 8am - 2pm at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds. Enjoy a stroll around the markets with hot and cold food, plants and tools, clothing, toys, gifts and homewares.

Trove Makers' Market is on the third Sunday of every month, 10am - 2pm, at The Good Loaf. Soak up the joy of a lazy Sunday with up to 50 stalls, live music, sensational coffee and food. If you love creative markets - paintings, jewellery, photography, clothing, decor and quirky pieces, the Trove Markers' Market is for you.  

Moonlight Market is a fantastic twilight market complete with live music and art, specialty food trucks, street performers and a huge range of market stalls featuring artists, crafty creators, vintage finds, local producers and more at Dai Gum San.