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.
The renowned Bendigo Art Gallery is showcasing yet another exclusive international exhibition, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925. This is a rare opportunity to wander through the lively and picturesque streets of historic Paris without leaving the country. Expect to find everything from artisan street signs, historic couture, decorative arts, paintings and more.
And in true Bendigo fashion, the city is once again embracing the exhibition with an exciting program of events and experiences aptly named Bonjour Bendigo. You only kneed to wander the streets of Bendigo to find French flags and fairy lights, pastries and desserts, French wines, cocktails and inspired dishes.
With so many fun and delicious Bonjour experiences at your fingertips, we’ve put together our top Parisian-inspired things to see and do in Australia’s city of love and lights, Bendigo….
First and foremost, make your way to Bendigo Art Gallery to view the internationally exclusive Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925. There are seven themed pathways to explore and you won’t be disappointed, from advertising posters made famous by artists such as the legendary Henri de Toulouse Lautre, shop signage, elegant fine dining menu, exquisite couture, paintings and much more.
If you love being outdoors and you’re looking for a sweet treat to share, head to Beechworth Bakery and pick up one of their French Picnic Packs. It includes a croissant, jam and cream, fresh strawberries, an Eiffel Town cookie and a coffee. We recommend finding a leafy spot in Rosalind Park or Lake Weeroona to enjoy this sweet treat.
Have you even been to Bendigo if you haven’t taken a selfie at the BENDIGO sign? Right in the heart of Bendigo sits the iconic BENDIGO sign adorned in a red, white and blue with its all-new French makeover. Grab a selfie and be sure to share it with us #bonjourbendigo #explorebendigo
Calling all wine and cheese lovers! Enjoy a wine and cheese flight overlooking the vines at Balgownie Estate Bendigo. The team have created a delicious experience with four French cheeses – brie, camembert, comte and blue, matched with four of their French varietal wines – Black Label Pinot Gris, Nouveau Rose, Nouveau Syrah and Limited Edition Cabernet Franc.
If your day in Bendigo is starting with breaky or brunch date, wander into HooGah, across from Alexandra Fountain, for their Le Petit Dejeuner Platter. This mouthwatering breakfast platter includes a mushroom and gruyere crepe, a breakfast parfait, and croque madame – yum!
It only takes one look at these incredible pieces of artistry to know that you’ll be transported to Paris in one bite! Bendigo pâtissier and star of Zumbo’s Just Desserts, Daniel Treacy is paying homage to classic French patisseries such as St Honore, Éclair, and Paris-Brest. We suggest making your way to Treacy Patisserie early as desserts often sell out quickly.
For that extra special French touch, why not by a beautiful beret from Bendigo Hat Shop. With Central Victoria’s largest range of hats for all occasions, you are guaranteed to finding something special.
If you’re a chocolate lover, you simply cannot go past of French-inspired tasting plate and hot chocolate from Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates. Enjoy a raspberry chocolate tart with chocolate ganache, a champagne chocolate, Cointreau heart, and a Chambord chocolate, plus their Indulge French Hot Chocolate – it’s thick, rich and you can add your own dollop of cream – yum!
Laneway cocktails are on the menu! The team at The Dispensary Bar & Diner invite you to indulge in an incredible range of Parisian style cocktails, all with their own unique history, twist and taste from the French 1880 – 1920s era.
The team at Langley Estate have put together an ensemble of performances over the exhibition period filled with French music, songs, and more at the picturesque and historic grounds of Langley Estate.
Make your way out to the historic Eaglehawk Town Hall, now Star Cinema, June 9 for Paris, I Love You. It’s a beautiful collection of 18 vignettes set in the neighbourhoods of Paris.
If you’re chasing a little Parisian-inspired memento, a visit to Uniquely Bendigo at Bendigo Visitor Centre is a must. You’ll find a beautiful range of locally made products inspired by the exhibition. If Peruse jams, Parisan grey tea, condiments, biscuits, jewellery and collectables tickle your fancy – you’re bound to find a special keepsake.
Your inner child will love this one. Wander down to Bath Lane to boutique children’s toy shop Mr Good Times to check out their window display complete with an Eiffel Tower made from Connetix magnetic tiles.
Indulge in a French-inspired lunch at the beautiful Ms Batterhams, located just across the road from Bendigo Art Gallery. The Bonjour lunch includes a glass of French wine and snail starter, an entrée of duck pate en croute and fig chutney, and for main fish a la dugléré. Dessert is an optional extra is a crème brulee or Paris brest. Yum!
If a chilled out pub fare and atmosphere is more your liking, we've got you covered.
The Black Swan are loving champagne days. Enjoy a glass of Moet & Chandon with a classic French pizza from Southern France, a pissaladiere, topped with caramelised onion, tomato, olives, anchovies and cheese - yum!
Alternatively, The Bridge Hotel are offering two specially crafted set menus. Enjoy a shared plate entree of delicate goats cheese souffle and salad, shared main dishes with a mouth watering fillet mignon and a chicken roulade, and finish with a chocolate brulee for dessert - yes please!
Adjacent Bendigo Art Gallery is the most beautiful and welcoming whole in the wall, offering a much needed caffeine hit. Be sure to pay a visit to Peachy who are paying tribute to the exhibition with great coffee and other hot beverages in these cute cups. They're the perfect accessory to your day, selfie or photo outside the gallery and their beautiful facade.
A short walk down View Street you'll find Bendigo's largest range of wines under one roof at Wine Bank on View, in the impressive heritage-listed bank building. Step inside and enjoy a glass or two of wine from their collection, and order from their French-curated specials menu, from small escargot, baked camebert, duck & pork terrine, crispy skin barramundi & ratatouille, and beef bourguignon - delish!
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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.
