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.
As the icy winter weather and rainy wet days set in, there’s a world of warmth and entertainment waiting inside. Whether you’re seeking solace from the cold or looking to make the most of cosy indoor days, here are some fun activities to brighten your day.
Cosy up on a plush sofa and enjoy a movie at Star Cinema. Make your way to Eaglehawk’s former Town Hall for a memorable movie experience with a great range of films from latest releases to arthouse films. Be sure to order a local beer or wine before heading in and pick up some delicious Bendigo Brittle to snack on.
Let’s face it, you can spend hours wandering through shops, buying or browsing. When the weather is at play, having everything under one roof is a massive win. Centrally located, Bendigo Marketplace covers all the big brands, has a great range of food and drink options, and undercover parking.
Bendigo is home to an eclectic array of artisans, shaping and leaving their mark on the city. This means there are plenty of galleries and studios – all offering indoor exploration.
Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest and highly regarded public art galleries and hosts a range of changing Australian first and international exhibitions. Adjacent in View Street, La Trobe Arts Institute has a full program of contemporary art for viewing.
Wander down to Pall Mall to the historic Bendigo Visitor Centre. Inside, take a left turn for eclectic artwork from regional artists in the Living Arts Space, or take a right turn for Djaa Djuwima, a dedicated First Nations Gallery.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hunting for treasures in antique shops and markets. Best of all, you could spend all day rummaging for something special, browsing the aisles for something unique and taking home a memento of your time in Bendigo.
Bendigo’s arts precinct is a great place to start. View Street is home to both Bendigo Antiques & Collectables and Valentine’s Antique Gallery and offer an incredible range of gorgeous collectables.
A short drive down the Calder to Castlemaine and The Mill Castlemaine is home to Vintage Bazaar, with around 2,000 square metres of stallholders offering a diverse and eclectic range of vintage wares.
Take the opportunity to spoil yourself with a little R&R.
We love Flow Floatation and Sensory Retreat for an instant state of relaxation with float therapy, mindfulness and sensory immersive experiences.
Get a mini makeover with a hair treatment or styling at Jools for Jim. You can also pick up a range products or visit their sister store, Wax Lash Tan, for beauty treatments.
Why not get your hands dirty and sign up for some creative hands-on workshops. It’s not only a great way to learn some new skills, but a whole lotta fun in an interactive environment for everyone.
Book in a wheel throwing class, clay play or a decorating workshop at Australia’s oldest working pottery, Bendigo Pottery.
The team at Botanical Lane offer a range of workshops from candle making, kokedama and topiary, to wine and twine, sip and style, and creating Christmas wreaths.
Or join a paint and sip session at Pinot & Picasso Bendigo. Choose from an over 18’s or a family session and take a step-by-step painting session.
Are you a wine enthusiast? The Bendigo and Heathcote wine region is home to more than 60 cellar doors, with a range of different experiences and wines to suit any taste buds. Think live music, family friendly, wine and dine, girls’ day out and much more.
Click here for more wine experiences.
Bendigo is the perfect destination for a family getaway, with plenty of fun to be had for families of all ages.
For indoor play, day and night, choose from a game of pool, play the arcades or bowl a strike with ten pin bowling at Bendigo Bowling Centre.
There are more than 100 interactive exhibits to explore at Discovery Science & Technology Centre. Spend time stargazing in The Planetarium, check out the Kaleidoscope, or take the big drop on the Vertical Slide – with a sheer drop of seven metres and a fall speed of 30-40km per hour.
Alternatively, make your way to the Dai Gum San precinct to the Golden Dragon Museum to explore Bendigo’s Chinese heritage. View the world’s oldest and longest Imperial Dragons, textiles, photographs and artefacts from Bendigo’s Chinese community.
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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.
