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.
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.
You’ve arrived in the Bendigo Region, by car, train, coach or plane, and now it’s time to explore. From grand historic streets and colourful creative laneways to relaxed country charm, everything is ready and waiting.
The best part? Once you’re here, you can leave the car keys behind. Bendigo and its surrounding towns are easy to explore on foot, by bike or using local transport, no driving required. From art and culture to food, heritage and nature, everything you want to experience is right within reach.
Consider this your handy guide to discovering the Bendigo Region car free and enjoying every moment along the way.
There’s no better way to get your bearings than hopping aboard one of Bendigo’s iconic vintage talking trams. A day pass lets you travel at your own pace, looping past grand buildings, historic precincts and leafy stretches of town. Stops include Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo CBD, Bendigo Tram Cafe, Lake Weeroona, and Bendigo Joss House.
It’s transport and an experience all rolled into one, perfect for relaxed sightseeing with a touch of nostalgia.
If you feel like stretching your legs beyond Bendigo for the day, a handful of nearby towns are just a relaxed coach ride away. Heathcote, Bridgewater and Inglewood each make for an easy, car free day trip via public transport and offer their own slice of regional charm.
Highlights include:
Heathcote: cellars doors, bakeries, cafes and pubs, a brewery, retail stores and nature walks.
Bridgewater: Loddon River, Bridgewater Hotel, award-winning bakery and walking paths.
Inglewood: historic buildings, cafes, vintage and collectable stores.
Bendigo’s streets and laneways double as an open-air gallery. Wander at your leisure and discover vibrant murals, bold public artworks, sculptures and hidden creative gems splashed across unexpected corners of the city. No timetable, no rush. Just follow your curiosity, wear comfy shoes and have your camera lens ready.
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Want insider stories and a true taste of Bendigo? Bendigo Guided Tours make exploring easy. All tours begin in the Bendigo CBD and are designed to suit different interests, with options ranging from relaxed walking tours to comfortable journeys in an air-conditioned vehicle. Choose from a range of engaging experiences:
Historic Bendigo City Walking Tour: discover Bendigo’s grand past as you explore Pall Mall and View Street, with stops at Sandhurst Gaol and the Dai Gum San precinct.
Bendigo Chinese Heritage Walking Tour: visit historic diggings, pan for gold, the Golden Dragon Museum and a local café.
Discover Bendigo Guided Tour: visit The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and Sacred Heart Cathedral.
A Taste of Bendigo – Foodie Walking Tour: visit local favourites Ms Batterhams, Wine Bank on View, The Dispensary and Bendigo Brewing.
Bendigo After Dark – Ghostly Trails and Chilling Tales Walking Tour: visit Hotel Shamrock, a hidden cemetery and the old Black Swan.
Four Hats of Bendigo – An Evening of Progressive Fine Dining: enjoy some of Bendigo’s stand-out restaurants; Terrae, Le Foyer, Alium Dining and The Woodhouse.
It’s one of the most playful and inspiring exhibitions around and it’s right here in Bendigo at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre, located next door to the Bendigo Train Station.
Curiosity: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks, curated by the legendary Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught, brings science, discovery and creativity to life through incredible LEGO® builds. Highlights include a towering 7.5 metre replica of NASA’s Space Launch rocket, life size LEGO® models of the Mars Rover Perseverance and Ingenuity helicopter, and a giant periodic table made entirely from bricks.
Interactive zones invite you to build and create, making it a hands-on experience rather than just something to admire from afar.
The Bendigo Region is renowned for its wine, with more than 60 cellar doors stretching from Bendigo to Heathcote. The good news? You don’t need a car to enjoy it all.
Join a guided wine tour and let someone else do the driving while you relax and enjoy a beautiful day out. Bendigo Wine Tours offers intimate experiences through either the Bendigo or Heathcote wine regions, visiting a hand-picked selection of local wineries along the way.
Expect generous tastings, stunning vineyard views and a delicious gourmet lunch, with the option of a brewery or distillery visit to round out the day. With transport taken care of, you can sit back and sip freely, making it an easy, enjoyable day out from start to finish.
Explore the Bendigo CBD through the stories, knowledge and living culture of the Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung people) on an immersive Ulumbarra CBD Walking Tour. Led by a knowledgeable Djaara guide, this experience offers a meaningful way to connect with the city’s past, present and future.
As you walk through the heart of Bendigo, you’ll hear stories of Country, culture and community, visiting significant sites that reveal the deep and continuing connection Djaara people have with this place.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect memento, a thoughtful souvenir or simply in the mood for a little retail therapy, Bendigo has you covered. From boutiques to well-known brands, the city’s shopping scene is easily explored on foot.
Stroll through some of Bendigo’s favourite shopping precincts, including Bath Lane, Hargreaves Street and the Mall, Chancery Lane and View Street. For something truly unique, pop into Uniquely Bendigo at the Bendigo Visitor Centre or browse the treasures at Green Chair Vintage.
Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a longer, scenic bike ride, Bendigo offers a diverse network of shared trails and pathways to suit all abilities and interests. Easy to access and well signposted, these trails make exploring the region active, relaxed and car free. Top picks include:
Bendigo Creek Trail links many of the city’s key landmarks, providing a safe and easy route for families and those who prefer a more relaxed path. It’s 17km one-way.
Back Creek Trail can be followed from the Bendigo Tram Café, along underpasses covered in street art and continues to Spring Gully.
O’Keefe Rail Trail offers 50km of trail following the old railway line from Bendigo to Heathcote, past waterways, native bushland and recreation reserves.
You’ll discover a wonderful mix of places to eat right in Bendigo’s city centre, all just a short stroll from one another. From cosy cafés and bakeries to international flavours and award‑winning restaurants.
The View Street precinct is a standout for coffee and restaurants, while Pall Mall and offshoots are filled with international cuisine. Mitchell Street offers tempting options perfect for breakfast dates and long lunches, or Williamson Street for a blend of all of the above.
Alternatively, you'll find a great range of cafes perfect for breakfast and lunch dates along the tram route that will take you further. Yum!
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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.
