Spring School Holidays: What's On in Bendigo

Tulip Time

Spring in Bendigo means one thing...tulips, tulips, and more tulips! September transforms the city into a floral wonderland, with over 43,000 tulips. From the iconic Alexandra Fountain, winding through Rosalind Park, and all the way to the Conservatory Gardens, it’s a blooming trail of joy just waiting to be explored.

Whether you're snapping Insta-worthy family pics, enjoying a cheeky ice cream under the sun, or simply soaking up the floral wonderland, Bendigo’s tulip is a must-do this school holiday. So grab the kids, pack a picnic, and let the flower-powered fun begin.

Bloom After Dark

Who says the fun has to stop when the sun goes down? Bendigo’s beloved tulip display is getting a magical night time makeover with Bloom After Dark and it’s a must-see for families.

From 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Pall Mall transforms into a glowing garden trail, where tulip beds shimmer under the stars and interactive flowers come to life. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, minus the bedtime.

Don’t miss the historic Post Office, dressed up in dazzling floral projections and joined by some cheeky garden friends. For the best view? Head to Sidney Myer Place and soak in the spectacle.

Let's Go on a Gnome Hunt

Ready for a whimsical outdoor adventure the whole family will love? Grab your explorers and head to Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Gardens, where a cheeky bunch of new residents have moved in and they’re hiding.

The Village of Gnomes is a delightful trail featuring 11 sneaky gnomes tucked away among the blooms and bushes. Your mission? Find them all as they guide you from the gardens through to the Eaglehawk Play Space.

Spring in the Bush

Greater Bendigo’s backyard is bursting with opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with the great outdoors. Learn about native plants, animals and how we look after our climate and environment. Perfect for curious kids and nature-loving families, check out these hands-on events and dive into the wonders of the natural world:
Nature by Night - O'Keefe: 23rd September 
Bats of Bendigo: 24th September
Birds of Bendigo: 25th September
Evening Bat Fly-Out: 25th September
Bats of Bendigo: 29th September
Nature by Night: 29th September 
Nature in the Mall: 1st October
Wildflower Walk: 4th October
Evening Bat Fly-Out: 4th October
Frogs of Bendigo: 5th October 

Whether you’re a little explorer or just love being outside, Bendigo’s natural wonders are ready to be discovered!

Get Dirty with Clay Play

Step into Australia’s oldest working pottery and dive into a world of clay-filled fun at Bendigo Pottery. These hands-on workshops are the perfect way to unleash your creativity – spin the pottery wheel, decorate your own masterpiece, and bring home a one-of-a-kind creation made by you.

With expert potters guiding the way, kids (and grown-ups too!) can mold, shape, and paint to their heart’s content. Whether you're a total beginner or a future pottery pro, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some magic with clay.

Pan for Gold

Did you know Bendigo was once one of the richest goldfields in the world? Now it’s your turn to strike it lucky! Make your way to Central Deborah Gold Mine and grab a gold pan, or head underground to see if you can uncover some hidden treasure. Feel like a real miner as you work the drills, search for gold, and even munch on an authentic Cornish pastie – just like the miners did back in the day! Open every day, this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

And while you’re at it, hop aboard a Vintage Tram and take a ride through Bendigo’s golden history. Keep an eye out for the Yarn Bomb Tram, a cosy local favourite in the winter months.

Indoor Play

Bendigo’s got some epic indoor adventures that’ll keep the kids buzzing and boredom far, far away.

First stop: Parky’s Play! This four-level mega play centre is a kid’s dream come true, packed with five giant slides, a soft ball cannon zone, a massive ball pit, and loads more. It’s the ultimate indoor jungle for little adventurers aged 3 to 12.

Next up: The Great Escape Bendigo. Think you’ve got what it takes to crack the code? Dive into one of four thrilling escape rooms, where you’ll solve puzzles, uncover clues, and race against the clock. It’s perfect for puzzle pros, curious minds, and families who love a good challenge.

Outdoor Adventure & Play

Sunny weather means we’re hitting the playgrounds and with over 130 to choose from in the Bendigo region, this one is a no brainer.  Your hardest decision will be which one to go to first. Our top picks are…
Bendigo Botanic Gardens has a magical play space inspired by Alice in Wonderland complete with a secret garden, oversized throne chairs, hedges, hidden mirror and other treasures to explore. 
Eaglehawk Regional Play Space at Lake Neangar is a must do with an extensive play space with water play, all-abilities equipment, flying foxes, beautiful colours and inspiration drawn from Banjo Patterson’s Mulga Bill poem.
Lake Weeroona Play Space is a local favourite and recently upgraded. Based at the Lake Weeroona precinct, enjoy not only a play, but you can walk, ride or scoot around the lake will take around 20 minutes with food and coffee available to break up your outing. 
Strathdale’s Park Play Space in Crook Street is an award-winning space that provides peace of mind with a fenced playground for little ones of all-abilities, a fun water play space, walking and cycling paths nearby, plus a coffee van on the weekends to keep you well caffeinated. 

Fun in Hargreaves Mall

Hargreaves Mall is buzzing with springtime energy these school holidays, offering a jam-packed line up of family fun. From Latin Eats 'n Beats and Rockabilby's Bush Buddies scavenger hunt with a silent disco, to AFL action with Kelly Sports and inclusive circus fun, there’s something for every little adventurer. Enjoy live music and catch the Stu Cupid music video marathon on the big screen, plus plenty more surprises to keep the good vibes rolling all holidays long.

Learning Disguised as Fun

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend some time out with your kids, be sure to check out Bendigo’s Discovery Science & Technology Centre. There are more than 100 interactive exhibits to explore, you can relax in the Planetarium, check out the Kaleidoscope, or take the big drop on the Vertical Slide – with a sheer drop of seven metres you will drop at a speed of 30-40km per hour.

Alternatively, make your way to the Dai Gum Sai precinct to the Golden Dragon Museum to explore Bendigo’s Chinese heritage. View the world’s oldest and longest Imperial Dragon’s, Loong and Dai Gum Loong, textiles, photographs and artefacts from Bendigo’s Chinese community.