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 heat and sunshine have most certainly settled in here in the Bendigo region – summertime vibe are here! It also means that summer and school holidays are here and we’re all trying to find ways to keep ourselves, guests and little ones entertained over the break.
Now, we may not have a beach, but we’ve got some awesome experiences, events and outdoor spaces worth checking out while you’re here. Some of them we’ll even keep you cool on those scorching hot summer days. Enjoy!
It’s one of Bendigo’s favourite family-friendly festivals, Summer in the Parks is back with a program full of free events and activities throughout December, January and February.
The program kick starts in December with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and New Year celebrations, outdoor cinemas, entertainment in Hargreaves Mall and Australia Day celebrations in January, and finishing up in February with live music in the park and more.
Click for more info & the program.
Summer is made for chilling out and enjoying drinks with friends, and we have some very cool spots to hang out and do just that. Here’s our top picks…
Check out Bendigo's newest bars at The Woodhouse Bar & Grill and GPO's Mailroom.
For crafty ales and live music, you cannot go past Cornella Brewery, Palling Bros. Brewery and The Black Swan.
For beautifully handcrafted cocktails and signature drinks visit Ms Batterhams and for hidden laneway drinks, stop in at The Dispensary Bar & Diner.
There's no denying we love our wine and with more than 60 cellar doors to choose from, you're bound to have a great time. Check out our top cellar doors here.
If you’re looking to cool off in the water, Lake Eppalock is sure to keep you busy for a day session of swimming, fishing, boating, paddling or for those looking to a little more action, jet skiing.
If you’re looking for something a little calmer, check out Kangaroo Flat’s Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, fully equipped with a 50m swimming pool, splash park, gym, spa and café.
For outdoor fun, be sure to check out Long Gully Splash Park. It's a free, zero depth water splash park with a dry play area. Kids can enjoy the ‘gold rush’ themed park with shaded seating, BBQs and extra all-seasons play areas. Perfect for warmer days.
Take the short road trip out to Heathcote and spend the day exploring. There's a fantastic play space for the kids at Barrack Reserve, hike to Viewing Rock for views over the township and beyond, explore the unique landscape at Pink Cliffs or wander High Street for boutique shops and cafes.
There are 30+ cellar doors in the region for wine lovers, plus three craft beer breweries and even a couple of distilleries. Many offer food options and live music on weekends.
For more info, click here.
Get some relief from the heat and head indoors. Bendigo has plenty of indoor attractions and activities for all ages.
Some of our top picks include Bendigo Bowling Centre, Bendigo Pottery, Central Deborah Gold Mine, Discovery Science & Technology Centre, Golden Dragon Museum and Parky's Play Bendigo.
This one is for the whole family. Throw on an art smock, BYO some drinks and nibbles and get on down to Pinot & Picasso Bendigo.
During the summer holiday period they have a great range of kids and adult sessions available. Choose from a beautiful range of landscape, still life, neon and bright and colourful options.
Find sessions & make your bookings here.
Make your way to Bendigo Art Gallery to check out their latest exhibitions, Essays on Earth. Brodie Ellis, Pal Kane and John Wolseley, Marikit Santiago: The kingdom the power, First Nations Photography, and the 2023 Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize.
If that's not enough, wander down to the Living Arts Space in the Bendigo Visitor Centre for local and regional artwork. Or venture next door to Djaa Djuwima, a dedicated and permanent First Nations gallery showcasing local and regional artists.
And if street art, murals and installations tickle your fancy, Bendigo has an amazing self-guided street art tour that is perfect for a sunny day exploring the city centre.
Click here for BAG's latest exhibitions.
Bendigo is hosting a beautiful range of arts and culture events over the summer months.
Eaglehawk Film Festival is on from the 12th - 14th January at the historic Star Cinema. Each year this annual festival is curated around a different theme of films. in 2024, the theme is angelic.
Bendigo Chamber Music Festival is on from the 31st January to the 5th February. In it's fifth year, the program is filled with incredible classical music, world class international musicians and community involvement.
Rosé Rendezvous is on the 2nd February at MacKenzie Quarters. Enjoy a five course dinner matched with rosé from wine regions all over the world.
Luna New Year is on the 10th February at the Dai Gum San precinct. Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon with an appearance from Sun Loong, performances from the local community, food vendors, and more.
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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.
