The Ultimate VIVA BENDIGO Itinerary

FRIDAY - Evening

The weekend is here! Woo hoo! What better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than with a cheeky drink or two. Our favourites are inspired by the King himself...

• Aloha from Bendigo Pacific Pale Ale by the team @ Cornella Brewery - a special release Pacific Ale with that Tropical Elvis in Hawaii inspired flavour. Now available at Gallery Cafe, Hop Supply Co. and The Rifle Brigade Hotel.
• Blueberry Shoes @ Ms Batterhams - a fruity concoction sure to thrill.
• Blue Suede Shoes @ Dispensary Bar & Diner - Hawaiian-inspired cocktail.

Enjoy a weekend of comfort and stay in one of our many accommodation providers. Choose from a gold rush era building, a quaint miners cottage, rural retreat, glamping, B&B, inner city apartment or a contemporary hotel. Or check out one of our VIVA Bendigo accommodation packages here. 

SATURDAY - Early Morning

We're going all in this morning and so should you. Treat yourself to a little or a lot of sweet treats and indulgence inspired by the King! The options are endless, truly. Try...

• An American Trilogy @ Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates - indulge in some decadent treats including the Big Hunk o' Love Banana Split, Jailhouse (Hot) Chocolate and The King of Choc PB&J Chocolate Bonbon.
• Blue Suede Choux pastries @ Blue Bird Patisserie - baked fresh mixing traditional recipes with creativity and flair, you can enjoy a delicious éclair so good you’ll have to order a pair.
• Fools Gold @ Harvest Food & Wine - a croissant inspired by the king with a combo of peanut butter, jam and bacon.
• Royal High Teas @ Cafe Essence - fit for rock n roll royalty. Enjoy a traditional sweet high tea, but if you prefer savoury, that's alright mama.
• The KINGs P.B.B @ Ghosty Toasty - think peanut butter, maple bacon and banana toasty.
• The King Ice Cream Sandwich @ Hoo-gah - peanut butter ice cream sandwiched between house-made banana bread, crispy bacon and maple syrup.

Mid Morning

Let’s get straight into it and make your way to View Street for Australian exclusive, Elvis: Direct from Graceland.

Curated by Bendigo Art Gallery in collaboration with Graceland, the exhibition features around 300 authentic artefacts owned by Elvis Presley direct from the icons home. Think dazzling Vegas jumpsuits, diamond-encrusted Maltese cross necklace, his gold telephone, Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding outfits, vintage memorabilia and so much more!    

Lunch

We hope you’re prepared for a big lunch! Pop into Hustler, a modern American diner, for their ‘Burning Love Special Menu’ featuring the All Shook Up PB & J, Bacon and Bourbon cocktails, Oysters Rockefeller, the Fool’s Goldburger (jam donut bun, peanut butter, raspberry jelly, maple bacon, 150gm patty) and a PB&J Gateaux. Who’s ready?!

On a side note, if you're looking for a Las Vegas style wedding or vow renewal, you can Get Hitched at Hustler every Sunday! Click here to find out more.

Mid Afternoon

Let’s walk off lunch and chill out with an afternoon of retail therapy and exploring the city. Start in View Street and make your way down to Bath Lane, Mitchell Street and beyond. Keep an eye out for Elvis memorabilia, colourful shop fronts, and an awesome selection of boutique buys, Australian labels and more.

Be sure to check out Bendigo Visitor Centre for local produce, VIVA BENDIGO souvenirs and confectionery fit for the King by Bendigo Brittle.

Spin the Wheel at bob boutique to win a prize or discount on the unique and beautiful locally made items, vintage and retro clothing, accessories and more. 

Late Afternoon

It’s time to get all shook-up on-board Bendigo’s only moving bar, the Shake Rattle & Roll Tram. Rattle along to iconic tunes whilst enjoying cocktails and Bendigo’s picturesque streetscape.

The tram runs on Saturday evenings at 5pm and 7.30pm. Be sure to make an early booking to avoid disappointment.
 

Dinner

Step off the tram and head down to Chancery Lane, one of the city’s most photographed pockets, to find The Dispensary Bar & Diner.  

Enjoy their all-new Rock-a-Hula Laneway menu and cocktails inspired by the king of rock n roll. Be sure to try the The King’s Bao, their ‘All Shook Up’ Yuzu Gimlet and many more.

Evening

After dark, cruise around the city and view some of the best bright lights on offer. Our top picks include a stop at Bendigo Art Gallery for their shimmering façade and Vegas-style Elvis signage.

Head down View Street to the piazza in the city centre to find the larger than life VIVA BENDIGO, complete with Elvis tunes and the ultimate selfie moment with family and friends. 

Be sure to also check out Djaara Lights down Oscar’s Walk, with a series of activations telling the stories of the six seasons from Dja Dja Wurrung People, the Traditional Owners of Bendigo.  
 

SUNDAY - Early Morning

Venture on down to the Conservatory Gardens to explore Bendigo’s very own Jungle Room, inspired by Elvis’s famous Graceland recording studio. Set in the historic 19th century conservatory, this is a playful and interactive display featuring tropical plants and iconic props, plus a musical soundtrack to honour the king.

Mid Morning

Sunday morning may call for a caffeine heart starter. Head to Peachy on View Street, for a great brew complete with the king staring straight back at ya!

If you've got an appetite and up for something a little more, try...

• Hunk O'Love Burger @ Percy and Percy - a delicious heart starter combo of tempura banana, bacon, caramel peanut butter sauce and toasted coconut, all piled up in a brioche bun.
• Peanut Butter & Banana Gelato @ Favourite Flavours - inspired by the king this mouthwatering house made gelato is sure to be a hit. 
• Shake it Up @ Bendigo Pottery Cafe - try the Blue Hawaii milkshake and the King's favourite peanut butter and banana toasty.
• Love Me Tender Burger @ Nude Food Breakfast Bar - Beef, bacon, peanut butter, crisps and banana on a toasted bun. It’s wild but it works! Wash it down with a vanilla milkshake (Elvis’ kryptonite)

Lunch

For a totally rockin’ Sunday, make your way out to St Anne’s Winery on the edge of town for their Rock ‘n’ Roll Pizza Sundays. Enjoy a selection of house made pizzas, award-winning wines and live music, all with a view of the vines.

Afternoon

Complete your weekend with a visit to Heathcote or Castlemaine before heading home.

Only a short 30 minute drive from Bendigo you can explore the Heathcote region with 30+ cellar doors and beautiful landscapes. Take an Easy Come, Easy Go Tour with Rambling Wine Tours, enjoy an Aloha from Bendigo Pacific Ale at Cornella Brewery and more.

Alternatively, venture to Castlemaine and head straight for The Mill. Let Yourself Go in search of Elvis-inspired treasure at Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar or get creative with artist Melissa Proposch and a create a jumpsuit fit for The King.