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.
Bendigo is shaking off the winter chill and gearing up for a vibrant spring throughout the region. Join us for an exciting calendar of events that will transform the city with blooming buds, after dark experiences, cultural festivals, local produce and so much more.
Until 27 January
Bendigo Art Gallery’s latest major exhibition surveys the recent work of central Victorian artist Rob McHaffie. This ambitious exhibition brings together recent and new painting, collage, works on paper, and ceramic sculpture in a vibrant showcase of McHaffie’s buoyant and broad-ranging creative vision.
14 September – 6 October*
Spring in Bendigo isn’t official until warmer days and clear skies arrive, and our tulips begin blooming. This year is extra special as we celebrate our 20th year in bloom. You’ll find more than 43,000 tulips along the historic Pall Mall and Conservatory Gardens, in a variety of colours, sizes and blooming times.
*Please note, dates can vary. Please check website and social media for the latest updates.
For more info, click here.
14 September
If gin is your spirit of choice, The Regional Gin Gala is a must for you. The team at Mackenzie Quarters is hosting a spring celebration of the region’s finest gin distilleries. That’s nine distillers under one roof for an afternoon of exploration and a curated selection of gins for unlimited gin tastings – wow! Not to mention your very own goodie bag full of surprises, a tasting glass, plus a delicious grazing table filled with nibbles by the team at Mackenzie Quarters.
20 September – 6 October
Throughout the school holidays we’re bringing the city’s annual tulip display to life at night. Follow the free after dark trail from 6pm til 10pm each evening to see the city’s beautiful tulip beds illuminated, creative projections on display and giant flowers coming to life. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, the Yi Yuan Chinese Gardens in the Dai Gum San precinct will also be activated. This is a fantastic family-friendly experience for all.
27 September
Enjoy a beautiful multi-cultural celebration of incredible food and performances at Bendigo’s Dai Gum San precinct. This is twilight event is perfect for family and friends to come together, and it’s free. Explore the precinct and take in the sense of gratitude for the bountiful harvest around you, prayer offerings and well wishes for the prosperity of loved ones.
This year’s celebration is particularly special as Bendigo is home to the world’s oldest and longest Imperial Dragons, Loong and Dai Gum Loong, in the Year of the Dragon, at the Golden Dragon Museum.
5 – 6 October
It’s an icon of the Australian wine calendar, Heathcote Wine and Food Festival showcases the region’s incredible range of Heathcote wines all in one location. Join us over two beautiful spring days at the Heathcote Showgrounds in a stunning family-friendly village atmosphere. Be the first to sample new release and award-winning wines, grab a bite to eat, enjoy live music by Bendigo Blues & Roots, lawn games and kids’ entertainment. There’s fun to be had for all ages.
5 October
Once again, we have another free family-friendly event for you to enjoy. Make your way to the western world’s largest Buddhist temple, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, for an event that’s all about loving life, loving food and animals!
Vegecareian Festival celebrates the coming together of friends, family and cultures. The program is jam-packed with cooking demonstrations, wellness activities, cultural food and performances, animal blessings and more. Plus, pets are welcome too!
Click here for more info.
11 – 20 October
Wine lovers, this one is for you! Enjoy a whole week filled with wine, food and fun. Think dinners and lunches, new release launches, and tastings. The highlight of the week is the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Walk complete with nine heritage and even a little unexpected spaces to explore in Bendigo’s CBD.
12 October
If you love international flavours, world music, and art, this one is for you. Make your way to Bendigo’s Gardens of the Future for the colourful and vibrant Zinda Festival. The festival celebrates the region’s growing diversity and its vibrancy within our community. Enjoy a great family-friendly atmosphere with multicultural food, live music, kids’ entertainment and more.
15 – 20 October
Need a good laugh? Bendigo Comedy Festival is here for you! In its fifth year, the team will be hosting more than 25 shows, in seven venues, across five days. This year we’ve got some big name acts like Dave Hughes, Damian Callinan, Bron Lewis, Luke Heggie, Nath Valvo and Kirsty Webeck hitting your favourite stages.
25 - 26 October
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out with Bendigo Agricultural Show Society's Annual Show. All your favourites are back including livestock displays, animal nursery, a 2-day horse program, plenty of rides, show bags, market stalls, fireworks and more.
30 October
Celebrate one of Bendigo's most iconic social days out at The Apiam Bendigo Cup. Get your frocks and suits ready for a spectacular day of racing, head-turning fashions, fine dining, bubbles, and more. Whether you’re looking for a casual country day out or a catered experience, you're bound to find an experience to suit your needs.
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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.
