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.
Beat the chill this winter and embrace a whole lot of fun and excitement in Bendigo these winter school holidays.
Best of all, we’ve got a great range of experiences and attractions, events and facilities to cater for all ages and interests. See you soon!
Pop your skates on and head on down to Hargreaves Mall throughout the winter school holidays. The space will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a pop-up ice-skating rink, Stars on Ice. From 28 June – 14 July, the rink will be open daily from 10am – 9pm, with skate sessions running for approximately 45 minutes.
For more info, click here.
The very popular Electric Wonderland is returning to Rosalind Park, 28 June – 14 July! This year will celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Dragon and Bendigo’s award-winning gastronomy scene. Keep an eye out for interactive paths and musical stepping stones, 360-degree laser alley light show, thousands of fairy lights, a garden of giant blooming flowers, a 40m replica of Sacred Heart cathedral and more.
Added bonus, there’ll be a coffee stall and hot chocolate stall in the park to keep you warm from the inside out, please a fairy floss stall for kids big and small.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like working underground as a gold miner? Visit Central Deborah Gold Mine to find out more.
Don a hard hat and descend 61 metres beneath the surface to discover where and how Bendigo’s gold is mined. Try your hand at the mine drill, look for gold and learn about Bendigo’s history. The tour is perfect for all the family 3 years and above.
Above ground you can pan for gold, eat a miner’s lunch and view the life of a miner.
Is there anything more important than keeping tummies full and satisfied? When it comes to eating out, from breakfast lunch and dinner, we’ve got an awesome range of options on offer. We’re talking great spaces for the whole family, play spaces, great kids’ menu and entertainment. Our top picks include All Seasons Hotel, Nude Foods Breakfast Bar and Palling Bros Brewery.
If you're in the city centre during the evening, check out Milky Lane and Schnitz Bendigo for delicious family friendly eats.
And for a limited time only(June - August), the team at Lakeside Hotel Bendigo are offering 'kids eat free' on Saturday evenings, with a paying adult.
If the weather takes a turn, or you’re simply looking to escape the cold, there’s hours of fun and games to be had indoors.
Bowl a strike at Bendigo Bowling Centre! Book a lane for the whole family, challenge your partner to a game of pool, let the kids enjoy the colouring table or the arcade games. There’s also a bar and café onsite for snacks, meals and drinks.
Your kids will be in awe of the giant 4-level indoor play centre at Parky’s Play. Complete with 5 giant slides, a soft ball cannon play zone, a large ball pit and much more! This is a great play space for kids aged 3 – 12 years.
Love getting messy, being creative and having fun all at the same time?
Join a decorating workshop, clay play or wheel throwing at Australia’s oldest working pottery. Bendigo Pottery. Book a paint and sip session at Pinot and Picasso Bendigo, or wander through Bendigo Art Gallery’s latest exclusive exhibition, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925.
All three are great family-friendly activities and suitable for all ages and abilities.
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.
For a change of scenery experience the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. It rises to a total of 48 metres above Bendigo’s distinctive bushland and is a sight to see. Tours run daily, wander through the Peace Park, see beautiful relics and artworks, view the largest Buddha carved from jade in the world, and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in the café.
Jump aboard a Vintage Talking Tram and take a tour of the city by rail. It’s a fun way to explore, learn about Bendigo’s history and see key landmarks and monuments including Central Deborah Gold Mine, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Alexandra Fountain, Rosalind Park, the Old Post Office, Lake Weeroona and Bendigo Joss House. A round trip takes approximately 45 minutes. Hot tip, jump off at the Bendigo Tramways Depot and check out the all-new Tram Café. You can sit in the driver’s seat, play with the controls as though you’re driving the tram and watch the trams roll on in. The whole family is bound to love this experience.
Learn more here.
Let’s be honest, most families love getting outdoors, rain, hail or shine. So why not explore playspaces, parks and gardens.
Some of our favourite outdoor spaces to explore are Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Crusoe Reservoir, Pink Cliffs and Rosalind Park.
If you have little ones that love a playground, you can’t go past Eaglehawk Regional Play Space at Lake Neangar, or Strathdale’s Park Play Space on Crook Street. Both include all-abilities play spaces and coffee vas on the weekend.
Is there anything more satisfying on a cold winter’s day than a hot drink? Indulge in the good stuff in one of our awesome cafes. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates, Peachy, Percy and Percy, and The Boardwalk.
If you’re not a local, or perhaps a staycation is on your mind, Bendigo has an awesome range of family-friendly stays.
If space for the kids to run amuck outdoors, jumping pillows, and playgrounds are on the checklist, check out Bendigo’s best holiday parks. We love Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park, BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park, BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, BIG4 Tasman Holiday Park, and Gold Nugget Tourist Park.
Perhaps a quiet rural farm stay is more your style? Take a look at GilGraves Farmstay or Jamar Lodge for rolling hills, countryside, farm animals and more.
Alternatively, Julie Anna Inn, Quality Hotel Lakeside, and Tea House Motor Inn & Apartments are conveniently located opposite Lake Weeroona and close to the city centre.
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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.
