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 has a great range of award-winning attractions and unique experiences on offer for the young at heart, families and everyone in between. Choose from throwing a clay pot, panning for gold, ride a vintage tram, check out a film, learn about Bendigo’s history, discover spiritual wellbeing or enjoy a high tea in heritage building.
So, whether you’re making a day trip or a long weekend, spending the school holidays here or you’re staying with family and friends, here are Bendigo’s best attractions to visit when you’re in Bendigo.
Heritage-listed, Bendigo Joss House Temple is a Chinese place of prayer. Opened in 1871 and now standing for over 150 years, it is one of Australia’s oldest remaining temples of its kind. Constructed with locally handmade bricks, painted red symbolizing happiness, strength and vitality. Visitors can feed the fish, explore the temple’s different rooms and learn about the intriguing beliefs and rituals once practiced here.
Jump onboard Bendigo Tramways’ Vintage Talking Tram, learn about Bendigo’s history and see the city’s key landmarks and monuments including Central Deborah Gold Mine, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Alexandra Fountain, Rosalind Park, Old Post Office, Vahland Fountain, Lake Weeroona and Bendigo Joss House Temple. A round trip takes approximately 45 minutes and is the perfect way to get your bearings and enjoy Bendigo’s beautiful heritage streetscape.
Venture out and experience the history and craft of Australia’s oldest working pottery with demonstrations, hands on activities and interpretative displays. Opening in 1858, Bendigo Pottery is a beautiful authentic experience. Be sure to try your hand at throwing a clay pot on the wheel, decorating a plate or simply wander the retail gallery.
In addition, the broader precinct includes an antiques and collectable centre, plus the Village of Artisans filled with artist studios, galleries, a cellar door, local produce and more.
Located on Pall Mall, the Bendigo Military Museum showcases a permanent collection of wartime memorabilia, uniforms, firearms, personal items, diaries, letters, photos and more that has either been donates or loaned by individuals and organisations. The display is unique in that it focuses on the personal experiences of Central Victorian's in war and peacekeeping from the First and Second World Wars and beyond. The building and museum collection are a lasting tribute to the men and women who served their country.
Visit one of Bendigo’s most popular and authentic attractions, Central Deborah Gold Mine. Once a working mine, it now welcomes visitors daily. Learn first-hand what it was like to be a miner. Take a Mine Experience tour, explore up to 61 metres underground, work the mining drills, and look for gold.
Discovery Science & Technology Centre offers a unique and fun way to spend your time and you’re sure to learn some interesting things along the way too. With loads of interactive exhibits to explore, our favourites include relaxing in the Bendigo Planetarium, the famous Vertical Slide – the tallest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with a sheer drop of seven metres you will fall at a speed of 30-40km per hour, and the Kaleidoscope for budding young scientists.
Step inside what was once one of Australia’s wealthiest mining magnates, George Lansell’s mansion, Fortuna Villa. Kept secure for many years for Defence purposes, the Villa is now open again to the public for tours.
Join a High Tea & Tour. Be welcomed by a harpist as you walk in the grand doors and enjoy a traditional high tea complete with delicious cakes, scones, sandwiches and savoury treats, plus tea, coffee, champagne, beer or wine. Then join a roaming tour of the Villa, learn about the history of the property, get an insider’s point of view and finish with a wander around the lake.
Head on down to Bendigo’s Dai Gum San precinct. Taking pride of place on what was once a Chinese camp, the Golden Dragon Museum is now home to the world’s longest Golden Dragon, Dai Gum Loong and the beloved Bendigo Easter Fair.
Also, within the precinct you’ll find the tranquil and relaxing vibes of Yi Yuan Gardens and Kuan Yin Temple, home of the Goddess of Compassion.
Experience the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion sits amongst native bushland land of the edge of Bendigo. It rises to a total height of 48 metres and is 50 metres wide at its base.
Take a self-guided tour and explore the Peace Park, step inside the Great Stupa and learn about Buddhist culture, view the largest Jade Buddha in the world and enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at the StupaView Café.
If you’re chasing a memorable, yet relaxing experience, be sure to head out to Star Cinema. Formerly Eaglehawk Town Hall, this unique boutique cinema experience is a must do. Star Cinema shows independent, arthouse, foreign and classic films, from the comfort of your own red velvet couch with a glass of local wine or beer.
Plus, every Friday evening from 5pm til late The Chamber Wine Bar is open upstairs for drinks and dinner service. Yum!
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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.
