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.
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.
If you’re looking for a fun day out exploring the great outdoors or a place to cool off, why not check out Lake Eppalock this summer.
Located in the heart of central Victoria, between Bendigo and Heathcote, the lake is popular spot for recreational sport with a great range of experiences on offer. Free to visit, Lake Eppalock has facilities to suit every visitor, including caravan parks, picnic areas, public toilets and four public boat ramps. Plus, it’s dog-friendly area. And if that’s not enough, you’ll even find a boutique winery on the lake with beautiful views and local wine.
Check out our local guide to exploring Lake Eppalock…
With such a large mass of water on offer, there’s so many ways you can enjoy the water. It’s a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing and boating. The options are endless.
Kimbolton is a great area with all the facilities nearby plus it’s a favourite amongst groups and those launch boats. Alternatively, head further south to Point King for a different view of the lake and a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.
Not only are there plenty of tracks along the lake’s edge to enjoy cycling around, but the O’Keefe Rail Trail weaves its way over and past Lake Eppalock on its way to and from Bendigo and Heathcote.
Click here to learn more about the O'Keefe Rail Trail.
There are plenty of great barbeque and picnic areas overlooking the water at Lake Eppalock.
The most popular, Kimbolton Recreation Area, offers new undercover areas complete with electric barbeques (free to use, bonus!), picnic tables and toilets.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to throw your picnic blanket down and enjoy your surroundings, check out Mangans Lane, Bo Bay or Kirrang Point swimming area.
Lake Eppalock is home to Golden Perch, Red Fin, Trout and Murray Cod, with a stocking program to ensure there’s great supply and a pretty good chance of bagging a fish.
You can expect to find Red Fin around Derrinal and Kimbolton pools at the north end of the lake.
Head to the mouths of the Coliban and Campaspe rivers you’ll find Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
The lake is a beautiful natural resource that attracts an abundance of wildlife. It’s known to be a popular spot for bird watching in the region with common sightings of whistling kites and wedge-tailed eagles, to honeyeaters, laughing kookaburras and parrots – just to name a few.
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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.
