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.
Capital Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
Throughout the year, find fabulous festivals and events offering the perfect chance to meet the friendly residents, taste the great local produce and see why Heathcote is one of the best, and most beautiful, places in the world.
To ensure you get the most out of your stay in Bendigo, and enjoy this city renown for its creative fusion of classic and contemporary, we have created the perfect self-guided itinerary for you to pla...
Read moreThe Goldfields Track is an established pathway that leads visitors through central Victoria's hidden treasures from deep gorges and fern-lined rivers, to the artefacts and cultural heritage of the greatest gold rush the world has ever seen.
A 210km shared use bushwalking and mountain bike trail follows the top of the Great Dividing Range from Mt Buninyong just out of Ballarat to Bendigo, allowing bushwalkers and mountain bikers time to savour central Victoria’s unique combination of gold rush heritage and natural beauty.
A variety of recreational and road rides are available to locals and visitors to Bendigo. These are proudly provided by the Bendigo Cycling Network and the local Bike Bendigo association. As a visitor to this region, it is a great opportunity to ride with the locals whilst experiencing the beautiful Bendigo countryside.
Monthly Community Ride
Second Sunday of the Month
Kennington Reservoir and Strathdale Park
Enjoy fishing at Kennington Reservoir, take a walk in the surrounding by bushland or a picnic by the reservoir. Nearby Strathdale Park features a fantastic playground for kids.Kennington Reservoir is near the corner of Reservoir Road and Condon Street, Strathdale (Bendigo), close to Strath Village. Click here for more information now.
Lake Weeroona is the jewel in Bendigo’s crown. This beautiful ornamental lake and reserve, set on 18 hectares, was transformed from a dusty mining area in the 1870s. Take a walk around the picturesque lake, enjoy a coffee, a heart warming meal or a delicious homemade gelato. The kids will love the amazing playground and the wide open space to burn off some energy. To make the visit even more exciting, catch a vintage tram from the city centre to the lake.
Things to Do at Lake Weeroona:
Let the kids burn off some steam around Canterbury Gardens, Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb. Canterbury Gardens boasts 35 acres of gorgeous historic gardens alongside the Eaglehawk Creek, with some original relics still intact.
Located in the Eaglehawk precinct and developed as a recreation area in 1883, these lakes provide a natural wilderness to explore. The path around the lake is sealed and lit at night. Other features include a picnic shelter, boardwalk, tables, chairs, barbecue, skate park and play space.
Lake Eppalock is perfect for water based activities and family picnics. Constructed on the Campaspe River in the 1960s, this vast lake has always been popular for boating and water recreation.
Things to Do at Lake Eppalock
Lake Eppalock Facilities
Crusoe Reservoir & No 7 Park
Crusoe reservoir provides great opportunity for water activities such as swimming, fishing, non-powered boating with plenty of flora and fauna to discover. Seating and picnic facilities, ideal for all family and social outings, are found throughout the park.
Fishing - Crusoe Reservoir supports tench, redfin and is stocked with yellowbelly and murray cod.
Settling ponds - This historic filtration system was used to settle out sediment for drinking water. Over a million bricks were used in its completion in the 1870s.
Don’t let the lack of beach fool you, there are plenty of opportunities for water play around Bendigo. Throw the line in at Lake Eppalock, or choose a faster pace in a fishing or ski boat. Bendigo’s lakes and reservoirs are top recreation spots, and the inner-city aquatic centre offers more than just swimming, with its diving boards and giant waterslide. Take a dip all year-round at one of the city’s indoor heated pools.
The whole family will adore beautiful Rosalind Park – 60 acres of grassy open spaces, lush leafy trees, a fabulous playground, ornate statues, an historic conservatory, a fernery and beautiful old gardens to explore, located on the edge of the Bendigo CBD.
