Wander through intriguing mini gorges and cliffs of fine pink clay. The colourful phenomenon was created by early gold-mining activities: sluicing work in the 1880s revealed the 'pink' hills near the historic town of Heathcote.

You'll find a variety of stones at this geological reserve, including smooth ironstone with a distinctive volcanic appearance. It's a great area for bushwalking and photography, so strap on your boots, grab your camera and get set to explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife.

Content from Visit Victoria 

Cycling through bushland and farmland, past some fantastic gold-era historical sites, the 17.7km long Castlemaine to Maldon Trail runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Tourist Train railway. This historic branchline railway served rural Victoria from 1880 through to the 1970s and had been restored to its former glory by dedicated volunteers. The scenic cycling and walking trail that follows the railway line was constructed in 2016 and opened in March of 2017.

The 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.