Discover the Elegance and Riches of Beautiful Bendigo
Lying in the centre of Victoria's former goldfields, Bendigo is an elegant regional town, rich in history with beautiful architecture, fine restaurants and wonderful galleries. Indulge, explore and experience the best of the region in this fabulous town.
Bendigo is a former gold rush town with a fascinating history. Thousands flocked here from around the globe in the mid-1800s and you experience some of that history with a visit to the Central Deborah Gold Mine. This working mine provides an enthralling glimpse of life as a miner. Don a hard-hat, overalls and flannelette shirt (all provided along with boots and lamp) to explore the honeycomb network of mining tunnels, some of which go down nine levels! Many of those who travelled here in the 19th century had travelled all the way from China, and their story can be found at the Golden Dragon Museum and Emu Point Temple.
Bendigo's vintage 'Talking Tram' is a tram tour that gives you a guided introduction to several historic sites. View the Alexandra Fountain, the former post office, law courts, and the grand Shamrock Hotel.
The Talking Tram will take you to Rosalind Park, home to an open-air fernery, conservatory, rotunda and children's playground. Be sure to take a stroll or cycle along the shores of lovely Lake Weerona.
Or you might travel a little further afield to experience the O'Keefe Rail Trail, which will guide you beneath towering forest gums and along trickling streams. Abundant wildlife may be spotted along the trail, including kangaroos and wallabies.
Be sure to take a meander down View Street, the hub of Bendigo's arts precinct. Among the many small galleries, you'll also find the Performing Arts Centre and Bendigo Art Gallery. This major regional gallery has a fabulous permanent Australian collection and also presents a variety of first-class international exhibitions.
Bendigo is home to a bevy of bustling sidewalk cafes and fabulous restaurants. It also lies in the heart of wine country.
Amidst verdant, rolling hills, vineyards and orchards, winemakers are ready to welcome you at any number of cellar doors and winery restaurants. Enjoy a meal with the finest local shiraz or cabernet sauvignon overlooking picture-perfect countryside.
While red wine is a specialty of the region, you'll also encounter sparkling wines, crisp whites and ciders.
View Street and Bath Lane are home to a variety of boutiques, antique stores and other shopping treasure troves. Search for clothes, jewellery, handicrafts and delicious local produce. Don't forget to visit the Bendigo Market shopping centre, which is open seven days a week, where you can find major stores, smaller specialty shops, discounted items and special deals.
Accommodation is available to suit any mood, or any budget. Rest your head in a luxury retreat, character-infused guesthouse, welcoming bed and breakfast, self-contained apartment, or enjoy some luxury at the Shamrock Hotel.
