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20 Incredible things to do in Bendigo 

Travel Journalist

15 February 2023

If you swoon at the sight of heritage architecture and love the finer things in life (read: food, wine, art), then make a beeline for Bendigo – a regional Victorian city that straddles the past and the future with aplomb.    

Drive north of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway and in just under two hours you’ll arrive at Bendigo , a gold rush town that has grown into a thriving regional centre experiencing yet another boom.

Immerse yourself in the rich stories of the town’s golden past. (Image: Visit Victoria)

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, culinary experiences should be at the top of your agenda when travelling to Bendigo, but there’s much more to see and do beyond dining at top-rated restaurants . Here’s a range of must-do experiences to add to your list. 

Fun things to do in Bendigo

Home to talented artisans, thriving modern galleries and enduring institutions that have made their mark on history, finding fun is easy in Bendigo.

1. Get your bearings on a Vintage Talking Tram Tour

See Bendigo’s noteworthy landmarks and monuments while learning about the city’s past aboard a charming Vintage Talking Tram .

Explore Bendigo aboard a Vintage Talking Tram. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Easily one of the most fun ways to get the lay of the land in a new city, a 45-minute ride on a Vintage Talking Tram reveals tales from the gold rush, architectural trivia and stories of local legends – don’t miss it.

Hop on a tram to start your historical tour around the streets of Bendigo. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. See artisans in action at Bendigo Pottery

Established back in 1858, a visit to Bendigo Pottery is a shopping trip, history lesson and art appreciation afternoon all in one. Watch artisans creating the famous pottery that’s found in homes Australia-wide, shop for unique vintage finds at the Antiques and Collectibles Centre, and refuel at the onsite cafe with some scones and tea.

Visit Australia’s oldest working pottery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Want to pick up some pottery skills? Book in for a wheel throwing lesson, attend a clay decorating workshop or try some simple clay play – there’s plenty of interactive experiences to enjoy here.

Catch local artisans in action at Bendigo Pottery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Get your culture fix at Bendigo Art Gallery

One of Australia’s oldest and largest regional galleries , Bendigo Art Gallery is a must-do when you’re in town. Founded in 1887, the gallery on View Street has hosted many noteworthy international exhibitions that sell out in advance, so hop online and check the gallery’s website to see what touring exhibitions are scheduled during your stay.

Get acquainted with Bendigo’s rich culture and heritage. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Regardless of what’s on, the well-curated gallery spaces are always filled with an interesting mix of contemporary and historical paintings, sculptures and ceramics from near and far. The Gallery Shop is also a top spot to pick up a unique souvenir to remind you of your time in Bendigo. 

Browse through the extensive art gallery collection. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Free things to do

With plenty of free activities and experiences on offer, a trip to Bendigo doesn’t have to break the bank.  

4. Explore the botanical beauty of Rosalind Park

Right in the centre of Bendigo you’ll find one of Bendigo’s most beautiful greenspaces, Rosalind Park . A paradise packed with horticultural treasures, on a hot day you’ll be able to cool yourself under the shade of grand, old elms and oaks.

Go on a relaxing walk under the shade of tall trees at Rosalind Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

During spring, be sure to see the park’s annual display of colourful tulips. All year round, the walled Yi Yuan Chinese Gardens are a peaceful spot for quiet reflection. With a conservatory, fernery and several water features to see, set aside an hour or two to take it all in.   

See colourful flowers inside its manicured gardens. (Image: Visit Victoria)

5. Find peace at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Fifty metres high, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is the biggest stupa (or pagoda) in the Western world. A place for people to seek peace and learn about Buddhism, this stupa sits within 200-plus acres of bushland in the Whipstick Forest, so is a serene spot to spend a few hours exploring on a self-guided, free tour.

After you’ve explored the stupa, wander through the Peace Park where you can spin prayer wheels clockwise to send compassionate energy out into the world. The StupaView Cafe serves delicious vegetarian gyoza too!  

Get up close and personal with the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world.

6. Roam free at Bendigo Botanic Gardens

Located in the White Hills area of Bendigo, the sprawling Bendigo Botanic Gardens are nearly as old as Bendigo itself. The perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch followed by a wander, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of seasonal flowers in bloom during the warmer months. Kids getting restless? Reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland , the whimsical children’s playspace is so impressive it’s won awards.  

Things to do for families

Travelling with kids? Bendigo has plenty of hands-on experiences to keep visitors of all ages engaged and entertained.  

7. Have your mind blown at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre

If you’ve got some budding scientists in your family, then visit Bendigo’s Discovery Science & Technology Centre . With more than 100 interactive exhibits, learning about physics, chemistry and beyond is fun at this centre that merges education with entertainment. Head into the planetarium to go on an interplanetary journey, feel a rush on the vertical slide, or build something with blocks in the Kaleidoscope space – there’s activities for all ages and abilities here.  

8. Head underground at Central Deborah Mine

All the family will love putting on a hard hat to learn about Bendigo’s gold rush history at the Central Deborah Mine . Sixty-one metres below the earth’s surface, you’ll get to walk in the footsteps of the miners who worked hard in the underground tunnels searching for gold in challenging conditions. Above ground, you’ll also be able to see heritage-listed buildings including an engine room and blacksmith’s shop.  

9. Bowl a few strikes at Bendigo Bowling Centre

Looking for a fun rainy-day activity? Book an afternoon bowling session at the Bendigo Bowling Centre . Operating since the 1960s, this longstanding ten-pin bowling centre is the official home of old-school fun in Bendigo.  

Romantic things to do in Bendigo

From dining at a hatted restaurant to drinking cocktails at a rooftop bar, Bendigo has many special spots for loved-up couples to connect.     

10. Share exceptional culinary experiences

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a romantic night of wining and dining should be high on the list for couples. To celebrate in style, head to Masons of Bendigo (a table reservation is essential) to dine on the very best Central Victorian produce.

Experience paddock-to-plate dining at Masons of Bendigo. (Image: Visit Victoria)

What was once the basement of an old school hall is now Ms Batterhams , an exceptional dinner spot dripping with personality. Book the chef’s share menu to enjoy seasonally inspired plates prepared by Head Chef Travis Rodwell.  

Leave room for dessert at Mrs Batterhams. (Image: Tourism Australia)

11. Pick up a paintbrush at Pinot & Picasso

Sipping wine while painting a canvas is a fun way to get to know each other on another level. Book a painting (and drinking) session at Pinot & Picasso Bendigo and you’ll get to leave with a unique memento of your trip to Bendigo to hang in your home. Who knows, you might uncover some hidden creative talents too.  

Unique things to do

Searching for something out of the ordinary to do while you’re in town? Bendigo’s left-of-centre experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.  

12. Let the good times roll aboard Bendigo’s Blues Tram

Enjoy live music, local brews and a tour of the city all at once aboard Bendigo’s beloved Blues Tram – a heritage tram that rattles through Bendigo carrying passengers and musicians. With stops to purchase drinks along the way, a few hours aboard the Blues Tram listening to local musos tear it up is an afternoon well spent.   

13. Uncover local history at the Golden Dragon Museum

You might be surprised to know that Chinese immigrants who arrived during the gold rush played an important role in shaping Bendigo. Opened in 1991, the Golden Dragon Museum is a cultural centre dedicated to preserving the heritage of Chinese culture in Australia. Spend a few hours here wandering around the beautiful gardens and seeing Loong, the world’s oldest surviving complete processional dragon. Feeling peckish? Visit the museum’s restaurant, Hawker to feast on Chinese cuisine.  

Things to do at night

Whether you’re keen to catch a movie in a vintage cinema, slurp down a bowl of vegan ramen or laugh ‘til you cry at a stand-up comedy show, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Bendigo after dark.   

14. Soak up some culture at Ullumbarra Theatre

Bendigo’s renowned Ullumbarra Theatre was once a gaol, but these days the heritage-listed venue hosts a rotating calendar of events all year round. From rock bands to stand-up comedy, classical music recitals, contemporary dance performances and beyond, this theatre is where creativity and culture come to life in Bendigo .   

15. Step back in time at the Star Cinema

Located within the old Eaglehawk Town Hall, the Star is considered to be one of Australia’s most beautiful cinemas. Showing a range of new releases and classic movies, a night in this vintage cinema’s plush couches will delight film fans. Afterwards, head upstairs to the Chambers Wine Bar for a nightcap.  

16. Toast your trip at Bendigo’s bars

Unwinding with a drink is a standard holiday ritual many of us partake in to kick off our break. When it’s sunny, head to Nimbus Rooftop on Mitchell Street for cocktails served with the best view in town. On High Street you’ll find Harpoon Social Club , a cool spot for some Japanese beer, sake or frozen cocktails (stick around and order some ramen or bao too).

Discover an eclectic mix of eateries and boutique-style shops along Bendigo’s endearing laneway. (Image: Visit Victoria)

On the ground floor of the Royal Mail Hotel, Hargreaves is a moody wine and cocktail bar that’s open late most nights. Stop in for an espresso martini to kick off proceedings or cosy up in a nook and polish off a bottle of pinot noir while grazing on an antipasto.

Don’t forget to pair your wine with Hargreaves’ must-try antipasto board.

Things to do around Bendigo

Forest-fringed walking trails, mountain biking spots, family-run vineyards and tiny towns with big personalities are all within striking distance of Bendigo.  

17. Tuck into pies and ales at a classic country pub

Hop in the car, drive 50 minutes southeast and you’ll hit the small town of Tooborac. With a population hovering at around 300 people, this town punches above its weight thanks to the legendary bluestone Tooborac Hotel & Brewery – the oldest National Trust-listed country pub in Victoria. Enjoy a hearty Sunday roast by the fire washed down with a porter or pale ale. Or pop in next door to the cute pie shop for a just-baked beef and ale pie instead.   

Grab a bite of Tooborac’s mushroom beef pie.

18. Get some fresh air in Harcourt

Drive half an hour south of Bendigo and you’ll hit the town of Harcourt which is home to wineries, distilleries and one of the best spots to mountain bike in Victoria. La Larr Ba Gauwa Park may be a mecca for mountain bikers, but it’s a top hiking and picnicking spot too. With a range of trails suitable for different levels of experience and fitness, the jumps and drops at this park will thrill adventurous mountain bikers. Prefer to kick back with a picnic lunch? Head to the magical Oak Forest to soak up the serenity in the shade.   

19. Go on an antique hunting road trip

Central Victoria is home to many well-preserved gold rush-era towns packed with vintage and antique shops. Castlemaine, Maldon and Chewton can all be reached in under half an hour from Bendigo.

Stroll along the vibrant streetscape of Castlemaine. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Spend your day fossicking in this area’s incredible vintage stores, antique shops and op-shops to find one-of-a-kind homewares, vinyl records and rare books. Fair warning: you’ll need to set aside a few hours to hunt through all of Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar’s treasures .       

Shop great finds at the vintage bazaar. (Image: Visit Victoria)

20. Enjoy a whistlestop tour aboard a heritage steam train

Train enthusiasts won’t want to miss a ride aboard an old steam train along the Victorian Goldfields Railway . Stretching between Maldon and Castlemaine, the journey winds its way through forests and farmland, offering passengers incredible views as well as insight into how steam trains operate. Run by a band of passionate volunteers, this is a feel-good trip that train lovers of all ages will delight in. 

Planning to visit Bendigo soon? Check out our ultimate travel guide to Bendigo here .

Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Bendigo (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Bendigo (Australia)

Near the remote centre of Victoria is a city that sprouted all of a sudden during the Victorian gold rush of the mid-19th century.

Bendigo is on one of the richest goldfields in the world, and its mines have produced more than 780,000kg of gold.

Among the tens of thousands of hopeful diggers that showed up 170 years ago was a large Chinese contingent.

To this day, Bendigo has a prominent Chinese community, documented at the Golden Dragon Museum and visible especially in the annual Easter Festival.

Bendigo’s Midas touch left the city with graceful 19th-century architecture and attractions that endure to this day.

1. Central Deborah Gold Mine

This mine near Bendigo’s city centre yielded almost a metric ton of gold between 1939 and 1954. The Central Deborah Gold Mine opened during a revival of the city’s gold industry, and work continued even during the Second World War.

Since 1986 this has been a tourist attraction, and the tight main shaft was widened to make things a bit more comfortable for visitors.

How much you see of the mine depends on how adventurous you’re feeling.

The basic Mine Experience for example takes you to a depth of 61 metres to get a sense of this warren of tunnels.

This tour takes just over an hour, but if you’re brave you can try the Underground Adventure at 85 metres, or even the Nine Levels of Darkness tour, which descends in the original miners’ cage to 225 metres below the earth’s surface.

This subterranean journey will take more than three hours, during which you’ll tuck into a miner’s lunch and clamber up and down ladders.

2. Bendigo Art Gallery

Inaugurated way back in 1887, the Bendigo Art Gallery grew out of the Volunteer Rifle’ room and has been extended over time.

The most recent addition was the arresting sculpture gallery added in 2001 and designed by Melbourne’s Fender Katsalidis Architects.

The Bendigo Art Gallery’s inventory spans 19th, 20th and 21st-century painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper and decorative arts.

The collection is particularly strong for its European and Australian painting from the 19th century, counting pieces by luminaries like Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, Ernest Waterlow, Charles Conder and Arthur Streeton.

The museum has a programme of crowd-pleasing temporary shows, dealing with anything from 20th-century cultural icons to ancient artefacts loaned by the British Museum.

3. Bendigo Chinese Gardens Reserve and Golden Dragon Museum

Bendigo has had a Chinese community since the days of the gold rush, and the museum chronicling this Chinese heritage is actually on the site of one of early Bendigo’s Chinatowns.

This attraction opened in 1991 and looks at the lives of these citizens, and how Chinese culture has influenced the city from the 1850s to the present.

The Golden Dragon Museum has a national profile, as a hub of Chinese-related cultural activities in Australia.

At the core of the collection is a stunning array of processional regalia from the late-19th century, comprising theatrical costumes brocaded with gold thread.

The oldest artefacts here go back to the time of the (1600-1026 BCE). You can also see what are thought to be the world’s oldest and longest imperial dragons.

Sun Loong for instance is more than 100 metres long and has appeared at the Bendigo Easter Festival every year since 1901. We also have to mention the authentic gardens, designed like the Imperial Palace in Beijing and complete with the Buddhist Temple of the Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin Miao).

4. Lake Weeroona

From the 1850s to the 1870s one of the loveliest spots in Bendigo was actually a mine.

Then in 1878 the art director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens oversaw this site’s transformation into an 18-hectare body of water.

Lake Weeroona is within a reserve and has a path through relaxing wooded parkland encircling its banks.

On a leisurely walk it will take about 20 minutes to complete a circuit.

There’s a cafe on the east shore for light meals or a scoop or three of gelato, and children can run wild at the huge adventure playground.

An elegant way to get here from the CBD would be on the historic tramway, which we’ll talk about next.

5. Bendigo Tramways

The city has had a tram system since 1890 and this is still open to visitors as a tourist attraction.

In their time the Bendigo Tramways have been powered by battery, then steam and then electricity since 1903. In the post-war years the network proved too expensive to run as a commuter service, and it finally closed down in 1972, to be reborn as a heritage line.

You can catch a tram through the city centre between North Bendigo and the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Riding a heritage tram you can take a hop-on, hop-off tour and see almost all of the Bendigo’s main attractions.

The Dja Dja Wurrung Tram sets off from the Central Deborah Gold Mine at 10:00 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and relates the 40,000-year story and traditions of Bendigo’s first people.

There’s also a monthly “Blues Tram” with live performances and “Yarn Bomb Tram” bedecked with crocheted seat covers, cushions, blanket and bunting.

Finally, the old tram depot off Hargreaves Street is open to the public for self-guided tours.

6. Rosalind Park

Bordering Bendigo’s CBD is more than 60 hectares of lawns and mature trees, all scattered with amenities and historic monuments.

The space that is now Rosalind Park is in a valley along Bendigo Creek and because of its permanent freshwater pools would have been vital to the area’s Dja Dja Wrung people way before the arrival of Europeans.

In the early 1850s the Government Camp was based right here and what is now a peaceful idyll was then a mass of shallow shafts, puddling mills and mullock heaps.

By 1855 there were proposals to turn this area into a park, and the surviving layout was decided upon by 1870. Walking the park’s stately avenues you’ll see lots of features that have been here since the late-19th century like fernery (1879), man-made cascades from the 1880s, a cast iron conservatory (1897) and theatrical Neoclassical statuary.

At the west end is the converted Poppet Head lookout tower, which once stood over the nearby Garden Gully United mine and was moved to this spot in 1931.

7. Bendigo Pottery

Australia’s oldest working pottery was established in Bendigo in 1858 and after a few ups and downs in the intervening years has experienced a revival since the 1970s.

In that time Bendigo Pottery has become a byword for quality and innovation.

At this historic site dominated by wood-fired kilns you can find out about the pottery’s past and learn all you need to know about production and the traditional skills still employed by Bendigo’s skilled potters.

You can watch live demonstrations and try your hand at a pottery wheel.

The sales gallery has a large selection of contemporary and traditional pottery, while there’s also an antiques and collectibles centre and a studios with resident artists producing jewellery, sculpture, painting, textiles and more.

8. Bendigo Botanic Gardens

The city’s first public garden was founded as long ago as 1857. The site, a few minutes northeast of the CBD, appears on maps from 1854, just three years after gold was discovered in Bendigo.

The lake at the centre of the park is a remnant of Bendigo Creek, and is wreathed in indigenous wetland species.

Elsewhere the park is divided into lots of lovely sub-gardens, like the Northern Victorian Garden, the Cottage Garden of the Victorian Goldfields, the Indigenous Garden, Habitat Garden and the National Canna and Lavender Collections.

There’s also an Arch of Triumph (1925), a picnic pavilion (1910), an aviary, and an award-winning playspace inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

9. Sacred Heart Cathedral

Bendigo’s gold explains how a relatively small provincial city like this could have a church of such incredible dimensions.

This stupendous Gothic Revival building was begun in 1897 and would be completed 70 years later, after work was interrupted by the two world wars.

Most of the funding was provided by the estate of German-born Henry Backaus (1811-1882), Bendigo’s first Catholic priest.

He amassed serious wealth in Bendigo’s early boom years and left it all for the construction of a cathedral.

Sacred Heart is one of the largest in the country, and the 87-metre spire is the second-tallest behind St Patrick’s in Melbourne.

Go in to appreciate the scale of the nave, which has a wooden ceiling rising to 24 metres.

Check out the carved stonework, the stained glass on the west window, the organ (1905), the blackwood pews and the fine timber panelling.

10. Discovery Science and Technology Centre

This science museum in Bendigo is all about interactivity and learning through play.

So, almost without realising, kids can get acquainted with scientific ideas at more than 100 whimsical exhibits.

There’s an echo tube, almost as long as the centre itself, or an air cannon that can spell out a message, or a device that shoots ping-pong balls amazing distances using only the air around them.

Kids will also be wowed by the planetarium where they can learn about the stars, planets and solar system while sitting back on a beanbag.

But if there’s a headline attraction it’s the tallest vertical slide in the Southern Hemisphere, with a sheer drop of seven metres.

11. Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

With the same size and design as Tibet’s Great Stupa of Gyantse, Bendigo’s Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is the largest stupa in the Western World.

This startling monument is designed to last for a millennium, and rises 48 metres over Bendigo’s bushland, with a width of 50 metres at its base.

Among the many venerated objects within is the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest Buddha to be fashioned from gemstone-quality jade in the world.

The massive boulder from which it was carved was brought to light in Canada in 2000. You can see this and many more artefacts on a tour, setting off from the stupa’s visitor centre and shedding light on Asian culture, Buddhism and art.

There’s artisan coffee at the StupaView Café and a shop selling handmade gifts.

12. The Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum

The solemn Returned Soldiers’ Memorial Hall was erected in the Second Empire style in 1921 as a memorial to those who served in the First World War.

After a two-year redevelopment and extension, the museum inside reopened in 2018 and holds a sizeable collection of military artefacts and memorabilia charting every conflict from the Boer War to Iraq.

This is large enough that it needs to rotate the temporary exhibitions and includes diaries, photographs, documents, books, medals, weapons, uniforms, identity tags, side packs, medical packs and poignant pieces of “trench art” handmade on the battlefield.

13. Alexandra Fountain

The intersection of View Street and Pall Mall is Charing Cross, pretty much at the very centre of Bendigo.

Standing here is a fountain built in 1880 and named for the then Princess of Wales, Alexandra of Denmark.

This monument, testifying to the affluence created by the goldfields, was the work of W.C. Vahland, an architect who designed much of Bendigo’s public architecture from that time.

Impeccably maintained, it’s the second-largest municipal fountain in Victoria, standing 8.5 metres tall and set in a circular pool 15 metres in diameter.

It’s composed of a mix of Harcourt granite, iron and painted stone, and has a group of four allegorical women above spouted mer-horses and dolphins.

14. Bendigo Easter Festival

If you want to see Bendigo’s imperial dragon, Sun Loong in action, then you need to be in town for the Bendigo Easter Festival, which has been celebrated since 1871. The first festival took place to raise funds for a hospital and soon became an institution.

Sun Loong shows up for the signature event, the Easter Procession, held on Easter Sunday and has more than 100 float and over 1,000 participants each year.

Among the other long-running traditions are a carnival in the CBD, the Torchlight Procession and the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony to stir old Sun Loong from his year-long slumber.

In Yi Yuan Gardens meanwhile you can catch the Chinese Spring Festival, with martial arts, lion dancing and traditional Chinese drum, ribbon and fan dances.

15. Bendigo Wine Region

Grape vines were planted in the bushland around Bendigo even when the gold rush was in full swing.

The climate is dry and temperate, similar to what you get in the south of France, with warm summers and mild-to-cool winters when much of the rainfall happens.

Red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz do especially well around Bendigo, and the main white is Chardonnay.

A typical bottle of Bendigo Cabernet Sauvignon will have trademark blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, with a hint of eucalypt-peppermint.

There are more than 60 wineries and cellar doors, draped over the hills and valleys around Bendigo and into the Heathcote Region to the east.

Killiecrankie, Sandhurst Ridge, Sutton Grange, Chateau Dore, Mandurang Valley are a few names to get you started.

15 Best Things to Do in Bendigo (Australia):

• Central Deborah Gold Mine
• Bendigo Art Gallery
• Bendigo Chinese Gardens Reserve and Golden Dragon Museum
• Lake Weeroona
• Bendigo Tramways
• Rosalind Park
• Bendigo Pottery
• Bendigo Botanic Gardens
• Sacred Heart Cathedral
• Discovery Science and Technology Centre
• Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
• The Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum
• Alexandra Fountain
• Bendigo Easter Festival
• Bendigo Wine Region

TravelRaval

Travel is Love

15 Top Things to Do in Bendigo, Victoria (Australia) 2023

TravelRaval » Blog » 15 Top Things to Do in Bendigo, Victoria (Australia) 2023

B endigo, one of Victoria’s largest regional cities, is alive with cultural landmarks and hopping cafés and eateries. From Ballarat, it takes roughly 90 minutes to get there. The profusion of art galleries and cathedrals, large tree-lined boulevards, and opulent European-style buildings with a decidedly Australian character provide a pleasant surprise around every corner. Provided there are plenty of things to do in Bendigo.

Join an underground tour at the Central Deborah Gold Mine for a glimpse into Bendigo’s gold mining past. Bendigo also has a lengthy Chinese past. The heritage-listed Bendigo Chinese Joss House serves as a poignant reminder of the significant contribution that Chinese immigrants made during the gold rush. 

There’s a superb Golden Dragon Museum that further examines this history with enthralling exhibits of Chinese art and cultural items.

Bendigo offers a lot of attractions for those who enjoy art and architecture. In addition to its outstanding collection of European and Australian paintings,  the Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia’s biggest and oldest regional art galleries. 

The beautiful Sacred Heart Cathedral is the most recognizable feature in Bendigo and one of the biggest churches in Australia. Bendigo Pottery is Australia’s oldest operating pottery and an excellent place to find a one-of-a-kind gift.

The Discovery Science & Technology Center features over 100 kid-friendly interactive exhibits, and Serene Rosalind Park . It is a good site for a picnic or a quiet walk in the heart of the city. 

Many of these attractions can be explored on a Bendigo Tramways tour, which is a narrated hop-on, hop-off adventure through the city.

Still, you are wondering what to do in Bendigo? Here are the 15 top things to do in Bendigo – 

1. Tour the Bendigo Art Gallery

2. rosalind park has some of the best views of the city, 3. marvel the architecture at the great stupa of universal compassion, 4. take a stroll at bendigo chinese gardens reserve, 5. marvel at the bendigo pottery making, 6. take a leisurely stroll around alexandra fountain, 7. peruse the beautiful lake weeroona, 8. explore the bendigo botanic gardens’ many attractions, 9. obtain and sample wine at bendigo wine region, 10. enjoy the ride at bendigo tramways, 11. sacred heart cathedral has a tranquil atmosphere, 12. discover fortuna villa’s elegant rooms, 13. discover science and technology centre’s planetarium, 14. explore the central deborah gold mine, 15. catch sporting events at bendigo stadium, (i) the woodhouse restaurant, (ii) harpoon social club, (iii) the dispensary, (iv) out of order, (i) barclay on the view, (ii) best western cathedral motor inn, (iii) city center motel bendigo, (iv) all seasons resort hotel.

The Bendigo Art Gallery was founded in 1887 and expanded out of the Volunteer Rifle’ chamber over time, and is among the top places to visit in Bendigo.

The striking sculpture gallery was erected in 2001 and was created by Melbourne’s Fender Katsalidis Architects, and is among the most recent collection in the house.

The collection of the Bendigo Art Gallery includes decorative arts, works on paper, sculpture, and paintings from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

The collection has a strong emphasis on 19th-century European and Australian painting. It features the works of notable artists such as Ernest Waterlow, Charles Conder, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, and Arthur Streeton.

The museum hosts a variety of entertaining temporary exhibitions. It includes everything from ancient artifacts lent by the British Museum to 20th-century cultural icons .

Rosalind Park is located at the intersection of View Street and Pall Mall .

Before the 1850s, the area was a grassy woods bordered by giant Eucalyptuses along the Bendigo Creek.

It used to be the main source of food and water for the Dja Dja Wrung people, and is one of the top tourist attractions in Bendigo.

Today, it features 60 acres of open space that are covered in plush grass and towering trees.

Rosalind Park also includes a sizable playground, a greenhouse, a fernery, an elevated viewpoint deck, various gardens, and elaborate statues strewn across the area.

Climb to the top of the Poppet Head lookout tower for some of the best views in town.

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassio n in Bendigo is the largest stupa in the Western World, measuring the same size and shape as Tibet’s Great Stupa of Gyantse.

This striking structure has a base width of 50 meters and rises 48 meters over Bendigo’s bushland. It is intended to survive for a millennium.

Among the many revered things within is the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace , the world’s largest Buddha made of gemstone-quality jade.

In 2000, Canadian authorities discovered the enormous boulder from which it was cut. This and many more artifacts can be seen during a tour that departs from the stupa’s visitor center and sheds light on Asian culture, Buddhism, and art.

Visitors can sign up for guided tours, which begin with a video introduction and take you through the Peace Park and inside the stupa.

You can learn about Buddhism and Asian art and culture as you stroll around this attraction and view artifacts and relics. And is among the top spiritual stuff to do in Bendigo.

Chinese people have lived in Bendigo since the time of the gold rush. The museum standing here is the testament of Chinese tradition and culture. It is located on the site of one of the city’s first Chinatowns.

This 1991-opened attraction explores the life of these residents and how Chinese culture has shaped the city from the 1850s to the present.

Since it is Australia’s primary center for Chinese cultural activities, the Golden Dragon Museum enjoys a high level of national recognition, and is one of the top Bendigo tourist attractions. 

The collection’s centerpiece is a beautiful collection of late-nineteenth-century processional regalia, including stage outfits brocaded with gold leaf.

The earliest artifacts in this location date back to the 16th century.

They are also thought to be the world’s oldest and longest imperial dragons.

Sun Loong, for example, is over 100 meters long and has been a staple of the Bendigo Easter Festival since 1901. We must also emphasize the authentic gardens, which were inspired by the Imperial Palace in Beijing and include the Buddhist Temple of the Goddess of Mercy.

Bendigo is where Australia’s oldest operating pottery was founded in 1858 , and has seen a rebirth since the 1970s .  Since then, Bendigo Pottery has earned a reputation for excellence and innovation.

At this ancient location dominated by wood-fired kilns, you can learn about the history of pottery and the traditional skills currently used by Bendigo’s experienced potters.

You can observe live performances and operate a pottery wheel for yourself and it is one of the unique things to do in Bendigo.

There is a huge assortment of modern and traditional ceramics in the sales gallery. It also features antiques and collectibles centers and studios with resident artists producing jewelry, sculpture, painting, textiles, and more.

Alexandra Fountain, which can be found near the junction of Pall Mall and View Street, is one of the best places to visit in Bendigo .

The Charing Cross is a convenient crossing that is also one of Bendigo’s busiest and most significant intersections. It is situated right in the middle of the city.

The Alexandra Fountain was constructed as a grand tribute to the prosperity of the Goldfields and the Bendigo area. It is the second-largest municipal fountain in Victoria, towering 8.5 meters tall and situated in a 15-meter-diameter circular pool .

It was named for the Princess of Wales when it was constructed in the 19th century. The structure is made of a combination of painted stone, iron, and Harcourt granite, and it features a group of four allegorical women above spouted dolphins and mercenaries.

The late Victorian-style fountain was created by local architect William Charles Vahland , and it has a very captivating design.

A lovely artificial lake and reserve called Lake Weeroona may be found on Napier Street, and is among the top things to see in Bendigo.

Before it was turned into a lake in the 1870s, this decorative lake, which spans 18 hectares, was a mining area.

The Melbourne Botanic Gardens ‘ William Guilfoyle served as its art director during its creation.

The lake is accessible via a historic tram that travels from the city center to the lake.

There is a sizable playground, lodging options, a parking lot, and lots of delectable restaurants and BBQs.

The lake can be visited by anyone who chooses to walk, jog, or ride a bike; the walk takes about 20 minutes to complete.

In front of Lake Weeroona’s serene waters, you can also savor some delectable cuisine products.

The Bendigo Botanic Gardens was the city’s first public garden and one of Victoria’s oldest regional botanic gardens.

It was built in 1857 and is situated in White Hills . Visitors adore it for its numerous appealing features, and is one of the best things to do in Bendigo.

The botanical garden has a walk-through bird aviary, a lovely lake, a musical adventure playground, tiny gardens, and excellent BBQ facilities, to name a few.

Swings, slides, a suspension bridge, and a hammock make the playground popular with kids.

The Bendigo Botanic Gardens also have a billabong, historical tree collection, lavender collection , cottage garden, WW1 Arch of Triumph, grape walk , and a real picnic pavilion from the early 1900s .

The Bendigo Wine Region refers to wineries located across the city, as well as at Bridgewater on Loddon , Madurang, Marong, and Harcourt .

The first grape vines were planted in 1856, and several families came and stayed to establish several wineries.

Several wineries may be found in the area, including Balgownie Estate, BlackJack Wines, Connor Park Winery, and Glenwillow Wines .

Local grapes are hand-picked and hand-crafted by the growers into the wines brewed here.

Restaurants, local wineries, and cellars all offer samples of wines from the Bendigo Wine Region.

You’ll be begging for more since the wines are so good, and it is one of the great activities in Bendigo to look around.

The city has had a tram system since 1890, and it is still open to visitors as a tourist attraction.

The 1 9th century Bendigo Tramways have been powered by battery, steam, and finally electricity.

The network proved too expensive to run as a commuter service in the postwar years. It was finally closed down in 1972, only to be revived as a historical landmark.

North Bendigo and the Central Deborah Gold Mine are both accessible via tram through the city’s center.

The majority of Bendigo’s top attractions may be seen in a hop-on, hop-off tour while riding a heritage tram.

The Dja Dja Wurrung Tram departs at the Central Deborah Gold Mine at 10:00 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It  narrates the 40,000-year story and traditions of Bendigo’s earliest inhabitants.

There is also a monthly “Blues Tram” with live music and a “Yarn Bomb Tram” featuring crocheted seat covers, cushions, blankets, and bunting.

The public can take self-guided tours of the former tram depot off of Hargreaves Street.

Sacred Heart Cathedral , located on MacKenzie Street, is the Diocese of Sandhurst’s main church and the seat of the Bishop of Sandhurst.

The cathedral, designed by Reed, Barnes, and Tappin in 1895 , is one of Australia’s largest churches and the country’s third tallest structure.

Baptisms, weddings, and other sacraments can be held there, and it is always available for organizing masses and other activities.

The Gothic Revival style complements the building, which is constructed completely of Geelong sandstone and features light-weight steel-framed spires.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the ideal location to find tranquility in this busy metropolis, and is one of the top tourist attractions in Bendigo.

The Fortuna Villa on Chum Street has a lake, gardens, a Roman bath, and the Pompeii Fountain.

The 7.57-acre attraction is set in gorgeous green landscapes, and is one of the top things to see in Bendigo.

Aspirational real estate’s center of attention is the magnificent residence itself.

In 1871, George Lansell, a wealthy businessman, purchased Fortuna Villa and the 180 Mine. It was linked to the New Chum Reef.

The villa is remarkably unaltered as a residence despite being a busy business for 65 years. This venue frequently hosts a variety of public events.

It is well known for inspiring scientific interest in its visitors, especially children, with a fun and exciting approach, and is one of the top things to do in Bendigo . 

Along with a planetarium and a Kaleidoscope early learning center for kids under six, there are more than 100 fascinating displays that visitors can check out.

Kids will be astounded by the planetarium as well, where they may relax on a beanbag and learn about the stars, planets, and solar system.

There are also some thrilling attractions, such the tallest vertical slide in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visitors are invited to the scientific and planetarium performances that the Discovery Science and Technology Center is renowned for.

People of all ages can enjoy themselves to their heart’s delight at the facility.

In the mid-90s, this mine near Bendigo’s city center produced about a metric tonne of gold. The Central Deborah Gold Mine opened during the city’s gold industry’s resurgence, and activities continued until WWII.

This has been a popular tourist destination since 1986, and the narrow main shaft was enlarged to improve guest comfort.

Your level of adventure will determine how much of the mine you see, and is one of the fun things to do in Bendigo.

To get a sense of this maze of tunnels, the basic Mine Experience, for instance, plunges you 61 meters below the surface.

This tour lasts around an hour. If you’re feeling courageous, you can attempt the Underground Adventure at 85 meters or the Nine Levels of Darkness tour, which descends to 225 meters below the earth’s surface in the original miners’ cage.

This subterranean excursion will last more than three hours, during which you will eat a miner’s lunch and climb ladders.

Bendigo Stadium , which is situated along Inglis Street, is a premier venue for athletic events, and is among the top tourist attractions in Bendigo.

It has become a popular venue for major athletic events because it is the largest indoor stadium outside of metropolitan Melbourne . It is the most substantial sports facility in rural Victoria.

Bendigo Stadium’s popularity may lead to an uptick in local travel and tourism. The hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors, in particular, gain from hosting these events.

Check Out: 20 Top Rated Things to do in Melbourne

Best Places to Eat in Bendigo

Bendigo is still merely a gold-mining town to the out-of-the-loop Melburnian. However, we are aware that this community is sitting on a totally different kind of gold: a variety of delectable foods that will please even the most snobbish Melbourne critic.

A two-hour drive to Bendigo from the CBD is very achievable and worth it just for these delectable beauties. After a day of seeing the National Park, taking one of the city’s many Heritage Trams, and shopping till you drop in its laneways, here are the best locations to grab a delicious bite to eat. 

The Woodhouse Restaurant’s smokey’s char-grill scents greet you as you enter, giving you a taste of the temptations to come. Though vegans and gluten-free dieters are catered to, and Snapper, Tiger Prawns, Pork Belly, and Lamb Shoulder are all available on the large menu, The Woodhouse Restaurant’s passion is clearly for beef in all of its forms.

Address – 101 Williamson St, Bendigo, VIC 3550

This amazing tiny Japanese fusion restaurant calls itself a “Ramen Bar & Drinking House.” Here, ramen is ostensibly the main attraction, and wow, are their steaming bowls of deliciousness! An intriguing toppings complement the chewy noodles and thick, deep broths. The Yuzu Chicken Ramen, which includes Chashu Chicken, Dumplings, Chicken Broth, Citrus Kosho, Sansho, Sticky Rice, and Onsen Yolk, satisfies every flavour want. 

Address – 36 High St, Bendigo VIC 3550

The Dispensary’s food is designed to be shared. The Goat Cutlet – Soybeans, Zucchini, Blackberry & Chestnut from the smaller plates is one of the best because the savory miso perfectly balances the flavorful meat.  The Moreton Bay Bug Spring Rolls with Yuzu Mayo & Samphire are a good choice if you like seafood. It’s a fantastic take on a traditional dish.

Address – 9 Chancery Lane, Bendigo, VIC 3550 

First off, the locals here purchase their coffee from Cartel Coffee Roasters in Geelong. They also boast having the widest selection of coffee beans in the area. We can’t vouch for that, but we do know that our double shot latte was potent, robust, and had a wonderful mouthfeel – exactly how we like it. They offer a breakfast or snack option better than a freshly baked baguette with delicious fillings.

Address – 352 Hargreaves St, Bendigo, VIC 3550

Best Places to Stay in Bendigo

Bendigo offers a wide variety of lodging options. Barclay on the View is one of our favorite places because of its convenient location. You are transported back in time by View Street’s majestic structures. Here are our list of top places to stay in Bendigo.

The location of Barclay On The View, which is in the center of Bendigo, is ideal for families who want to explore the city on foot. With an indoor spa, a sauna, and exercise equipment, it is not your typical hotel. The rooms have just undergone renovation. We stayed in a triple room, which isn’t particularly roomy but is fine if you have a young family.

Address – 181 View St, Bendigo VIC 3550

In close proximity to the Cathedral lies the Best Western Cathedral Motor Inn. On the map, it is situated between the Central Deborah Gold Mine and the city’s core. There are several beds in the family area, and they are all quite cozy. Because it is not in the heart of the city, the rates were lower than in other places. The renowned Beechworth Bakery, which is nearby, offers kids lunch bargains all day long that come with an activity book.

Address – 96-102 High St, Bendigo VIC 3550

In the heart of the city, it is in an excellent location. Given that it offers apartments with two and three bedrooms, it should be ideal for families like ours with more than two children. It offers WiFi, parking, and complimentary breakfast.

Address – 26 Forest St, Bendigo VIC 3550

450 guests can be accommodated in the cutting-edge banquet space at the upscale All Seasons Resort Hotel. Each air-conditioned room has a beautiful view of the city or surrounding area. A toddler room, an Xbox and PlayStation room, and indoor and outdoor children’s playgrounds are also available at the All Seasons Resort Hotel. Relaxed suites include minibars, flat screens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and living rooms with sofa beds. Six people can stay in a family room. A hot tub, sauna, fitness area, and heated indoor pool are available.

Address – 171/183 McIvor Hwy, Strathdale VIC 3550

The city of Bendigo is diverse, with magnificent parks, interesting museums, serene lakes, and excellent dining options.

While the city is well-known for its pottery, it is also home to several gold mines, and visitors are welcome to tour their subterranean tube systems.

Save this list of the top activities in Bendigo, Australia, to your favorites and take an unique Australian trip!

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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.

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About Bendigo

Castlemaine, Maldon & Surrounds

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.

The Mill Castlemaine

Victorian Goldfields Railway

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Maryborough & Surrounds

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.

Maryborough Railway Station

Talbot Farmers Market

Coiltek Gold Centre

Loddon Valley

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.

Natural Wonders

Antiques and Collectables

Wedderburn Coach House Gallery and Museum

Bendigo Art Gallery

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.

Visiting the Gallery

Bendigo Venues & Events

Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.

Welcome to Bendigo Venues and Events

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.

Attractions & Tours

Experience Bendigo through the eyes and talents of the locals when you visit an attraction or book a tour. Explore Bendigo’s food scene, see behind heritage facades, enjoy world-class art and have a hands-on experience at the Bendigo Pottery and Central Deborah Gold Mine. Indulge the mind, body and the spirit – the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world welcomes you at Myers Flat and the historic Sacred Heart Cathedral is a wonder to behold.

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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. 

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