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In 1851, two women washing clothes in a creek in regional Victoria came across a large nugget of gold.
They took their precious find to a banker in Castlemaine — a town already heavily afflicted by gold fever. Within 48 hours more than 400 would-be miners had flocked to the spot and Bendigo was born.
Today, this elegant city of 100,000 people is packed with period architecture and draws visitors to its buzzing galleries, manicured gardens, fashionable eateries, and cool cafes. You’ll be amazed at the variety of experiences on offer in the unofficial capital of the Victorian Goldfields.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Bendigo.
Watch our video of ten great things to do in Bendigo:
Ten Great Things to Do in Bendigo, Australia | Travel Guide & Checklist
In this updated episode of our online travel series, we bring you tips for ten great things to do in Bendigo. We visit Bendigo Art Gallery, the Golden Dragon Museum, and the Central Deborah Gold Mine, and take a spin on one of the city’s famous Vintage Talking Trams.
1. Step back in time on a self-guided stroll
Much of Bendigo’s backstory is etched into the facades of the glorious Victorian-era buildings that line each city block. Stop by the Bendigo Visitor Centre in the regal Old Post Office building on Pall Mall and pick up a self-guided walking tour map (or download it here). It covers 20 structures of note, including the glorious French Renaissance-style building you’re standing in (circa 1887), the stunning Town Hall on Hargreaves Street (circa 1886), and the soaring Sacred Heart Cathedral (which is a bit of a walk, but worth getting your steps up for). The phrase ‘captive audience’ takes on new meaning at the Ulumbarra Theatre. It was once a prison!
2. Visit Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Victoria’s hottest cultural institutions and attracts thousands of visitors to the city every year. It has hosted a number of blockbuster touring exhibitions over the past decade, including showcases of the gowns and personal effects of Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe. Check the Gallery’s website to find out what’s on during your visit. The impressive permanent collection encompasses Australian colonial artworks, 19th century pieces by Heidelberg School artists Frederick McCubbin, and Tom Roberts, and 20th century works from the likes of Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd.
3. Connect with Bendigo’s Chinese heritage
The gold rush attracted thousands of Chinese prospectors, many of whom walked from ports in South Australia to the diggings to avoid the 10 pound landing tax imposed by the Victorian Government. The descendants of those who stayed became influential members of communities like Bendigo, and their story is told at the Golden Dragon Museum. Here you’ll find what are believed to be both the world’s oldest (Loong) and longest (Sun Loong) ceremonial dragons.
4. Go below at the Central Deborah Gold Mine
Mining continued in Bendigo for several decades after the gold rush, and a tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine (located right next to the CBD) provides fascinating insights into the lives of those who worked underground. Don a hard hat/head lamp and delve deep into the mine with your knowledgeable guide.
5. Ride a Vintage Talking Tram
To get your bearings above ground, and learn more about Bendigo’s history and architecture, take a ride on one of the city’s famous Vintage Talking Trams. Bendigo Tramways operates the fleet of fully restored tramcars. The hop-on hop-off tour is fabulous, and connects all the main tourist attractions around town.
6. Dine in a bank
Wine Bank on View has been a stalwart of the Bendigo culinary landscape for a while now and it just goes from strength to strength. The setting inside a heritage bank building is undoubtedly a big part of the appeal, but the a la carte menu and superb wine list also play their part. You can take a bottle away with you, having made your choice from the 1,000+ local and international wines on offer.
7. Enjoy the cafe culture
Cool cafes abound in this town and Get Naked Espresso Bar has the shabby chic vibe nailed. You’ll find them on Mitchell Street in the CBD. Over in street art-emblazoned Chancery Lane, El Gordo does great coffee and a menu of tasty Spanish bocadillos (sandwiches). Brewhouse Cafe & Coffee Roasters on Hargreaves Street roast their beans right here in Bendigo and serve up the proceeds with pride.
8. Do drinks at The Dispensary
Chancery Lane is also the place to be when wine-o’clock rolls around. Swing by The Dispensary Bar and Diner, where you can choose from dozens of whiskeys and gins, more than a hundred beers, and a diverse and highly inventive menu of European-inspired dishes. This is a must-visit!
9. Hit the wheel at Bendigo Pottery
If you want to take home a unique souvenir of your visit, schedule a stop at Bendigo Pottery. Located on the northern approach to town (just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre), ceramics have been handmade on these premises since 1858. The interpretive museum is well worth a look, and the onsite gallery showcases the work of an array of local artisans. Purchase someone’s else creation or consider throwing your own.
10. Take a walk in the park
There are plenty of ways to relax and take it easy in Bendigo, making it a popular weekend destination for stressed Melburnians. Rosalind Park, with its 60 acres of green space in the heart of the city, is ideal for a sunny stroll or perusing the papers. Be sure to climb the observation tower (an old mining poppet head) on Camp Hill for a bird’s-eye view of the many fine historic buildings dotted across the CBD.
Situated just to the right of the Old Post Office, the Conservatory Gardens (part of Rosalind Park) are a particularly popular spot to bliss out. The gorgeous conservatory was constructed in 1897 and has featured in thousands of wedding photos ever since.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.bendigotourism.com.
Browse our range of Victoria tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Bendigo? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Cover image: Chancery Lane. Image: Visit Victoria. Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Louise Reynolds made up her mind at the age of about four that she would one day travel the world — and has so far visited around 30 countries across five continents and the Pacific. A hopeless Francophile, she has a particular love for France, its language, and pretty much all things French. Louise’s favourite way to see the world is on foot and her boots have taken her walking on famous trails in Europe, South America, and New Zealand. She also has a passion for her home state of Victoria and loves exploring its diverse regions.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
