From panning for gold at Sovereign Hill to jousting battles at Kryal Castle, there’s plenty to do on a getaway to Ballarat in Victoria.
Victoria
Everything to see, eat and do in Bendigo
Rich in gold-rush history, a thriving arts scene and plenty of delicious dining options, Bendigo is one of Victoria's most rewarding regional destinations.
Just two hours' drive from Melbourne, this vibrant city blends heritage charm with modern attractions, making it ideal for weekend escapes, family holidays and cultural getaways.
From world-class galleries and historic trams to underground mine tours and acclaimed restaurants, Bendigo offers much more than its goldfields past. This ultimate travel guide to Bendigo covers the best things to see and do, where to eat and stay, and practical tips to help you plan a memorable visit.
Where is Bendigo and how to get there?
Bendigo is located in central Victoria, approximately 150km north-west of Melbourne. It's easily accessible by car, train or coach, making it one of the most convenient regional destinations in the state.
Driving from Melbourne takes around two hours via the Calder Freeway. Bendigo is also well serviced by V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station, with regular services throughout the day.
Once in town, Bendigo's compact city centre and public transport options make it easy to get around without a car.
More: The ultimate travel guide to Victoria's Goldfields region
What is the best time to visit Bendigo?
Bendigo can be visited year-round, with each season offering something different. Spring and autumn are particularly popular, with mild temperatures ideal for walking, sightseeing and outdoor dining. Summer brings festivals and longer daylight hours, while winter offers a quieter atmosphere, cosy cafés and fewer crowds at major attractions.
What is the history of Bendigo?
Bendigo's story begins with the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, when rich gold deposits transformed the area from pastoral land into one of Australia's most prosperous cities. The wealth generated during this period funded many of the grand civic buildings that still define Bendigo today.
Chinese migrants played a significant role in Bendigo's development, and the city remains home to one of Australia's most important Chinese cultural precincts. Today, Bendigo celebrates its layered history through museums, heritage streetscapes and cultural festivals, while continuing to evolve as a contemporary regional city.
Bendigo's historic trams are a sight to behold. Image: Visit Victoria
What are the best things to do in Bendigo?
There's always something to do in the Bendigo area, no matter the time of year.
Visit Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia's leading regional galleries and a must-visit attraction. Known for its major international exhibitions, the gallery regularly hosts blockbusters from institutions such as the British Museum and the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum).
Alongside ticketed exhibitions, visitors can enjoy an impressive permanent collection of Australian art, including works from the 19th century to contemporary pieces. The gallery's central location makes it easy to combine with shopping or dining in the city centre.
For more art, head to Dudley House to see the latest local and emerging artistic talent, or to Djaa Djuwima for beautiful First Nations art.
Step back in time in the Central Deborah Gold Mine
No visit to Bendigo is complete without exploring its gold-rush heritage underground. The Central Deborah Gold Mine offers guided tours that descend deep into an original quartz gold mine, providing insight into the lives of miners and the techniques used to extract gold.
Above ground, the site features heritage buildings, demonstrations and interactive displays that are suitable for both adults and children. It's one of the most immersive historical experiences in regional Victoria.
Ride the Bendigo Talking Tram
The Bendigo Vintage Talking Tram is both a fun transport option and a moving heritage tour. Operating on historic trams, the route connects key attractions like the Bendigo Joss House Temple, Central Deborah Gold Mine and Lake Weeroona.
The onboard commentary provides context about Bendigo's history, architecture and culture, making it an excellent way to orient yourself while sightseeing.
You can also explore Australia's oldest operating tram depot on the Depot Discovery Tour, where you can see heritage trams being restored and learn about the fleet's rich history from expert guides.
Explore the Golden Dragon Museum and Chinese Gardens
The Golden Dragon Museum is dedicated to Bendigo's Chinese heritage and is one of the most significant cultural institutions of its kind in Australia. It houses historical artefacts, exhibitions and the world's oldest operating Imperial processional dragon, Loong.
Make sure to explore the Chinese Gardens too, named Yi Yuan (Garden of Joy) and based on the Imperial Palace in Beijing. There's even a beautiful Buddhist temple dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
The precinct is particularly vibrant during the Bendigo Easter Festival, when dragon processions and cultural performances fill the streets.
Wander through Bendigo Botanic Gardens
For a slower pace, Bendigo Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful escape just minutes from the city centre. Designed in the 19th century and expanded in recent years, the gardens feature themed landscapes, walking paths and seasonal displays.
Families will appreciate the open spaces and nearby attractions, while garden enthusiasts can explore native and exotic plantings in a beautifully maintained setting. The barbecues and picnic facilities dotted through the park make picnicking a must-do.
Go shopping (or crafting) at Bendigo Pottery
Duck into Bendigo Pottery for quality hand-crafted ceramic tableware and cookware made right in Bendigo. You can have a go at painting a piece yourself, with the store glazing and firing your piece for you to collect afterwards. Or pick up a clay kit at the counter and try to make something yourself!
Bendigo Pottery also hosts the Antiques and Collectables Centre for serious collectors of all kinds of vintage goods, and the Village of Artisans for browsing handmade jewellery, sculptures, glass beads, art and more.
Catch a performance at historic venues
Bendigo has a thriving arts community, and features a range of entertainment venues that showcase theatre, musicals and music performances. Check what's on at:
- Ulumbarra Theatre - once the Sandhurst Gaol, now a stunning arts centre with a name meaning 'gather together/meeting place' in the local Dja Dja Wurrung people's language
- The Capital - National Trust-listed, Victorian-era building, originally built as a Masonic Hall
- Bendigo Town Hall - beautiful 19th-century architecture, with 22-carat gold leaf adornments
- The Engine Room - 'black box' theatre in a historic fire station building.
Let kids loose at Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Bendigo's Discovery Science and Technology Centre is a hands-on haven for science enthusiasts of all ages (but caters especially to kids). Take the family an engage in interactive exhibits, thrilling experiment and mind-bending displays that make learning about science a captivating adventure.
There's also the Bendigo Planetarium onsite, with a state-of-the-art dome theatre and laser projectors for incredible daily shows on the body, Earth, and the universe.
Marvel at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Just outside Bendigo, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is the largest Buddhist stupa in the entire Western world. It's home to many holy objects, like the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, which is carved from gem-quality jade and toured the world for nine years. Make sure to spend time wandering the Peace Park, a beautiful garden surrounding the stupa full of Buddhist art and sculptures.
Learn about Chinese beliefs at Bendigo Joss House Temple
Head to the heritage-listed Bendigo Joss House Temple to learn about lives and religious practices of the Chinese immigrants who came to the Victorian goldfields. This place of worship was opened in 1871 to serve the Chinese mining population: one of seven built around the area.
It's dedicated to Guan-Di (Kwan Gong), the god of war and prosperity, and painted red to symbolise strength, vitality and happiness. A blend of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is practiced at the temple.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is a must-visit. Image: Visit Victoria
What are the best outdoor activities in Bendigo?
From tranquil walks and hikes to mountain bike rides, there's no shortage of outdoor activities in this regional city and nearby Greater Bendigo National Park.
Parks and gardens in Bendigo
Lake Weeroona is a serene oasis that locals call the 'jewel in Bendigo's crown'. This scenic destination offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and families alike. Relax with a picnic by the water, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, or simply relax with a book in hand.
Rosalind Park is spread over 24ha, with wide open grassy spaces, leafy trees, old gardens and a kids' playground to enjoy. Walk up to Rosalind Park Poppet Head, a historic lookout located on top of Camp Hill.
At Canterbury Park Gardens, walk through 14ha of lovely historic gardens along the Eaglehawk Creek, with Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb providing some natural wilderness. The iconic ornamental water fountain with its sculptural eagles call to mind the gardens' location in Bendigo's Eaglehawk neighbourhood.
Walks and hikes in Bendigo
Spanning over 17,000ha, the Greater Bendigo National Park is full of native wildflowers, a protected box-ironbark forest, Australian wildlife, and designated picnic areas. Stroll along the Old Tom Mine Walk (2km return from Notley Camping Area or 5.5km loop from Shadbolt Picnic Area) and learn about the area's fascinating gold-rush history.
Near town, walk up One Tree Hill to the fire lookout tower for great views of Bendigo and the surrounding landscape. You can make for a longer walk along the Lookout Loop Track (3km loop) to Flagstaff Hill.
There's also the Victoria Hill Historic Diggings Trail (1.4km loop), once one of the rihest parts of the Bendigo goldfields.
Bike rides in Bendigo
There's no shortage of adrenaline-filled bike tracks around Bendigo and the wider Goldfields region. The 18.7km Bendigo Creek Trail takes family riders past the city's historic icons and landmarks.
The 49km O'Keefe Rail Trail takes you from Bendigo to Heathcote, passing bushland, waterways, Lake Eppalock, and the town of Axedale. Serious cyclists can take on the Goldfields Track, which at 210km is the state's longest off-road cycling course. It runs along the Great Dividing Range, all the way from Bendigo to Ballarat.
Rosalind Park Conservatory makes for a lovely walk. Image: Visit Victoria
What are Bendigo's best food and drink experiences?
Bendigo has earned a reputation as one of regional Victoria's standout food destinations, with a strong emphasis on local produce and creative dining.
Cafés and casual bites in Bendigo
For brekkie or brunch, grab a table at Whitby (formerly The Boardwalk) overlooking Lake Weeroona, Hoo-gah for all-day breakfast and lunch right in town, or the chic café Percy and Percy.
Ghosty's Diner offers a delicious all-day menu full of burgers, fried chicken, and grilled toasties. Out of Order does a mean bagel, while the Tram Café at Bendigo Tramways serves coffee and light meals straight from a 1916 N-Class Tram.
Restaurants and pubs in Bendigo
Popular pubs in Bendigo include The Rifle Brigade Hotel, Old Boundary Hotel and Black Swan Hotel.
Nem Viet on Mitchell is a Vietnamese favourite in Bendigo. Or opt for authentic Indian at Signature Dhaba, comfort Turkish food at Oya's Turkish Kitchen, Japanese fusion flavours at Harpoon Social Club, or smokehouse-style dishes at Red Smoke Bendigo. After some Italian? Try Clogs or Borchelli.
Gluten-free diners can grab breakfast and lunch dine-in or fresh take-away at Crooked Kitchen.
For some hidden gems, head to Bendigo's famous Chancery Lane: a bustling laneway with diverse eateries in a vibrant and charming setting.
Fine dining in Bendigo
Alium Dining is known for refined modern Australian cuisine with locally-sourced produce. The stylish Terrae also uses local produce, but celebrates modern European cuisine.
Le Foyer produces elegant contemporary European dishes, and works closely with small-scale farmers, fishers and growers. They use a wood-fired hearth to bring a hint of smokiness to every plate.
The Woodhouse Bar & Grill is a local favourite for quality steaks. Along with à la carte, they also offer a two- or three-course lunch menu, plus an eight-course sharing menu.
Cocktails and bars in Bendigo
Victoria Lane Speakeasy serves tasty cocktails, while Sound Music Bar offers a great range of drinks with good music.
Book onto the Blues Tram or Groove Tram with Bendigo Tramways for an evening of upbeat music, local brews and fine wine.
Hop on to Bendigo's craft beer scene at Bendigo Brewing, an independent brewery right in town.
Several Bendigo region wineries have cellar doors open to the public, including Glenwillow Wines, Mandurang Valley Wines, Sandhurst Ridge, BlackJack Wines, St Anne's Winery, Water Wheel Vineyards, Sutton Grange Winery, and Connor Park Winery.
Head to Bendigo's Chancery Lane for a wealth of great dining options. Image: Visit Victoria
What are the top events and festivals in Bendigo?
Bendigo hosts a busy calendar of events throughout the year, drawing visitors from across Victoria and beyond.
The Bendigo Easter Festival (over the Easter long weekend) is the city's largest and most famous event, featuring parades, markets and cultural performances.
Other highlights include:
- Summer in the Parks - free or low-cost events over November-March each year
- Australian Sheep & Wool Show - a weekend celebrating Aussie sheep, wool and country life
- Bendigo Annual Tulip Display - tulips bloom across Bendigo from mid-September to mid-October, with tulip displays and the Bloomin Good Market
- Harvest Moon Festival - cultural performances like Lion Dances from the Bendigo Chinese Association and other cultural community groups
- Bendigo Wine Week - celebrating the region's winemaking heritage over a week
- Bendigo Agricultural Show - agricultural showcases and family entertainment.
Where should I stay in Bendigo?
Bendigo offers a wide range of accommodation to suit various budgets and travel styles, from boutique hotels near historic attractions to budget-friendly motels and holiday parks.
For an premium stay, try Hotel Ernest Bendigo for an upscale hotel experience right in the city centre. Nature lovers will enjoy the luxurious Bendigo Lodges, located in a box-ironbark forest.
Quality mid-range, central hotels in Bendigo include Mercure Bendigo Schaller, Quality Hotel Lakeside, Julie-Anna Inn, and Quest Bendigo Central. For couples, Langley Estate offers an adults-only bed-and-breakfast stay on a gorgeous Federation-era estate.
Good budget accommodation options in Bendigo include the Central Deborah Motel, Oval Motel Bendigo, and Allawah Bendigo (serviced). The Bendigo BIG4 Tasman Holiday Park is a great option for families.
RACV Goldfields Resort is nearby in Creswick, with facilities including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, outdoor heated pool and a dedicated ArtHouse gallery.
What are the best day trips from Bendigo?
Bendigo's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby towns and landscapes. Day trips offer a chance to experience the region's diversity while returning to Bendigo's dining and accommodation options in the evening.
Sample local vintages at the Heathcote Wine Region, explore historic goldrush towns like Maldon or Castlemaine, go hiking out at Mount Macedon's Hanging Rock, or head north to Echuca on the Murray River.
