BENDIGO

Bendigo

Central Deborah Gold Mine and Talking Tram

Quick facts

Population approximately 88,000
The richest goldfields in the world in the 1880s
Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the Jaara Aborigines.

Bendigo is a charming and elegant regional city that displays an opulent heritage in its impressive nineteenth century 'boom town' architecture. In the geographical centre of Victoria, the city is an ideal base to explore Victoria’s golden heritage. In the centre of town, historic sandstone buildings nestle amongst century-old gardens and established trees. Explore the city sidewalk cafés, art galleries and antique stores.

Activities and attractions

View a collection of Australian art dating back to 1850 at the Bendigo Art Gallery or drop in at one of the many fine private galleries and studios
Go underground at the restored Central Deborah Gold Mine, visitors descend dropping the equivalent of a thirty-storey building to explore the main, vertical shaft
Explore the city’s heritage buildings and sites, including the newly restored Alexandra Fountain, the magnificent former post office that now houses the Bendigo Visitor Centre and ‘Making a Nation’ exhibition, the law courts, and the ornate Shamrock Hotel
Learn about Bendigo's history - take a ride on Bendigo's talking tram
Explore the Chinese Dragon Museum, home to the world’s oldest and longest imperial Chinese dragon, 'Sun Loong'
Visit the historic Bendigo Pottery – Australia’s oldest working producer of ceramics
Pick up a treasure at one of the many antique stores
Relax in one of the city’s beautiful parks including Rosalind Park with its open air fernery, cascade waterfall and conservatory
Taste award-winning shiraz and cabernet at one of the local wineries
Cycle the Bendigo Bushland Trail past dazzling flowers, abundant wildlife, famous heritage buildings and relics of the pioneering past
Try your hand at fossicking for gold.

Major events